Nicotine replacement products and other medications can help you stop smoking. They can't do all the work, but they'll help you feel more comfortable and in control while you adjust to life without cigarettes. In fact, they double your odds of quitting for good.

Although you can buy some nicotine replacement products without a prescription, it's best to consult your doctor to decide which product — or combination of products — may be best for you. Follow the directions printed on the label of the product your doctor has recommended. Take note of any warnings or precautions, and discuss possible drug interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

The nicotine patch provides a steady release of nicotine.

The nicotine patch is a small, self-adhesive patch that slowly releases nicotine into the bloodstream through the outer layer of skin. It can be applied anywhere between the waist and neck — often the upper arm or shoulder. Patches must be replaced every 24 hours.

Brand names include Nicoderm CQ and Habitrol. Generic patches also are available.

• Pros: The patch is easy to use and provides a steady release of nicotine. It's available without a prescription and in various doses. This flexibility allows you to manage your withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as to taper the amount of nicotine you receive gradually.
• Cons: You can't quickly adjust the amount of nicotine in the patch in response to cravings. The patch may cause itching and irritation where it's applied. Other side effects may include headache, dizziness, upset stomach and blurred vision. Occasionally, patches may cause sleep disturbances and vivid, colorful dreams. Removing the patch at night may help.
• Timelines: The patch is often used for eight weeks or longer.
• Caution: The patch may not be appropriate if you have certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Don't smoke while using the patch. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.

Nicotine gum keeps your mouth busy. It can help satisfy cravings quickly.

Nicotine gum is made of a special material called polacrilex. To release nicotine from the gum, chew a piece until it has a peppery taste or you notice a tingly sensation in your mouth. Then, to absorb the nicotine, hold the chewed gum between your gum and cheek until the taste or tingly sensation disappears. Chew and hold again to release more nicotine. Repeat the cycle for about 30 minutes, until most of the nicotine has been released from the gum.

Brand names include Nicorette. Generic gum also is available.

• Pros: Nicotine gum keeps your mouth busy. It can help satisfy cravings quickly. You can buy it over-the-counter in 2- or 4-milligram doses and chew it as often as needed — up to 24 pieces a day. When nicotine gum is used alone, most people find it most effective to chew one piece every hour for the first few weeks.
• Cons: Nicotine gum may cause gum, tooth or jaw soreness if chewed like regular gum. You may experience nausea or hiccups if you chew it too fast or swallow the nicotine rather than holding the gum against the side of your mouth as directed.
• Timelines: Nicotine gum is recommended for up to 12 weeks.
• Caution: Nicotine gum may stick to dentures or other dental work. Don't smoke while using the gum. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.

Nicotine lozenges can be used discreetly to quickly satisfy cravings.

Nicotine lozenges are similar to hard candy. You place them between your gum and cheek and suck them slowly. Each lozenge lasts 20 to 30 minutes.

Lozenges are sold under the brand name Commit.

• Pros: Nicotine lozenges can be used discreetly to quickly satisfy cravings. You can use them as often as needed, up to 20 lozenges a day. They're available in 2- or 4-milligram doses without a prescription.
• Cons: Occasionally, they may cause nausea, heartburn or hiccups.
• Timelines: Nicotine lozenges are recommended for up to 12 weeks.
• Caution: Nicotine lozenges may stick to dentures or other dental work. They're not meant to be chewed or swallowed whole. Don't smoke while using the lozenges. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.

The nicotine inhaler allows you to mimic the hand-to-mouth motions of smoking.

The nicotine inhaler is a device that allows you to receive some nicotine using the same hand-to-mouth motions of smoking. When you puff gently on the device, nicotine vapor is released from a cartridge inside the device. Hold the vapor in your mouth for a few seconds and then blow it out — don't try to inhale it into your lungs. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining in your mouth and throat.

The inhaler is available by prescription under the brand name Nicotrol.

• Pros: The inhaler keeps your hands and mouth busy. You control the dose. You can take as few puffs as needed and save the rest of the cartridge for later in the day.
• Cons: It may cause coughing and mouth or throat irritation.
• Timelines: The inhaler is often used for six to 12 weeks. Most people use six to 16 cartridges a day at first and gradually taper to nothing.
• Caution: The inhaler may not be appropriate for people who have lung diseases, such as asthma. Don't smoke while using the inhaler. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.

The nicotine in nasal spray reaches the bloodstream quickly.

Nicotine nasal spray is sprayed inside your nostril. The recommended dose is a spray in each nostril one to five times an hour.

It's available by prescription under the brand name Nicotrol.

• Pros: The nicotine in nasal spray reaches the bloodstream more quickly and begins working faster than other nicotine replacement products. You control the dose.
• Cons: Side effects often include nasal, sinus and throat irritation. You may also develop watery eyes, sneezing and coughing.
• Timelines: Nicotine nasal spray is often used for eight to 12 weeks. Most people use one to two mists an hour at first and gradually taper to nothing.
• Caution: Nicotine nasal spray isn't recommended for people who have a nasal or sinus condition, allergies or asthma. Don't smoke while using the nasal spray. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.

Bupropion is a prescription stop-smoking aid that doesn't contain nicotine.

The antidepressant drug bupropion can help control nicotine cravings. It's available as a prescription stop-smoking aid under the brand name Zyban.

• Pros: Bupropion is a pill, so it's easy to use. It doesn't contain nicotine and isn't addicting.
• Cons: Side effects may include insomnia and dry mouth. Rarely, a severe allergic reaction can occur.
• Timelines: Bupropion is often used for seven to 12 weeks, beginning one to two weeks before you plan to quit smoking. For the first three days of bupropion therapy, many people take a 150-milligram tablet each morning. On the fourth day, they take another 150-milligram tablet about eight hours after the morning tablet. Bupropion may be used for smoking cessation maintenance for up to six months.
• Caution: Bupropion isn't appropriate for people who have a seizure or eating disorder, those who have lost consciousness for more than an hour due to trauma to the head, those already taking a medication containing bupropion or those who take a type of antidepressant known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. If the second tablet is taken too close to bedtime, it may cause disturbed sleep.

Smoking is a complex addiction with both physical and behavioral elements. If you aren't able to successfully quit smoking this time, talk with your doctor again. For most people, quitting for good takes several serious attempts. The most effective strategy is to combine medication with a more intensive behavioral program that includes support from professionals specially trained to treat tobacco dependence. It may also be helpful to adjust medication doses or use several smoking cessation products together.