Quit Smoking: See what treatment is right for you
Smoking Cessation Treatments to help you quit smoking for good

Since the nicotine in cigarettes leads to addiction on a physical level, many former smokers who are ready to quit turn to nicotine replacement therapy. This popular kind of therapy includes gums, patches, lozenges, and inhalers. These help you wean off tobacco by giving you lower concentrations of nicotine without the harmful side effects of cigarettes. The following five types of nicotine replacement therapy treatments have been approved by the FDA:
1. Nicotine patches: These work by providing doses of nicotine through the skin. The user is gradually weaned off the nicotine over a few weeks. Sixteen hour patch works best for light tobacco users and is less likely to contain adverse side effects. The twenty four hour patch contains more adverse side effects but provides a steady stream of nicotine for more serious users. Negative side effects of the patch include irritation of the skin, dizziness, nausea, and headache.

2. Nicotine gum: Nicotine gum can be bought over-the-counter and requires no prescription. It comes in both two milligram and four milligram doses. Nicotine gum might be best for users who have sensitive skin and can’t use the patch. Negative side effects of the gum include mouth sores, irritation of the throat, and nausea. Be aware that nicotine gum can lead to long-term dependence. Many users who quit smoking rely on the gum for over a year. Experts recommend limiting gum use to six months.
3. Nicotine nasal spray: This treatment delivers nicotine to the bloodstream through the nose. It is only available through prescription. Again, the FDA cautions that the nasal spray can lead to long-term dependence. Negative symptoms include sneezing, nasal irritation, and coughing. If you have sinus or respiratory problems, seek another treatment.
5. Nicotine inhalers: Inhalers, which provide a nicotine vapor to the lungs, are only available through prescription. This is the closest thing to smoking a cigarette, which many smokers find useful. Negative symptoms include coughing, irritation of the throat, and nausea. 
6. Nicotine lozenges: Like nicotine gum, lozenges are available in two milligram doses and four milligram doses. Negative side effects of the lozenge include nausea, coughing, heartburn, and flatulence.
7. Bupropion (Zyban) – This is an antidepressant that reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The dosage is typically one to two 150 milligram tablets daily. Do not take this medication if you have a history of anorexia, head trauma, alcohol abuse, or seizures.

8. Varenicline (Chantix) – This is a new medicine developed to help people quit smoking. This medicine interferes with nicotine receptors located in the brain, which lessens the pleasurable effects from smoking and reduces the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. This drug has been shown to more than double the chances of quitting for smokers. Negative side effects associated with varenicline include headaches, sleep disturbances, flatulence, and nausea.