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How much do you smoke?Fewer than five cigarettes a day, or only smoke on some days?
	Consider using the nicotine lozenge or nicotine gum as needed. You can also consider quitting without medicine since there is less evidence medicine helps in your situation.Between five and 19 cigarettes a day?
	Using any of the seven FDA-approved medicines can work for you. This medicine guide will help you learn more about them.A pack of cigarettes or more a day?
	Using the patch along with the lozenge or gum can help. The patch provides a steady dose of nicotine to reduce withdrawal. The lozenge or gum is used as needed to control cravings. Also make sure you use a high enough dose.
Another option to consider is using the pill varenicline, which cuts down on the enjoyment you feel when you smoke a cigarette and has a high success rate.
See more on using the right dose.Man in pharmacy browsing quit smoking medications.Do you want a quit-smoking medicine that...Gives you the strongest chance of quitting and staying quit?
	If so, there are two easy-to-use ways that help the most:
The first is using the nicotine patch *together* with lozenge or gum.
The second is using the pill varenicline.
You can also talk with your healthcare provider about other combinations of quit smoking medicines that may improve your chances of quitting for good.Is simple to use?
	Consider using the nicotine patch or one of the pills (varenicline or bupropion). These medications are used only once or twice a day, so you don’t have to think about how often to take them. See the How to Use Quit-Smoking Medicine section to learn more.Might delay possible weight gain associated with quitting?
	The nicotine lozenge, nicotine gum, and bupropion can help delay weight gain associated with quitting.
You can learn ways to keep your concern about gaining weight from undermining your quit attempt by talking with a quit coach*.*
Check out helpful tips and tools about weight gain and appetite changes associated with quitting smoking.Gives your mouth something to do, as a substitute for cigarettes?
	Consider nicotine gum, lozenge, or oral inhaler.Allows you to decide how much nicotine you get and when?
	If you want a medicine you can use right when you have an urge or craving, consider the nicotine lozenge, gum, oral inhaler, or nasal spray.
When you tried to quit before *without* quit-smoking medicines...Did you really struggle with withdrawal, including overwhelming urges and cravings?
	Consider using quit-smoking medicines to help reduce your withdrawal symptoms. Using a combination of patch plus gum or lozenge might work well for you.Did you sneak puffs on cigarettes and then quickly relapse?
	Consider using varenicline, which cuts down on the enjoyment you feel when you smoke a cigarette.Did you find that quitting was surprisingly easy?
	Check out the section Quitting without using a medicine, unless you are smoking more now or are concerned it will be harder this time.
When you tried to quit before *with* quit-smoking medicines...Did the medicine help you quit successfully for a month or more?
	Consider using the same medicine.Did you find that you didn’t like the medicine, or were not able to quit?
	Think carefully about what problems you had with the medicine you used. Sometimes people don’t use a medicine correctly*,*don’t use a strong enough dose, or don’t use the medicine long enough.
If none of these apply to you and you didn’t like using the medicine, consider using a different FDA-approved quit smoking medicine.
How long have you stayed quit?Did you stop smoking for a month or more and then went back to smoking?
	You may be able to quit the same way again. Talking with a quit coach can help you find strategies that will help you stay quit. You can call the quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) to learn more about how to keep from relapsing.Did you have a hard time staying quit for more than a few days?
	A quit-smoking medicine could help you. You can try using a medicine for a week or two *before* quitting. Doing this can decrease the rewards you get from smoking, which may make it easier to quit completely. You may find you cut down on your smoking. Varenicline and bupropion are usually started before you quit, and it is also OK to do this with the nicotine patch, gum, or lozenge. Also consider combining the nicotine patch with lozenge or gum for even more help addressing withdrawal symptoms.
What are you most worried about when you quit?How to deal with cravings and urges?
	All the medicines help some with this. If you want a medicine that will help you right away when you have an urge or craving, consider the nicotine lozenge, gum, inhaler, or spray.
Using the patch along with the lozenge or gum may help even more. The patch provides a steady dose of nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms. The lozenge or gum is then used as needed to control cravings.Having to stop smoking all at once?
	It’s OK to start nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges a week or two before you quit smoking. Doing this can decrease the rewards you get from smoking which may make it easier to quit. Starting a medicine early may even help you cut down on your smoking before you start your quit attempt. Quit smoking pills (varenicline and bupropion) are usually started a week or more before quitting.Gaining weight while you quit?
	The nicotine lozenge, nicotine gum, and bupropion can help delay weight gain associated with quitting.
You can learn ways to keep your concern about gaining weight from undermining your quit attempt by talking with a quit coach*.*
Check out helpful tips and tools about weight gain and appetite changes associated with quitting smoking.
Do any of these apply to you?You are pregnant or breast-feeding?
	It is great you want to quit smoking. It is one of the most important things you can do for your baby at any stage of your pregnancy. The sooner you quit, the better.
You need to be very careful which medicines you use while pregnant or breastfeeding, including quit-smoking medicines. You should not use quit-smoking medicines without first talking with your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife.
E-cigarettes are not safe to use during pregnancy. They contain nicotine and can be harmful to your developing baby.
You can learn more tips on how to quit smoking that don’t rely on medicines.Whatever approach you choose, quitting smoking is key. Smoking is very dangerous for developing babies. Don’t put off quitting!You are younger than 18?
	It is great you want to quit smoking. There are many things you can do to be successful when you quit.
If you want to use a quit-smoking medicine when you quit, you will need to talk with your doctor or other healthcare provider.
You can also visit this website especially for teens interested in quitting smoking and e-cigarettes (vaping). It also has chat, texting and apps that help you quit.How to Use Quit Smoking Medicinespharmacist helping patientTop of Page
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  September 12, 2023						Source: 	Smokefree.gov, Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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