If any of these apply to you, medication may help you beat the tobacco habit.

Have tried several times to quit without success
Smoke 1 pack per day or more
Are bothered by cravings for nicotine
Smoke within one half hour of waking in the morning

Bupropion HCL: The "smoking cessation pill" is designed to be started about two weeks before you quit. This helps decrease cravings for nicotine before you quit and withdrawal symptoms after you quit.

Nicotine Replacement Medications: Start the gum, patch or nasal spray on your "quit day" to help decrease withdrawal cravings. Never smoke while using these products! It causes nicotine overdose.

Nicotine Gum: The gum may be helpful to those who want to control when and how much nicotine is used. It can also be helpful to those who want something that requires activity. It has been a good strategy for those quitting dip or chew tobacco.

Nicorette Gum by Smith Kline Beecham
Nicorette Gum

Nicotine Patch: The patch comes in varying strengths geared toward the frequency of smoking. It delivers a constant low level of nicotine through the skin into the blood stream. The patch is used over several weeks to help wean smokers off the "smoking habit."

Nicoderm CQ/Patch by Smith Kline Beecham
Nicoderm Patch
800.834.5895

Nicotine Nasal Spray and Inhaler: These are effective ways of delivering nicotine to smokers who want to quit. They mimic the effects of nicotine that is inhaled through cigarettes without the harmful effects of the other ingredients. Available by prescription. Ask your doctor.

Nicotrol/Spray and Nicotrol Inhaler
Information on the Nicitrol Inhaler

Habitol Patch by Novartis
http://www.habitrol.com

Bupropion HCL: This is thought to work on receptors in the brain to decrease both craving and withdrawal symptoms. Because of the way this medication works it is important to start the pills 10 to 14 days before you plan to quit, so plan ahead. Available by prescription. Ask your doctor if this would work for you.

Zyban/Tablet by Glaxo-Wellcome
US Government Report on Zyban

The smokefree.gov website has a wealth of information that may help you kick the tobacco habit.

The Medication Guide was created to provide you with a general understanding of the current medications used by smokers who are trying to quit. The guide may not describe every product available. All of these medicines have been shown to be useful for helping smokers quit. There is no one best medicine for all smokers.

Always read the instructions on the package carefully and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. Dosing information provided in descriptions of these products is intended only to illustrate typical use of these medications. Individual dosing for prescription medications must be determined by a physician. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe medical problem, talk with your doctor before starting any new medication.

Medication Guide

Please check with your physician or pharmacist concerning the use of these products.