Medications for Smoking Cessation

There are multiple medications that can assist with smoking cessation.  Patches, gums and lozenges that contain nicotine can help you to stop smoking quickly and deal with the withdrawal from nicotine more gradually.

Two medicines that do not contain nicotine have FDA’s approval as smoking cessation products. They are Chantix (varenicline tartrate) and Zyban (buproprion hydrochloride). Both are available in tablet form on a prescription-only basis. As with other prescription products, FDA has evaluated these and found that the benefits outweigh the risks. For users taking these products, risks include changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, aggression, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

All of these medications have potential side-effects and risks and you should discuss all these in detail with your medical provider before agreeing to take anything.

Please consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Website for up-to-date information on what medications are available and their potential risks.