[1] Types of NRT include the adhesive patch, chewing gum, lozenges, nose spray, and inhaler.

[1] Nicotine replacement therapy, in the form of gum, patches, nasal spray, inhaler and lozenges all improve the ability of people trying to quit tobacco products.

[8] Nicotine replacement therapy is as effective as medications, such as bupropion, in helping people quit smoking for at least six months.

[21] People who are severely dependent include those who smoke: more than one pack per day, within five minutes of awakening, while ill, when they wake up in the middle of the night, to ease withdrawal signs and symptoms.

An Action on Smoking and Health (UK) (ASH) report claims that the average cost per life-year gained for every smoker successfully treated by these services is less than £1,000 (below the NICE guidelines of £20,000 per QALY (quality-adjusted life year).

[22] The claims for high efficacy and cost-effectiveness of NRT have not been substantiated in real-world effectiveness studies.

[23][24][25] Pierce and Gilpin (2002) stated their conclusion as follows: "Since becoming available over the counter, NRT appears no longer effective in increasing long-term successful cessation" (p. 1260).

[citation needed] The efficacy for each of the formulations alone (lozenges, nasal spray, gum, and transdermal patch) to aid in smoking cessation is equal.

[28] N-Nitrosonornicotine, a strong carcinogen present in unburned tobacco and cigarette smoke, has been found in the urine of some users of oral NRT products.

[1] Common side effects with the gum include nausea, hiccups, and irritation of the mouth.

[35] The symptoms of nicotine overdose include headache, pale skin and mouth, belly pain, weakness, diarrhea, tremors or seizures, agitation, confusion, restlessness, high or low blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat, fast breathing, and cold sweats.

[39] The gum, lozenge, and nasal spray are pregnancy category C. The transdermal patch is pregnancy category D. The transdermal patch is considered less safe for the fetus because it delivers continuous nicotine exposure, as opposed to the gum or lozenge, which delivers intermittent and thus lower nicotine exposure.

[40] Nicotine itself could be at least partly responsible for many of the adverse after birth health results related to cigarette use while the mother was pregnant.

[40] There is evidence that nicotine negatively affects fetal brain development and pregnancy outcomes.

[44] Risks to the child later in life from nicotine exposure during pregnancy include type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, neurobehavioral defects, respiratory dysfunction, and infertility.

[32] Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can result in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities in the child.

[45] Evidence is unclear whether adolescents gain benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy or smoking cessation over the long-term as of 2017.

[48] Nicotine replacement therapies should be used cautiously in individuals with the following conditions: severe reactive airway diseases (for nasal spray), chronic nasal disorders such as sinusitis, polyps, rhinitis, or allergy (for nasal spray), diabetes (insulin-dependent), gastrointestinal diseases such as esophagitis, active gastric or peptic ulcer disease, liver problems, hyperthyroidism,pheochromocytoma, phenylketonuria (for lozenges), renal problems, and skin conditions such as psoriasis or dermatitis (for the transdermal patch).

[1] Nicotine replacement products are on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines..[13] They are available as generic medication.

[33] Brand names include Commit Lozenge, Nicoderm, Nicogum, Nicorette, Nicotex, Nicotinell, and Thrive.

[56] The dose of nicotine replacement therapy products is generally based on if the user is considered a heavy, average, or light smoker.

NRT products typically aim to parallel this, but the amount of nicotine absorbed by the user is less than the original dose.

[28] When using the gum, acidic beverages like soda, coffee, or beer should be avoided fifteen minutes prior and during use because they can impede proper absorption of nicotine.

In the US and UK concerns have been raised that nicotine pouches are seemingly too similar to banned snus products, is aimed at teenagers, further complicating the youth vaping trend,[61] falling into the hands of adolescents easily, and are discrete enough to easily pass for regular gums or lozenges.

[65][66][67] Various news outlets and school districts have expressed the concern that these products have a high appeal to minors wanting to experiment with nicotine due to; the multitude of sweet flavors offered, ease & speed of use, seeming innocuous, and having a discreet nature.

Some healthcare groups have hesitated to recommend e-cigarettes for quitting smoking, because of limited evidence of effectiveness and safety.

[73] However, more recent review show the opposite, possibly because of newer types of e‐cigarettes have better nicotine delivery than older one.

[73] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a list of additional tobacco products they are seeking to regulate, including electronic cigarettes.