Combining a behavioral/educational group with one of the quit smoking products below can improve your chances of quitting smoking. The following is a list of FDA approved nicotine replacement therapies and smoking cessation products to help you quit smoking. Talk with your doctor or other health care provider about which method is best for you. Most quit smoking classes are offered at low to no cost.
Product Name |
How It Works |
Possible Side Effects |
Other |
Nicotine nasal spray |
Nicotine is delivered by spraying it into the nostrils. Nicotine is absorbed quickly by the nasal membranes inside the nose. |
Irritation of the nose and throat, watering eyes, sneezing and cough |
Do NOT smoke while using the nasal spray. |
Nicotine inhaler |
The nicotine inhaler is a thin plastic tube with a nicotine cartridge inside. When you take a puff from the inhaler, the cartridge puts out a nicotine vapor. The nicotine inhaler delivers most of the nicotine vapor to the mouth. |
Irritation in mouth and throat, coughing, stomach upset |
Do NOT smoke while using the inhaler. |
Non-nicotine pills |
Chantix works by making smoking less satisfying. It also mimics the effects of nicotine, reducing the ex-smoker's cravings and withdrawal. Zyban reduces withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. |
Changes in behavior such as hostility, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts or actions have been reported for both Chantix and Zyban. |
People taking Chantix or Zyban who experience serious & unusual changes in mood or behavior or feel like hurting themselves or someone else should stop taking the medicine and call a healthcare professional right away. |
All of the over-the-counter smoking cessation products are approved for over-the-counter use in adults 18 years of age and older. Users under the age of 18 are to ask a doctor before using.