Different people experience nicotine withdrawal in different ways. Fortunately, there are many products, both over-the-counter and prescription, that can help.
Understanding the possible symptoms of withdrawal is important as you prepare to quit. The FDA has approved seven products to help you manage the symptoms you experience. All of them are proven to work.
WITHDRAWAL
Withdrawal symptoms are the strongest the first 24-48 hours after quitting. They can last for hours, days, and sometimes weeks. *If you’re having a hard time with withdrawal symptoms, call the Utah Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or contact your doctor. *If this is a medical emergency please contact your doctor or call 911.
Headaches
Cravings
Depressed Mood
Insomnia
Irritability, frustration, or anger
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Restlessness
Decreased heart rate
Increased appetite or weight gain
NRT= Nicotine Replacement Therapy which includes nicotine patches, gum, lozenge, inhaler, and nasal spray. The Utah Tobacco Quit Line provides free patches/gum to those who qualify.
Both over-the-counter and prescription products can help you through your nicotine withdrawal. See what Hooker and Danielle used to get through their symptoms:
Below, you can learn more about the different products available to you. You can also talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Patch
How to Get:
Over-the-Counter
What it Does:
Placed on skin, it provides a small, controlled amount of nicotine
Gum
How to Get:
Over-the-Counter
What it Does:
Chew to release nicotine
Lozenge
How to Get:
Over-the-Counter
What it Does:
Slowly releases nicotine as it dissolves in the mouth
Nasal Spray
How to Get:
Prescribed by Doctor
What it Does:
Pump bottle inserted into the nose and sprayed to deliver a specific amount of nicotine to the user with each spray
Inhaler
How to Get:
Prescribed by Doctor
What it Does:
Cartridge attached to a mouthpiece that delivers a specific amount of nicotine to the user with each puff
Medications
Bupropion SR (Wellbutrin® or Zyban®)
Prescribed by Doctor
Over-the-Counter
What it Does:
Prescription medication (pills) that helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke.
Contains no nicotine; can be used safely with nicotine replacement products.
Varenicline (Chantix®)
How to Get:
Prescribed by Doctor
What it Does:
Prescription medication (pills) that eases nicotine withdrawal symptoms and blocks effects of nicotine from cigarettes if the user starts smoking again.
Contains no nicotine.
Medication needs to build up in your system before you can use it as a quit smoking method
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