BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- From nicotine patches to gum to lozenges, there are many tools out there to help smokers kick the habit, but little research has been done comparing how well these products work.

But a new study from the University of Wisconsin has found that pairing the nicotine patch and with nicotine lozenges as-needed is the best aid for those trying to kick the habit.

In the study, more than 1,500 heavy smokers who were motivated to quit were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of treatment with one or a combination of the following: nicotine patch, nicotine lozenge, bupropion-an antidepressant that reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms, or a placebo.

Smoking rates were assessed after one week, eight weeks, and six months after the quit date.

Researchers found that pairing nicotine lozenges with the nicotine patch was the only treatment they tested which worked better than a placebo at six months.

This research suggested that using gum or lozenges, alongside the patch is the best plan for smokers trying to quit.