What medicines can help with nicotine withdrawal?

There are many medicines that can help you quit tobacco by reducing symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Some of them work by giving you low doses of nicotine so that your nicotine withdrawal symptoms will not be as strong. Others make tobacco use less pleasurable and help with withdrawal symptoms. Using some form of medicine improves your chances of quitting tobacco for good, especially if you are nicotine dependent.

Ask your health care provider for more advice on these medicines to help you quit and find out which may help you most. Keep in mind that medicine alone can’t do all the work. They can help with cravings and withdrawal, but quitting tobacco will still be hard at times.

Does TRICARE pay for cessation medicines?

Yes, TRICARE pays for cessation medicine. Active Duty Service members and other TRICARE beneficiaries can receive over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy and prescription drugs through the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery and at military pharmacies at no cost. Is important to check what your local military treatment facility (MTF) pharmacy or the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery has in stock since every product may not be available at every location. These medicines are not covered at retail pharmacies.

To receive tobacco cessation medication at no cost through TRICARE, you must have a prescription from a TRICARE-authorized provider. Find a TRICARE-authorized provider.

Does TRICARE cover tobacco cessation counseling?

Yes, TRICARE covers tobacco cessation counseling when provided by a TRICARE-authorized provider in the United States. Find out more about tobacco cessation counseling services covered by TRICARE. Your installation may have a tobacco cessation program that can help you too.

What kinds of drugs are available to help smokers quit?

There is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (e.g., nicotine gum, nicotine patch, nicotine nasal spray, nicotine inhaler and nicotine lozenge). There is also bupropion and varenicline.

How does nicotine replacement therapy work?

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) gives tobacco users an alternative way to get nicotine. NRT can be absorbed through your mouth and skin in alternative forms that do not contain tobacco. NRT is designed to provide relief from the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Which nicotine-containing medication is more effective?

The right medication for you depends on your own situation. Talk to your health care provider about what may work best for you.