Medication
There are different medications that can help you stop smoking – these include NRT, bupropion hydrochloride (Zyban) and varenicline (Champix).
NRT is not a magic cure for smoking. But it does
Quote
“Just take all the help you can get, that’s what I’ve done. I went to see the Stop Smoking Advisor. I got patches and nasal spray. I went to see the doctor. And I had the support of my family as well.”- Gregor, Kinross
give you a low dose of a clean form of nicotine and reduces the cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Using NRT gives you time to adjust to a life without smoking.
NRT is suitable for most people, including young people, people with diabetes or heart disease, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It comes in six forms:
- Patch
- Gum
- Nasal spray
- Inhalator
- Tablet
- Lozenge
They're all equally effective in helping you stop smoking and can be combined. For instance, you could get a regular dose from patches but use a nasal spray as a top-up to deal with more intense urges.
It's your choice, unless there are practical reasons why a product wouldn't suit you. You might have sensitive skin that would react to patches, or have dental problems that make it difficult to chew gum. Pregnant women may dislike the taste of tablets, lozenges or gum.
NRT is easy to use, discreet and some types of NRT are available over-the-counter. If you are in any doubt about whether a NRT product is safe for you to use, speak to a healthcare professional like your GP or local pharmacist.
Other medications that work by reducing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms to make stopping smoking easier are Zyban and Champix. Zyban suppresses the part of the brain that gives you a nicotine buzz when you smoke; it doesn't contain nicotine and comes in a tablet you start taking twice daily 2 weeks before you quit. Champix works by stimulating the same brain cell receptors as nicotine, making smoking feel less satisfying; it's also available as a tablet that you start taking 1-2 weeks before you quit.
Some common side effects are sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness, depression and sweating. The main known side effect with the use of Champix is nausea. As with any new medication, the side effects of Champix will be monitored as it becomes more widely available and more widely used. Both Zyban and Champix are only available on prescription and they are each best used as part of a smoking cessation support programme. Your GP, pharmacist or stop smoking advisor will have up-to-date details of these.