University of Illinois Extension

Smoking Cessation Products

nasal spray

Combining a behavioral/educational group with one of the quit smoking products below can improve your chances of quitting smoking. The following is a list of FDA approved nicotine replacement therapies and smoking cessation products to help you quit smoking. Talk with your doctor or other health care provider about which method is best for you. Most quit smoking classes are offered at low to no cost.


Product Name

How It Works

Possible Side Effects


Nicotine nasal spray
Brand name: Nicotrol nasal spray

Nicotine is delivered by spraying it into the nostrils. Nicotine is absorbed quickly by the nasal membranes inside the nose.

Irritation of the nose and throat, watering eyes, sneezing and cough

Do NOT smoke while using the nasal spray.
The nasal spray delivers the nicotine more quickly than other nicotine replacement therapies.

Nicotine inhaler
Brand name: Nicotrol inhaler

The nicotine inhaler is a thin plastic tube with a nicotine cartridge inside. When you take a puff from the inhaler, the cartridge puts out a nicotine vapor. The nicotine inhaler delivers most of the nicotine vapor to the mouth.

Irritation in mouth and throat, coughing, stomach upset

Do NOT smoke while using the inhaler.
Nicotine inhalers are most like smoking a cigarette, which some smokers find helpful.

Non-nicotine pills
Brand names:Chantix and Zyban

Chantix works by making smoking less satisfying. It also mimics the effects of nicotine, reducing the ex-smoker's cravings and withdrawal.

Zyban reduces withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke.

Changes in behavior such as hostility, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts or actions have been reported for both Chantix and Zyban. 

People taking Chantix or Zyban who experience serious & unusual changes in mood or behavior or feel like hurting themselves or someone else should stop taking the medicine and call a healthcare professional right away.


All of the over-the-counter smoking cessation products are approved for over-the-counter use in adults 18 years of age and older. Users under the age of 18 are to ask a doctor before using.

Product Name

How It Works

Possible Side Effects


Nicotine Gum
Brand name: Nicorette

The gum can be chewed as needed or on a fixed schedule during the day. A schedule of 1 to 2 pieces per hour is common. You can chew when you need it most -- when you have cravings.

Bad taste, throat irritation, mouth sores, hiccups, nausea, jaw discomfort,
racing heartbeat, damage to dentures and dental work

Do NOT smoke while using the gum.

Nicotine Patches
Brand names: Habitrol  and Nicoderm

The patch helps wean smokers off of nicotine by providing a steady dose of nicotine.  It helps with early morning withdrawal symptoms.

Skin irritation, dizziness,
racing heartbeat,
sleep problems or unusual dreams, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and stiffness

Do NOT smoke while using the patch.

Nicotine Lozenges
Brand names: Commit, Nicorette

Nicotine lozenges slowly dissolve in the mouth. They provide nicotine to your body to decrease the withdrawal symptoms and help to reduce the urge to smoke.

Heartburn, sore throat, mouth problems, irregular or fast heartbeat

Do NOT smoke while using the lozenges.