According to the American Cancer Society , using aids such as medication and nicotine replacement products to help you quit smoking can double your chances of success.

Since most people need more than one try to quit successfully, it's a good idea to consult your doctor or health care professional to help plan a strategy that will give you the best chance of controlling both your habits and physical withdrawal symptoms that may have sabotaged previous efforts. You can use medication and nicotine replacement products at the same time, so finding out what choices are most likely to address your needs can improve your chances of quitting for good.

Medication

Bupropion is a prescription medication that helps reduce cravings. Usually marketed for smokers at Zyban, it is a non-nicotine drug that works at the neurological level. It is also marketed as Wellbutrin, an anti-depressant, although it is not related chemically to other known anti-depressants. Usually it is prescribed only in the early stages of an attempt to quit smoking because it is most effective when started before the patient's target date to quit and then continues for 7 to 12 weeks. If a patient has not been able to reduce smoking by the seventh week of Zyban use, it is unlikely the attempt will be successful, so the medication is usually discontinued.

Nicotine Replacement Products

Nicotine promotes an actual physical dependence, so it is useful to employ over-the-counter nicotine replacement products to allow you to withdraw slowly without the other harmful substances contained in tobacco. Nicotine replacement therapy comes in multiple forms, including patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays and inhalers which all can help prevent physical withdrawal symptoms while tapering off. Users are warned not to smoke while using any of these products to avoid getting too much nicotine, which can lead to nausea and dizziness. Recommended use is usually from 8 to 12 weeks and are available as generics as well as brand name items.

Nicotine Patch
Provides steady release of nicotine over 24 hours and is absorbed through your skin and available in several doses to manage symptoms as needed and promote gradually reducing the dose.

Nicotine Gum
Made of a special material, gum can satisfy a nicotine craving quickly in addition to keeping your mouth busy. It can be used as often as needed up to 24 pieces a day.

Nicotine Lozenge
Similar to hard candy, these products can be used discretely to satisfy cravings quickly. They are designed to be sucked - chewing or swallowing are not recommended.

Nicotine Nasal Spray
Sprayed inside your nostril, this product reaches the bloodstream quickly and works faster than other products, and the user controls the dose.

Nicotine Inhaler
This device provides nicotine using hand-to-mouth motions similar to smoking. Vapor is released from a cartridge inside the inhaler and is meant to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth and throat, not inhaled into the lungs. Provides a very controlled quick dose and can be saved for later use.