Quit Smoking Medications
Quit smoking medications: the evidence
Medication is one of the strongest tools available for quitting — combined with behavioral support it is more effective than either alone. These pages explain the evidence. They do not prescribe.
Bupropion
An antidepressant medication also licensed for smoking cessation, which reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Evidence strength: Strong
Cytisine
A plant-derived medication that works similarly to varenicline and has a long history of use in some countries.
Evidence strength: Moderate
Nicotine Gum
Chewing gum that releases nicotine to relieve cravings quickly when they appear.
Evidence strength: Strong
Nicotine Lozenge
A dissolvable lozenge that releases nicotine slowly in the mouth, similar to gum but without chewing.
Evidence strength: Strong
Nicotine Patch
A skin patch that delivers nicotine steadily through the day, reducing withdrawal symptoms without the behavior of smoking.
Evidence strength: Strong
Varenicline
A prescription medication that reduces both craving and the rewarding effect of nicotine. Among the most effective single medications.
Evidence strength: Strong
How medication helps
Nicotine withdrawal is the main reason early quit attempts fail. Medications act on the brain's nicotine system to reduce withdrawal and craving, which frees up attention for the behavioral work — new routines, trigger management, coping skills. This is why trials consistently find that medication plus behavioral support outperforms either alone.
Important: this is information, not a prescription
- We do not recommend doses, judge whether a medication suits you, or give individual advice.
- Prescription medications (varenicline, bupropion, cytisine in most countries) require a healthcare professional.
- Every medication has contraindications, interactions and side effects that only a prescriber can assess.
- Pregnant people, people with cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions or other illnesses need professional guidance.
Questions to ask a healthcare professional are listed on each medication page.
Per-medication evidence — trials, systematic reviews, safety data and how guidelines position each option — is collected in the Data Center medication evidence pages.
Medication + support = strongest evidence
Read the method pages to see how medication combines with counseling, quitlines and community support.