Medications That Can Help You Quit Smoking

Nicotine Gum, Patch, Inhaler, Spray, and Lozenge (NRT)

Nicotine gum , patches, inhalers, sprays and lozenges are called nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). That's because they take the place of nicotine from cigarettes. NRT can help with withdrawal and lessen your urge to smoke.

You need a prescription to buy the inhaler and nasal spray. But you can buy nicotine gum, nicotine patches and nicotine lozenges on your own.

Thinking About Using NRT?
Ask your doctor, dentist or Walmart pharmacist if nicotine gum, the patch or some other kind of NRT is right for you. These medicines can cause side-effects in some people. Some people — including pregnant women — should not use NRT without a doctor's help.

Be patient. Using NRT correctly can take some getting used to. Follow the instructions and give it some time.

Don't mix tobacco and NRT. Having one or two cigarettes while you use the gum, patch, nasal spray, inhaler or lozenge is not dangerous, but your goal is to quit smoking for good. Use NRT only when you are ready to stop smoking. If you do slip up and smoke a cigarette or two, don't give up on NRT. Keep trying.

Start out using enough medicine. Use the full amount of NRT in the instructions. Don't skip or forget to use your NRT after you first stop smoking.

Slowly use less and less medicine. But don't stop completely until you're ready. You can set up a schedule with your doctor or Walmart pharmacist.

Keep some of the medicine with you after you stop using it. This way you'll be ready for an emergency.

Wait a half hour after using the gum, lozenge or inhaler before you eat or drink anything acidic. Acidic foods and drinks can keep nicotine gum and inhalers from working. Acidic foods and drinks include tomato sauce, tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, coffee, soda, orange juice and grapefruit juice.

Bottom line: Read the instructions that come with the medicine. Talk to your doctor or Walmart pharmacist if you have any questions.

Other Medicines

Bupropion SR is a medicine that has no nicotine. You need a prescription to get these pills. They seem to help with withdrawal and lessen the urge to smoke.

Some people have side-effects when using bupropion SR pills. The side-effects include dry mouth and not being able to sleep.

This medicine isn't right for:

• Pregnant women
• People who have seizures
• People with eating disorders
• Heavy drinkers

Varenicline is also a medicine that has no nicotine. You need a prescription to get these pills. This drug may help those who wish to quit by easing their withdrawal symptoms and by blocking the effects of nicotine from cigarettes if they resume smoking. The side-effects include vivid dreams and stomach complaints such as nausea.

There have been rare reports of mood swings, depression and suicidal thoughts. Your doctor will want to monitor this carefully. Please check the FDA website for updates about this medication.

This medicine isn't right for:

• People with kidney problems
• Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Important Notice

Ask your doctor, dentist or Walmart pharmacist if any these medicines are right for you. Make sure to use it the right way if your doctor prescribes it.