Medicine can help you stop smoking and lessen the urge to smoke. The use of medication can double your chances of quitting and quitting for good. Everyone who is trying to quit may benefit from using a medication. Some people benefit from using a combination of the medicines. Talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about taking a medicine to help you quit.

Let your doctor know if:

• You are pregnant
• You are nursing a baby
• You have a medical condition

The following medicines are available and have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help you quit smoking:

Bupropion SR, (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR)

Varenicline (Chantix)

Nicotine gum (Nicorette)

Nicotine nasal spray (Nicotrol NS)

Nicotine inhaler (Nicotrol)

Nicotine patch (Habitrol, NicoDermCQ, Nicotrol, ProStep)

Nicotine lozenge (Commit)

Bupropion SR (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR). This is an antidepressant that decreases the desire to smoke. You should start taking the pill seven to 10 days before the day you plan to quit smoking; your doctor will tell you how long to continue taking it, but most people stay on it for two to six months. It is a prescription medicine that should not be taken if you have a history of seizures or are taking a MAO inhibitor such as Marplan, Nardil, or Selegiline. Make sure that your doctor is aware of all medicines you take because there are other adverse drug interactions that can occur. Monitor yourself closely, and let your doctor know immediately if you experience any unusual physical or emotional reactions to the drug. Some people experience side effects initially, including dry mouth, insomnia, changes in appetite, agitation, and headaches.

Varenicline (Chantix). This is a new and different type of medicine for quitting smoking. Chantix acts at sites in the brain affected by nicotine. It works in two ways: by lessening withdrawal symptoms and blocking the enjoyable effects of smoking. Chantix is a prescription medicine. You should begin taking the drug one week before your quit date, and you can continue to smoke until then. However, it is not recommended to combine this drug with a nicotine replacement. Chantix is generally taken for at least 12 weeks. If you have quit smoking at the end of 12 weeks, your doctor may advise taking it for 12 more weeks. In recent studies, people who continued taking Chantix for six months were much more likely to quit and remain tobacco free at one year. Some people experience nausea the first week of taking Chantix.

The rest of the medications approved to help you stop smoking are nicotine replacement treatments. This means that they provide nicotine to your body in a form other than smoking--a form that is not addictive and doesn't contain the harmful chemicals in smoke. These medicines should be started on your quit date. Using nicotine replacement allows your body to get used to lower levels of nicotine gradually while you develop new coping skills. Gum, inhalers, and lozenges tend to have the fewest side effects, but they sometimes cause mouth irritation or jaw soreness. The patch can cause skin irritation and sleeping problems. The nasal inhaler can cause a hot, burning, or peppery feeling in the nose or throat, sneezing, and coughing. Nicotine replacement therapy is generally used for two to six months.

Nicotine gum (Nicorette). This gum is available without a prescription. As you chew the gum, nicotine is released and absorbed by the blood vessels in your mouth. Chew the gum a few times to release the nicotine and then place it between your cheek and gum. The gum is available in several flavors.

Nicotine nasal spray (Nicotrol NS). The nicotine nasal spray delivers nicotine very quickly--within seven to 10 seconds--into your bloodstream. This helps to reduce craving for a cigarette. It is available by prescription from your doctor. You may initially experience a burning sensation and sneezing, but this lessens with use.

Nicotine inhaler (Nicotrol). The nicotine inhaler is a small device that you hold in your hand and inhale, similar to a cigarette. As you inhale from it, nicotine enters your bloodstream through blood vessels in your mouth and throat. This helps to reduce the craving for a cigarette and keeps your hands busy. It is available by prescription from your doctor.

Nicotine patch (Habitrol, NicoDermCQ). There are a number of nicotine patches available. Some require a prescription, and others are available over the counter. Some generic patches are available at a lower cost. A nicotine patch is placed onto your skin and releases nicotine into your bloodstream. It maintains an even level of nicotine in your system without smoking. Keep in mind that it can take up to two hours for your blood level of nicotine to reach that level when you put on a new patch each morning.

Nicotine lozenge (Commit). The nicotine lozenge can be helpful for people who want to keep their mouths busy. It releases nicotine as you allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in your mouth. You can buy it without a prescription. It is available in two strengths.