Stop smoking medicines - Stopping Smoking Treatmenents

At present there are two anti-smoking medicines which are available on prescription only.

Champix: also known as Varenicline. This works by simulating the effects of nicotine in the same way a cigarette does which relieves the cravings. Plus it blocks the effects of nicotine on receptors in the brain which means that you won’t get any enjoyment from smoking a cigarette if you give in.

This course of treatment usually lasts for 12 weeks and involves taking 1 to 2 tablets a couple of weeks before your stop smoking date.

If you manage to stay smoke-free at the end of these 12 weeks then your GP may recommend a further course of treatment.

There are side effects with champix which include:

• Nausea
• Depression
• Headaches
• Stomach upsets such as constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Insomnia

Zyban: also known as Bupropion Hydrochloride. This changes the way your body responds to nicotine by reducing the urge to smoke. It also eases the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Note: Zyban does NOT contain nicotine and is a viable alternative to nicotine replacement therapy.

The course of treatment lasts for 7 to 9 weeks and it only takes a week before it reaches its optimum effect. You should start taking this medication a couple of weeks before your quit smoking date.

Like champix, it also has side effects which include:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Skin rash
• Dry mouth
• Agitation

Zyban is not recommended if you suffer from an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or have epilepsy.

Smoking Cessation - Guide to Stop Smoking Index:

• Smoking Cessation Treatment - Intro
• Nicotine replacement therapy
• Stop Smoking aids
• Stop smoking medicines
• NHS Together Programme

• NHS Quit Kit
• NHS Stop Smoking clinics
• NHS Stop Smoking helpline
• Hypnosis
• Acupuncture

Stopping smoking - Guide to Stop Smoking Index:

• Stopping Smoking - Intro
• Advantages from stopping smoking
• Preparation to stop smoking
• Health Benefits when you Stop Smoking

• NHS Stop Smoking Services
• Smoking Cessation Treatment
• Tools to Stop Smoking
• Top Ten Tips to Stopping Smoking