Medications to Quit Vaping, Dip and Chewing Tobacco: What Works

Vapes and smokeless tobacco such as dip, chew and snus can deliver as much nicotine as cigarettes. The same medicines that help smokers quit are increasingly used to help people quit vaping and chewing.

Quitting vaping

• Varenicline: randomized trials in adults who vape found varenicline substantially increased quit rates compared with placebo
• Nicotine replacement: a patch matched to your vaping level plus gum or lozenges, then a gradual step-down
• Tapering down nicotine strength before quitting, alongside a quit date

Quitting dip, chew or snus

• Nicotine lozenges and gum are often the best fit, because they also replace the oral habit
• Varenicline has shown benefit for smokeless tobacco users in studies
• Bupropion may help control weight gain after quitting, though evidence for smokeless tobacco is limited

Plan for the habit, not just the nicotine

Hand-to-mouth habits are strong. Sugar-free gum, sunflower seeds, mints and changing routines around triggers such as driving, coffee and work breaks help.

Check your mouth

Smokeless tobacco raises the risk of mouth and throat cancer. Point out any sore, lump or white or red patch in your mouth that does not heal within two weeks.

Get help from Hope Integrative Medicine

Our primary care team can choose the right quit medicine with you, check for interactions and follow up as you go, in person in West Ashley or by telehealth across South Carolina. New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment. Request an appointment.

This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider. Never start, stop or change a medication without talking with your prescriber.