Meds (to quit or manage cravings)
Medications are available for employees, students and volunteers through Employee Wellness at 503 494-WELL (9355) or Outpatient Pharmacy at 503 494-8563. We are more than happy to answer questions about your specific benefits and help you get the medications that are right for you. Click here to make an appointment with a Tobacco Support Specialist.
If you want to manage cravings at OHSU
If you are interested in managing your cravings during the time you spend at OHSU, the nicotine replacement patches, lozenges or gum are probably your best bet.
If you are preparing to quit
You may decide to quit cold turkey. Some people can quit this way. But research shows that your chances of quitting successfully are much higher if you use one of the medications listed below and get support at the same time.
Which medications are best for you?
There are many factors to consider when you decide which medications to take, including your health insurance plan and your medical/tobacco history. Click here if you would like assistance from a Tobacco Support Specialist.
If you are preparing to quit, all over-the-counter meds are provided to you for free regardless of your health plan. Co-pay and coverage for prescription meds varies according to your health plan. Click here to see the options.
Depending on how much tobacco you use, a combination of medications may be more effective. See the chart below for an overview of your options.
| Medication | Available | Where you can get it | How it works | Other considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chantix | Prescription only | From your provider or through Outpatient Pharmacy. Contact us to find out more information | Reduces both the urge to smoke and the satisfaction you get if you do smoke | Study participants who used this medication were three times more likely to quit than participants who took a placebo. Nausea is a common side-effect but can be reduced if taken with food and drink |
| Lozenge | Over-the-counter | OHSU will provide you with free (limited) supply. Contact us for more info | Helps reduce cravings by providing nicotine and gives you something to do with your mouth; allows you to control the dose | A combination of medications may be more effective for heavy tobacco users. |
| Patch | Over-the-couner | OHSU will provide you with free supply. Contact us for more info | Helps to reduce the urge by providing a steady dose of nicotine | To avoid sleep disturbances, it is important to put on a new patch in the morning rather than before bed. |
| Gum | Over-the-counter | At your drugstore | Keeps your mouth busy and helps reduce the urge by providing nicotine | Is very sticky and needs to be stored away from heat. Not recommended for tobacco chewers who want to quit |
| Inhaler | Prescription only | From your provider | Helps reduce the urge by providing nicotine | |
| Nasal Spray | Prescription only | From your provider | Helps reduce the urge by providing nicotine | |
| Zyban/ Wellbutrin |
Prescription only | From your provider | Helps reduce the urge to smoke | Not safe for some people (depends on your personal health history) |
Click here (PDF) for more information that you can print off and take to your provider.