Over the counter medications for tobacco treatment include the nicotine patch, nicotine gum and nicotine lozenges. These products contain nicotine.It might sound crazy – taking nicotine to help quit using nicotine – but some over-the-counter medicines that contain nicotine can be very helpful in fighting cravings. They won’t eliminate them, but they will help gradually reduce your intake of nicotine and ease off its addictive effects. In addition, by substituting nicotine from over the counter products instead of tobacco, you also stop the exposure of dangerous chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
When you regularly give your body a steady dose of nicotine through the use of tobacco and then stop suddenly, you will experience more side effects that make quitting more difficult. If you gradually lower the dose by quitting tobacco but substituting nicotine replacement products, you will increase your capacity to resist the cravings on your own.
When considering a nicotine-based product, be sure to tell your doctor about any conditions you might have, especially:
- Asthma or breathing problems
- Heart or blood vessel disease
- High blood pressure
- Stomach ulcer
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Liver disease
- Overactive thyroid
- Pheochromocytoma (PCC)
Additional things to consider when taking nicotine-based medications include:
- You must stop smoking or using other tobacco products. You could risk overdosing on nicotine.
- Tell your doctor what medications you are currently taking or allergies you have.
- Avoid nicotine replacement medications if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or might be pregnant.
- Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Over-the-counter treatments, including the nicotine patch, nicotine gum and nicotine pill or lozenge, are typically used for up to 12 weeks as part of a smoking cessation program. Always follow the instructions on the box and carefully read through all the product information before use. Be sure to contact your doctor if you have any questions.
Nicotine Patch
With the patch, nicotine passes through the skin into the blood stream. Some patches come in varying strengths so you can gradually reduce your dosage. Nicotine patches are available with and without a prescription. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure what kind of patch to use.
Common side effects of the nicotine patch include, but are not limited to:
- Increased appetite
- Mild headache
- Irritation at the site of the patch
Nicotine Gum
With nicotine gum, the nicotine passes from the lining of your mouth into the blood stream. Like the patch, nicotine gum also enables you to decrease the dosage during the recommended timeframe (usually 12 weeks or less) if you are able to resist the cravings on your own. Nicotine gum is available without a prescription.
Common side effects of nicotine gum include, but are not limited to:
- Belching (burping)
- Increased appetite
- Mild headache
- Watery mouth
- Jaw or muscle pain
- Sore mouth or throat
Nicotine Lozenge
Using a nicotine lozenge is a systemic way to receive nicotine. This means that nicotine in the lozenge passes from the lining of your mouth right into the blood stream.
Common side effects of the nicotine pill or lozenge include, but are not limited to:
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with Cleveland Clinic Tobacco Treatment Center, call 216.444.8111.
Content reviewed by Susan Jung, ANP-C, Cleveland Clinic Tobacco Treatment Center
