Products

Nicorette, Thrive, Generic

Available in 2mg, 4mg

Advantages

Convenient

Flexible dosing

Fast-acting

Available OTC

Disadvantages

Daily use required to obtain adequate nicotine levels

Avoid with dental or jaw problems.

Products

Nicorette Lozenge/Mini Lozenge, Commit Lozenge, Generic

Available in 2mg, 4mg

Advantages

Convenient

Flexible dosing

Fast-acting

Available OTC

Disadvantages

Side effects (nausea, hiccups, heartburn)

Daytime use required to obtain adequate nicotine levels

Products

Nicoderm CQ, Prostep, Habitrol, Generic

Available in 7mg, 14mg, 21mg (24-hour release)

Advantages

Easy to use

Requires daily application

Few side effects

Available OTC

Disadvantages

Less flexible dosing

Slow release

Mild skin rashes and irritation

Products

Nicotrol NS

0.5mg nicotine in 50mcl

Advantages

Flexible dosing

Fastest acting of all products

Reduces cravings in minutes

Disadvantages

Nose and eye irritation is common but usually short-lasting

Prescription required

Frequent daytime use required to obtain adequate nicotine levels

Products

Nicotrol Inhaler

10mg/4mg Cartridge

Advantages

Flexible dosing

Mimics behavior of smoking

Few side effects

Fast-acting

Disadvantages

May cause mouth or throat irritation

Prescription required

Daytime use required

Product

Zyban^TM, Generic

Available 150g tablet

Advantages

Easy to Use

Pill form

Can be used in combination with NRT

May benefit those with depression

May delay weight gain

Disadvantages

Avoid with certain health conditions

Prescription required

Less flexible

Products

Chantix^TM

Available in 0.5mg or 1mg tablet

Advantages

Easy to use

Pill form

Reduces cravings by blocking the pleasurable effects of nicotine in the brain

Disadvantages

Avoid with certain health conditions

Prescription required

Less flexible

May induce nausea

Info

4 sessions of counseling via telephone with certified Quit Coach

Advantages

Free individualized support

Convenient- no travel involved

Disadvantages

Lacks some of the qualities that come with in-person or group counseling

Call 877-TRY-NICA: (877-879-6422) for local meeting schedule/locations

Info

Group counseling led entirely by NicA members

Advantages

Support from other current and/or former smokers

In-person, online, and phone-based options

Disadvantages

Limited in-person meeting locations (only 3 active in Maryland)

Info

One-on-one counseling with trained professional

Advantages

Individualized treatment/support

Addresses behavioral parts of smoking

Disadvantages

May not be covered by health insurance