NRT and Quitting Medications

Quitting medications can make quitting much more comfortable, and increase your chance of success.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication can help make quitting more comfortable. When you use it with new skills and support from others, medication can improve your chances of quitting.

In fact, decades of research have shown that medication is safe to use and can double your chances of staying quit. Learn more about all your options.

Medications Basics

Your brain is used to receiving a certain amount of nicotine every time you smoke, vape, dip or chew — and it will get angry and annoyed when it doesn't get it. Medication can help take the edge off and make it more likely you'll stick with quitting. Learn more to find the best quitting medication for you.

Over The Counter Nicotine Replacement Therapy

FDA-approved medications available over the counter include nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, and nicotine patches. They are all kinds of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT gives you a small and controlled dose of nicotine that helps reduce the intensity of cravings.

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Prescription Medications

Prescription medication can also help you quit. Nicotine nasal spray is a kind of NRT. Varenicline (Chantix®) and bupropion (Zyban®) are tablets or pills and do not contain any nicotine. Prescription medications are a safe and effective way of quitting nicotine. They may be covered by insurance.

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Coming to EX allowed me to talk about my addiction and my quit, and to take responsibility, openly. That was such a relief to lay my burdens down in front of an experienced community that knew where I was coming from, and knew where I could go.

-Storm, EX Program user