{"id":8279,"date":"2020-01-21T10:00:44","date_gmt":"2020-01-21T15:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=8279"},"modified":"2023-08-05T13:04:28","modified_gmt":"2023-08-05T17:04:28","slug":"smoking-cessation-drugs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/smoking-cessation-drugs\/","title":{"rendered":"What are my options for OTC and prescription smoking cessation drugs"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s never too late to quit smoking. Your risk for disease and early death is greatly reduced when you stop. There are health benefits at any age\u2014and the sooner you stop, the greater they are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many different effective smoking cessation drugs to help you kick the habit. It\u2019s important to find the stop-smoking aid that works best for you and that will help you give up cigarettes for good.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is it so hard to quit smoking?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Nicotine is the primary substance in tobacco products that causes addiction. When you try to quit smoking, you may have symptoms of nicotine withdrawal because your body is dependent on the effects of nicotine. Common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include irritability, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and increased appetite. The discomfort they cause can make you want to pick up the habit again, just to be rid of them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7 stop-smoking aids that work<\/b><\/h2>\n

Fortunately, there are different options that help you gradually wean off of nicotine and reduce the withdrawal symptoms that make it so hard to quit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Nicotine gum<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Nicotine lozenges<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Nicotine patch<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Nicotine inhaler<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Nicotine nasal spray<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Non-nicotine tablets (Chantix, Zyban)<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Off-label medications<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    RELATED: <\/b>Wellbutrin vs. Chantix<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation falls into two main categories: nicotine replacement therapy and non-nicotine smoking cessation products.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Nicotine replacement products<\/span><\/a> provide consistent levels of nicotine that gradually decrease over time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    NRTs are available in different formulations and strengths: over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription. They are indicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be used for eight to 12 weeks but can be used longer if you and your healthcare provider feel that it is necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    OTC NRTs<\/b><\/h4>\n

    The OTC products are all available from various name brands and as generics. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n