Varenicline (Chantix) | 2.55 (1.99 to 3.24) | More expensive; available by prescription only; may cause nausea, insomnia, vivid dreams, or psychiatric disturbances |
Nicotine nasal spray | 2.37 (1.57 to 3.60) | More expensive; available by prescription only; may cause nasal irritation; higher risk of dependence |
Nicotine inhaler | 2.18 (1.38 to 3.45) | More expensive; available by prescription only; may cause coughing or irritation of the mouth and throat |
Bupropion (Zyban) | 2.12 (1.76 to 2.56) | More expensive; available by prescription only; may cause insomnia, dry mouth, or psychiatric disturbances |
Nicotine lozenge | 2.06 (1.47 to 2.87) | Inexpensive; easily accessible; may cause dyspepsia, hiccups, or jaw soreness |
Nicotine patch | 1.88 (1.60 to 2.22) | Inexpensive; easily accessible; may cause local skin irritation or insomnia |
Electronic cigarettes4 | 1.82 (0.53 to 6.30) | Not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or approved for smoking cessation; not well studied |
Nicotine gum | 1.65 (1.37 to 2.01) | Inexpensive; easily accessible; may cause dyspepsia, hiccups, or jaw soreness |