Quitting Smoking Options.

First I applaud you for taking your first step to a healthier lifestyle. Tobacco addiction is a chronic disease that often requires multiple attempts to quit. Although some smokers are able to quit without help, many others need assistance. Both behavioral interventions (counseling) and medication can help smokers quit; but the combination of medication with counseling is more effective than either alone.

The FDA has approved seven medications to help smokers quit:
Five are nicotine replacement therapies that relieve withdrawal symptoms by supplying you with nicotine in controlled amounts, while sparing you from other chemicals found in tobacco products. They include nicotine gum, patch, nasal spray, inhaler, and lozenge. These products are available over the counter and by prescription, and should usually be used for a short time to help you manage nicotine cravings and withdrawal.

The other 2 medications, Bupropion (trade name: Zyban) and Varenicline (trade name: Chantix), are non-nicotine medications that are thought to reduce the urge to smoke by affecting the same chemical messengers in the brain that are affected by nicotine. Both are available in tablet form on a prescription-only basis.

Now in regards to your question of which product is best for you. I would recommend you speak with your personal physician before choosing any cessation products, given there are certain medical conditions and medications that are contraindicated with these products.

Below are some resources available to assist you on your journey

Quitline Services

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) if you want help quitting. This is a free telephone support service that can help people who want to stop smoking or using tobacco. Callers are routed to their state quitlines, which offer several types of quit information and services. These may include:
•Free support, advice, and counseling from experienced quitline coaches
•A personalized quit plan
•Practical information on how to quit, including ways to cope with nicotine withdrawal
•The latest information about stop-smoking medications
•Free or discounted medications (available for at least some callers in most states)
•Referrals to other resources
•Mailed self-help materials

Online Help

Get free help online, too.
•For information on quitting, go to the Quit Smoking Resources page on CDC’s Smoking & Tobacco Use Web site.
•Read inspiring stories about former smokers and their reasons for quitting at CDC's Tips From Former Smokers Web site.
•The I'm Ready to Quit! page links to many helpful resources.

I hope this is helpful. Thank you for your question, and good luck!