Quit aids compared
| Aid | How it works | Good for | Common side effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patch | Steady nicotine through the skin for 16 or 24 hours | Background control of cravings | Skin irritation, vivid dreams (24-hour patch) |
| Gum | Chew and park in the cheek; nicotine absorbed in minutes | Sudden cravings | Jaw ache, hiccups, indigestion |
| Lozenge | Dissolves slowly in the mouth | Sudden cravings, people who can't chew gum | Hiccups, heartburn, nausea |
| Mouth or nasal spray | Fastest-acting nicotine replacement | Strong, sudden cravings | Throat or nose irritation |
| Inhalator | Puff on a plastic mouthpiece holding a nicotine cartridge | People who miss the hand-to-mouth habit | Mouth and throat irritation |
| Varenicline (prescription) | Reduces cravings and the reward from smoking | Heavier smokers, past failed attempts | Nausea, sleep changes |
| Cytisine (prescription in some countries) | Plant-based medicine that works similarly to varenicline | Where licensed, a lower-cost option | Nausea, sleep changes |
| Bupropion (prescription) | Antidepressant that reduces cravings | Some people who can't use other aids | Dry mouth, insomnia; not for everyone |
How well do they work?
- A Cochrane review of more than 130 trials found all forms of nicotine replacement were linked to quit rates about 50 to 60% higher than no aid.
- Combining a patch with a fast-acting form (gum, lozenge or spray) is more effective than a single form.
- Reviews find varenicline and cytisine help more people quit than single nicotine replacement.
- Adding behavioural support, such as a quitline, is linked to better results.
How to choose
- Smoke within 30 minutes of waking or more than 10 a day? A patch plus a fast-acting form, or a prescription medicine, often suits you best.
- Light or occasional smoker? A fast-acting form alone may be enough.
- Strength depends on how much you smoke; a pharmacist can match it and tell you how to step down.
- Use it for the full course, usually 8 to 12 weeks, rather than stopping early.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have heart disease, seizures or mental health conditions, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any quit aid. Prescription medicines are only available through a doctor.
Can I use nicotine replacement to quit vaping?
Yes. Nicotine replacement works for vaping withdrawal in the same way as for smoking, and many quit services now support people stopping vapes.