There are medications for nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Dugs can be used in combination with behavioral therapy to help you quit smoking. Medications for nicotine withdrawal fall under two categories- nicotine based and non-nicotine.

Nicotine replacement aims at reducing the body’s dependency on nicotine by introducing it through safer methods like through the skin, oral or nasal inhalations.  The dosage is gradually reduced over time and the body is weaned from nicotine dependency. Nicotine patches are available over the counter and are worn over the skin. It releases nicotine over a period of time. Nicotine gum, lozenges and tablets are also available over the counter. Nasal and oral nicotine sprays require a prescription. Doctors will recommend dosage depending on the persons smoking habits. Psychotropic agents like Varenicline and bupropion are used to treat nicotine withdrawal.

Varenicline binds to nicotine receptors in the brain and prevents release of dopamine when the patient smokes. Decrease in dopamine secretion reduces the pleasure associated with smoking. Bupropion acts on a region of the brain to suppress cravings. An antihypertensive drug called clonidine and nortriptyline, an antidepressant drug may also be used to treat nicotine withdrawal. However, these two drugs are not officially recognized as treatments for nicotine withdrawal symptoms.