Pharmacological and over-the-counter
smoking cessation options
There are a variety of pharmacological and over-the-counter options available for smoking cessation. They may be used alone or in combination with other non-pharmacological smoking cessation programs. See the American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Quitting for more detailed information about each of the quit-smoking methods listed below.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapies help combat the physical withdrawal symptoms
and cravings associated with quitting smoking, allowing the smoker to deal with
the psychological aspects of smoking. There are multiple methods of
nicotine replacement therapy on the market today, and most are available
over-the-counter.
 | Nicotine gum (Nicorette™) |
| Nicotine patches (NicoDerm CQ™, Nicotrol™) |
| Nicotine inhaler (Nicotrol inhaler™) |
| Nicotine nasal spray (Nicotrol NS™) |
| Nicotine lozenge (Commit™) |
Bupropion - oral medicine
Bupropion is a prescription antidepressant with an extended-release formula
that has been found to reduce symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Marketed
under the brand names Wellbutrin™
(as an antidepressant) and Zyban™
(as a quit-smoking aid), the drug affects the chemicals in the brain that are
related to nicotine craving, and most people find, after a few weeks of taking
the medication, that they don't really want to smoke anymore.
Bupropion can be used alone or in conjunction with nicotine replacement therapy
or other quit-smoking programs for increased effectiveness.
This page was last updated on June 17, 2003. Copyright © 2003 Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch, NC Department of Health and Human Services. All rights reserved. Click here for disclaimer.