Learn More About Medications

Tobacco Cessation Medications

Tobacco cessation medications offer relief from symptoms of withdrawal and can double the chances of successfully quitting.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products supply enough nicotine to help relieve withdrawal symptoms:

  • Nicotine Gum: A chewing gum that delivers a dose of nicotine orally. Usually lasts about 30 minutes.
  • Nicotine Patch: A nicotine patch is applied directly to the skin and delivers stable levels of nicotine all day.
  • Nicotine Lozenge: Similar to nicotine gum, the lozenge delivers nicotine orally.
  • Nicotine Inhaler: A device to puff on, absorbing the nicotine in the mouth and throat.
  • Nicotine Nasal Spray: Sprayed through the nostrils every 1-2 hours, delivering rapid peak levels of nicotine.

Cessation Medications

Prescription cessation medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help tobacco users quit:

  • Zyban (also called Bupropion or Wellbutrin): This drug helps control nicotine cravings in people trying to quit.
  • Chantix (also called Varenicline): Another prescription medication that can be used to help smokers quit.

Help Is Available

Maine QuitLink participants can access free quit medications, including nicotine patch, gum, or lozenges.  Enroll in phone coaching, web coaching or individual services programs to access these and other quit tools. If you have questions about quit medications, contact your healthcare provider or call the Maine QuitLink at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.