A tablet for the transmucosal administration of nicotine. The nicotine is in one or more layers upon a non-nicotine containing matrix. The nicotine layers rapidly dissolve in the mouth. The nicotine is then rapidly absorbed by the intra-oral mucosal surfaces. The short, rapid pulse of nicotine is similar to that given by cigarette smoking. The nicotine may be provided in a plurality of layers separated by one or more layers that are essentially free of nicotine to support the nicotine layers.