It is the nicotine in cigarettes that makes them addictive. If you were bothered by strong cravings or withdrawal when you tried to quit in the past, nicotine replacement therapy or Zyban® may help. Nicotine replacement therapy works by replacing some of the nicotine you crave while quitting, but contains none of the other harmful chemicals in cigarettes. Zyban® is a drug prescribed by your doctor to reduce your withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. Here are answers to some common questions about these quitting aids.

Q How do nicotine patches work?
Nicotine patches contain nicotine that enters the body through the skin. Nicotine stays in your body for several hours after you take the patch off. More questions? Click HERE!

Q How does nicotine gum work?
Nicotine gum contains nicotine that enters the body through the lining of the mouth. Nicotine gum comes in 4 milligram (mg) and 2 mg strengths. More questions? Click HERE!

Q How do nicotine lozenges work?
Nicotine lozenges contain nicotine that enters the body through the lining of the mouth. Nicotine lozenges comes in 4 milligram (mg) and 2 mg strengths.
More questions? Click HERE!

Q How does nicotine nasal spray work?
Nicotine nasal spray is sprayed into the nostrils, but not inhaled. It raises your blood nicotine levels more quickly than the patch or gum. It is usually prescribed to help heavily addicted smokers and is more likely to be habit forming than other forms of nicotine replacement therapy. You must get a prescription from your doctor, and follow directions carefully. It should not be used if you have asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps or recurrent nosebleeds. More questions? Click HERE!

Q How does the nicotine inhaler work?
The nicotine inhaler is held between your fingers and you puff on it. When you puff, the inhaler turns nicotine into a vapor that is absorbed in your mouth and throat. More questions? Click HERE!

Q How does Zyban® work?
Zyban® is a non-nicotine, oral medication for smoking cessation. While it is not clear exactly how Zyban® works, it is thought to act on the part of your brain that is addicted to the nicotine in your cigarettes. Zyban® helps you decrease your cravings and withdrawal symptoms and may reduce your desire to smoke. More questions? Click HERE!

Q Can I use more than one medication at a time?
Ask your doctor. For some smokers, doctors may suggest a combination of nicotine replacement therapy or combining nicotine replacement therapy with Zyban®. For example, using the patch to reduce basic withdrawal reactions and adding some gum at the time of peak smoking urges may be suggested. Another possibility is combining the patch with a nicotine inhaler or Zyban®. Your doctor will determine which plan is right for you.

Q How much do they cost?
Nicotine replacement therapies cost about $3 - $4 a day*. Zyban® costs about $50 - 70 a month*, depending on the prescribed dose. Some insurance and health plans help to cover the cost.

Q When should I get my medications?
If your doctor prescribes nicotine nasal spray or inhaler, it's a good idea to fill your prescription before you quit. BUT, DON'T START TO USE YOUR NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY UNTIL YOU HAVE QUIT SMOKING COMPLETELY. If you are using Zyban®, your doctor will instruct you when to start using it.

* based on 2001 prices