Quit Medications
One of the reasons quitting tobacco is so difficult is because nicotine is highly addictive. When you quit tobacco, it’s normal for your body to go through withdrawal symptoms that make you feel anxious, stressed, or sad. These symptoms are normal and temporary, but they can still be uncomfortable.
There are many quit medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage these symptoms. Not everyone chooses to use quit medications but research shows they can double or triple your chances of quitting for good.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) works by replacing the nicotine you were getting from your tobacco products, such as cigarettes or vaping devices, with a pure form of medical nicotine that is much safer than tobacco products. Over time, you’ll begin to reduce the amount of nicotine you use. NRT is helpful because it lessens your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Here are some different types of NRT:
Nicotine Patch
A nicotine patch is placed on your skin and releases nicotine into your bloodstream. Nicotine patches maintain a steady level of nicotine in your body without using tobacco.
Nicotine Gum
As you chew nicotine gum and place it against your cheek, nicotine is released and absorbed through the lining of your mouth. Nicotine gum should be used on a schedule, such as 1 piece every 1-2 hours.
Nicotine Lozenge
The nicotine lozenge is small and releases nicotine as it slowly dissolves against your cheek. Nicotine lozenges should be used on a schedule, such as 1 lozenge every 1-2 hours.
Other medications to discuss with your doctor:
Nicotine Nasal Spray (prescription only)
The nicotine nasal spray delivers nicotine into your bloodstream and helps reduce the craving for a cigarette. Nicotine nasal spray can irritate the lining of the nose and upper airways and cause sneezing. The sneezing lessens with use but this medicine is not recommended for people with asthma or nasal or sinus problems.
Nicotine Inhaler (prescription only)
The nicotine inhaler is a small device that you hold in your hand and inhale. As you inhale from it, nicotine is released into your blood stream. This type of NRT may be helpful for people who want to keep their hands busy.
Some people prefer to use quit medication that does not contain nicotine. A few options include:
Varenicline (Chantix®)
Varenicline is a prescription medicine used to help quit tobacco. It works by lessening withdrawal symptoms and blocks the enjoyable effects of smoking cigarettes. It is a tablet taken by mouth once or twice a day.
Bupropion SR (Zyban®, Wellbutrin SR®)
Bupropion SR is a prescription medicine used to help quit tobacco. It works by lessening your desire to smoke as well as the symptoms of depression or sadness that can come with quitting smoking. It is a tablet taken by mouth once or twice a day.
Most people find added relief by combining medications, such as the nicotine patch paired with nicotine gum or nicotine lozenges. The Hawai‘i Tobacco Quitline gives you the choice of combining medications and will help you understand your options. It’s also important to speak with your doctor before your quit date to decide what is best for you.
Hawai‘i Tobacco Quitline Coaching Support
Research shows people who use Quitline coaching services are more likely to be successful than people who choose online only options or try to quit on their own. By choosing a program that includes coaching, you’re one step closer to success.
Throughout your time with the Quitline, your quit coach will contact you 5 times to check in. These calls can be used to discuss your quit plan, possible triggers, milestones, and slip ups. While every plan is customized, most calls last about 15-20 minutes and are scheduled every 1-2 weeks. You will also receive technology-based coaching support including email, text, and chat.
Our Quitline coaches are among the most experienced in the country. Every coach has a college degree or equivalent clinical experience and has completed thorough training. They are supportive, caring, and nonjudgmental. Their goal is to help you succeed in quitting!
Online Support
Once you enroll in the Quitline, you gain access to a supportive online community. This community is made up of people who are also trying to quit tobacco, have already quit successfully, or have a loved one who uses tobacco. The Quitline offers online forums and a comprehensive library of information to provide you support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We provide the right mix of support.
Combined coaching and quit medications gives you the best chance of quitting. We offer those resources plus direction in developing a quit plan that will help you meet challenges along the way. The Quitline also helps you draw on support from ohana, friends, and an online community that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We have caring quit coaches.
Our coaches are among the most skilled and knowledgeable in the country. They are caring, nonjudgmental, and committed to helping you!
We know how to support all people.
No matter your personal story, the Quitline can help. We work with women who are pregnant, teens, and people with behavioral health concerns. We also work with the LGBTQ community, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos. We have interpreters to assist coaches in providing counseling in 254 different languages.
We’re operated by the nation’s leading respiratory hospital.
National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the United States. Our organization is known for its expertise in preventing and treating life-threatening and chronic diseases.