NRT and Quitting Medications

Quitting medications can make quitting much more comfortable, and increase your chance of success. In fact, decades of research have shown that medication is safe to use and can double your chances of staying quit.

You can learn about quit medication basics here.

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 will 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 (OTC) Medications

Over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help you quit. NRT delivers a dose of nicotine more slowly than cigarettes, e-cigarettes, dip, or chew. This reduces the risk of addiction. NRT is also a safe and effective way of weaning off nicotine.

Nicotine Gum
Nicotine Lozenges
Nicotine Patches
Combination Therapy

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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. Your insurance may cover prescription quitting medications.

Varenicline (Chantix®)
Bupropion (Zyban®)
Nicotine Nasal Spray

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Alternatives to Medication

Alternative methods you hear about might work for some people some of the time. But, the combo of medication and a program like EX works for more people more of the time. Methods like hypnosis and laser therapy are usually not covered by insurance.

Cold Turkey
E-cigarettes
Quitting Tobacco Using Hypnosis
Laser Therapy and Acupuncture

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