Nicotine is a powerful stimulant that reaches the brain in ten seconds, binds to nicotine receptors, and triggers temporary sensations of pleasure. After 30 to 60 minutes, the good feeling wears off, and the urge to smoke again begins to build.
There are 7 FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications: 5 of these are Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products that deliver nicotine in ways that support quitting smoking or vaping, and 2 of these are non-nicotine medications delivered via prescribed oral pills. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other federal laws and rules require most health insurance plans in the U.S. to cover some level of tobacco cessation treatments. To learn more about what is covered by your insurance, visit Tobacco Cessation Treatment: What Is Covered?
đź“ŚÂ Most plans cover 90 days of all FDA-approved smoking cessation medications.
NRT is available as an OTC transdermal patch, oral gum or lozenge, and less commonly as a prescription nasal spray, and inhaler (or “puffer”). When combined with coaching or counseling support, they help to double your quit success chances. Designed to wean your body off cigarettes or vaping, they supply you with nicotine in controlled amounts while sparing you from other harmful chemicals found in tobacco products and smoke.
Two non-nicotine prescription therapies are pills taken orally, varenicline (aka Chantix) and bupropion (aka Zyban). Read Which Quit Smoking Medicine is Right for You? to learn more about each of these tobacco cessation medications.
The goal of this therapy is to relieve cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. These symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, headache, fatigue, insomnia, and hunger. These symptoms can also include a craving for cigarettes or other sources of nicotine.
Combining NRT improves your chances of staying quit, and NRT products can be used safely together. Try a long-acting patch with a short-acting lozenge or gum to fight off cravings. Read product instructions to use NRT products correctly.
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<aside> 🩹 Can I smoke while wearing a patch? You do not need to stop using the patch if you slip up and smoke while wearing it. For most people, it’s safe to use a nicotine patch while smoking and this does not usually cause any side-effects.
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Here is a list of some NRT products and other medications you might consider using to help you quit smoking with assistance from your Coach:
<aside> đź’ˇ Note: To learn more about each option, click the picture of the product you wish to learn more about. Each medication type also gives instructions for how to use them!
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