Prescription Medications for Quitting Tobacco

Overview
Prescription medications can help control cravings and withdrawal, making quitting more comfortable.

Common Options

Bupropion (Zyban®)

• Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Typically started 1–2 weeks before the quit date.

Varenicline (Chantix®)

• Blocks nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing pleasure from smoking.
• Usually started 1 week before the quit date.

Important Considerations

• Discuss medical history and other medications with your provider.
• Possible side effects include vivid dreams (varenicline) or dry mouth (bupropion), among others.
• These medications can be used with behavioral support or NRT (if advised/approved by your healthcare provider).

Key Takeaway
Prescription aids can significantly increase quit success, especially when combined with counseling or a quit-line.

Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

This handout is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

This content was created with the assistance of AI. Any AI-generated content was reviewed by a Nurse Practitioner