| Medication | How it Works | When is the Quit Date | Where to get it | Pros | Cons |
| Nicotine Patch | Sticks to skin Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms |
First day that it is used | By doctor's prescription or over the counter at a local pharmacy or grocery store | Immediately free of smoke and nicotine; Time to adjust to smoke-free lifestyle by getting off nicotine slowly; No tar, carbon monoxide, or other carcinogens | Possible side effects;
Can be addictive;
Still using nicotine;
Cost May have to wait for insurance approval |
| Nicotine Gum | Chewed and "parked" between the cheek and gum Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms |
First day that it is used | By doctor's prescription or over the counter at a local pharmacy or grocery store | Follows schedule but can use if craving occurs outside of schedule; Satisfies oral habit; Time to adjust to smoke-free lifestyle by getting off nicotine slowly; No tar, carbon monoxide, or other carcinogens; | Possible side effects; Requires attention to regular schedule; Must be chewed correctly; May not taste good; Still using nicotine; Can be addictive; Cost; May have to wait for insurance approval |
| Nicotine Lozenge | Held in mouth until completely dissolved Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms |
First day that it is used | By doctor's prescription or over the counter at a local pharmacy or grocery store | Follows schedule but can use if craving occurs outside of schedule; Satisfies oral habit; Time to adjust to smoke-free lifestyle by getting off nicotine slowly; No tar, carbon monoxide, or other carcinogens; | Possible side effects; Requires attention to regular schedule; Must be chewed correctly; May not taste good; Still using nicotine; Can be addictive; Cost; May have to wait for insurance approval |
| Nicotine Inhaler | Inhaled into mouth or sprayed through nose Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms |
First day that it is used | By doctor's prescription only. | Follows schedule but can use if craving occurs outside of schedule Satisfies oral habit; Allows time to adjust to smoke-free lifestyle by getting off nicotine slowly; No tar, carbon monoxide, or other carcinogens; | Possible side effects; Requires attention to regular schedule; Still using nicotine; Mimics cigarette use; Requires effort to use; May not taste good; Can be addictive; Cost; May have to wait for insurance approval |
| Wellbutrin/Zyban | Prescription pill Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms |
14 days after beginning prescription | By doctor's prescription; through your local pharmacy | Helps with mood No nicotine No tar, carbon monoxide, or other carcinogens |
Possible side effects; Not a magic pill; Cost; Must remember to take each day as directed; May have to wait for insurance approval |
| Chantix | Prescription pill Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms |
7 days after beginning prescription | By doctor's prescription; through your local pharmacy | Helps with mood; No nicotine; No tar, carbon monoxide, or other carcinogens; | Possible side effects; Not a magic pill; Cost; Must remember to take each day as directed; May have to wait for insurance approval |