Medications that Can Help Smokers Quit

Talk to your doctor about whether any of the following are appropriate for you.

Nicotine replacement therapy is available in the form of nicotine gum (Nicorette^®, Thrive^®), a nicotine patch (Nicoderm^®, Prostep^®, Habitrol^®), nicotine lozenges (Nicorette^®) and nicotine inhalers and sprays (Nicorette^®). It is designed to meet the craving for nicotine without smoking a cigarette. Side effects may include mouth or throat irritation, skin irritation, nausea, coughing and stomach upset.

Bupropion (Zyban^®) is an oral antidepressant medication that was discovered to also have a positive effect on smoking cessation attempts. Exactly how it works isn’t completely clear, but it seems to affect the levels of some chemicals in the brain. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, stomach upset and constipation.

Varenicline (Champix^®) is not a nicotine replacement, but a specifically designed treatment that targets and partially activates the nicotinic receptors in the brain and reduces a smoker’s craving and withdrawal symptoms. Side effects may include insomnia, nausea, flatulence and constipation

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