Smoking Cessation Health Center

• It's a pill that helps reduce the craving for nicotine.
• It blocks the effects of nicotine if you smoke while taking it.
• You will need a prescription.

Pros:

• It doubles or triples your chances of quitting.
• It's easy to use.

Cons:

• The FDA warns that you should stop taking the medicine and call your doctor right away if you feel depressed, suicidal, or very angry while taking it.
• Side effects include nausea, insomnia, abnormal dreams, and feeling very tired.
• You might not be able to take it if you have certain health conditions, such as kidney disease.

• It's a pill that helps reduce the craving for nicotine.
• You will need a prescription.

Pros:

• It doubles your chances of quitting.
• It's easy to use.

Cons:

• The FDA warns that you should stop taking the medicine and call your doctor right away if you feel depressed, suicidal, or very angry while taking it.
• You might not be able to take it if you have certain health problems, such as seizures or an eating disorder, or if you abuse alcohol.
• Side effects include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, dizziness, upset stomach, and (in rare cases) seizures.

• The patch sticks to your skin to slowly release nicotine into your bloodstream.
• You don't need a prescription.

Pros:

• It doubles your chances of quitting.
• It's easy to use. You put it on once a day.

Cons:

• Side effects include a rash where you wear the patch, insomnia (if using 24-hour patch), and nausea.

• It releases nicotine slowly in your mouth.
• You don't need a prescription.
• Heavy smokers do best with the strongest form (4 mg of nicotine).
• If you are using the patch or another method, gum or a lozenge can give you extra help.

Pros:

• It doubles your chances of quitting.
• You can use it whenever you have a craving, as long as you don't exceed the daily dose.

Cons:

• Gum can taste bad (but mint and citrus flavors are available).
• Gum can cause a tingling feeling on the tongue, nausea, or heartburn.
• Lozenges can cause upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, or gas.
• Avoid beverages (especially coffee, juices, and soda pop) for 15 minutes before and after use. If you don't, your body may not absorb the nicotine as well because of the acid in the drinks.

• It delivers a puff of nicotine vapor into your mouth and throat.
• You will need a prescription.
• If you are using the patch or another method, an inhaler can give you extra help.

Pros:

• It doubles your chances of quitting.
• You can use it whenever you feel stress, as long as you don't exceed the daily dose.
• It satisfies the need to have something in your mouth to take the place of a cigarette.

Cons:

• Side effects include cough, scratchy throat, and upset stomach.
• It may not be a good choice if you have asthma, allergies, or sinus problems.
• You'll need to puff often to feel an effect.