Yes, there are several medications you can use over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription to help you kick the habit.  These medications can generally be grouped as nicotine replacement and non-nicotine replacement.

What is nicotine replacement therapy?
Nicotine is the addictive chemical in cigarettes that make you crave them.  When you stop smoking, you will develop withdrawal symptoms because you are addicted to nicotine.  The symptoms may include sadness; an inability to sleep; or feeling cranky, moody, anxious or nervous.  Nicotine replacement therapy can help you minimize the withdrawal symptoms of kicking the habit.  You will typically start with a large dose of nicotine and work your way down over several weeks (usually 12 weeks).

How do I use nicotine replacement therapy?
Nicotine replacement therapy can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC).  It comes in three forms, a patch, gum and lozenge.  The patch comes in three different strengths or “steps”.  You will start with step 1, which contains the highest amount of nicotine.  A new patch should be applied daily to clean, dry skin.  Make sure to read the instructions on how to apply and dispose of the patch.  Failure to follow these instructions can lead to the patch falling off you body.  Step 1 is usually followed for 6 weeks, then step 2 and 3 are each followed for 2 weeks.  Steps 2 and 3 contain smaller amounts of nicotine.

If you need to have the feeling of something in your mouth, a nicotine gum or lozenge can be useful.  These come in two strengths, a 4 mg and 2 mg strength.  The strength you use is based on how many cigarettes you smoke a day and/or how often you smoke them upon waking up in the morning (see the box for details).  

Nicotine gum is not chewed like regular gum.  Chew the gum slowly until it makes the inside of your cheek tingle, then park it between the cheek and gum.  When the tingle is gone, begin chewing again until the tingle returns.  Repeat the process until most of the tingle is gone (about 30 minutes).  

The nicotine lozenge should be allowed to slowly dissolve in the mouth (over 20 to 30 minutes).  Occasionally move the lozenge from one side of the mouth to the other until completely dissolved.  Do not chew or swallow the lozenge. You may feel a warm or tingling sensation.

Do not use the gum or lozenge for more than 12 weeks without first consulting your doctor.

Are there other forms of nicotine replacement therapy?
Yes, there is a nicotine nasal spray and inhaler that are available by prescription.  If you have tried the OTC nicotine products in the past and failed to quit, you may want to talk with your doctor about the nicotine nasal spray or inhaler.

What else can I use to quit?
Your doctor could also prescribe non-nicotine replacement therapy.  These are prescription drugs that help you quit, but do not simply replace the nicotine in cigarettes.  The two available options include bupropion (or Zyban®) and Chantix®.  Bupropion has been used for some time to help people quit smoking.  Chantix® is the newest prescription drug approved for kicking the habit; however, it does not appear to be much, if any, better than bupropion.  In one study, 78% of patients who received  Chantix® continued to smoke at one year compared to 83% for bupropion and 91% for placebo (or a “sugar pill”).  These drugs can cause side-effects, some of which include changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thought, and attempted and completed suicide.  If you fail to quit with nicotine replacement therapy, ask your doctor if bupropion or Chantix® is right for you.