What treatments are available?
There are treatments available that can double your chances of stopping smoking. If you use NHS support and medication to help with any side effects from stopping smoking you are even more likely to be successful!
All of the nicotine products are issued directly by pharmacy advisors and by voucher from drop in advisors. Pharmacists and community advisors provide a month’s supply of nicotine products for a single prescription charge.
All nicotine products plus Champix and Zyban are available on prescription from your doctor.
You may have tried Nicotine products already, but do you know about Champix?
| Nicotine Products | How they work |
| Nicotine gum | When you chew nicotine gum, the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. |
| Nicotine patches | Nicotine patches work well for most regular smokers and can be worn round the clock (24 hour patches) or just during the day (16 hour patches). |
| Microtabs | These are small tablets containing nicotine which dissolve quickly under your tongue. |
| Lozenges | Lozenges are sucked slowly to release the nicotine and take about 20-30 minutes to dissolve. |
| Inhalators | Inhalators look like a plastic cigarette. The inhalator releases nicotine vapour which gets absorbed through your mouth and throat. If you miss the 'hand to mouth' aspect of smoking, these may suit you. |
| Nicotine nasal spray | The spray delivers a swift and effective dose of nicotine through the lining of your nose. |
| Mini Lozenges | This is a small tic-tac. Easy to carry around in your pocket and provides effective response to cravings as and when they occur. |
| Prescription medication | How it Works |
| Champix (Varenicline) | Champix reduces your cravings to smoke and helps to relieve irritability you may have when you stop smoking. You continue to smoke for the first 1-2 weeks while the tablets start to work. After a few days, you may notice you don’t enjoy your cigarettes as much as before. Champix is not advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women and young people under the age of 18. |
| Zyban (Bupropion Hydrochloride) | Zyban reduces your cravings to smoke and help relieve the irritability you may experience when you stop smoking. You take Zyban for 1 to 2 weeks before you stop smoking. Zyban is not advised if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of fits or using certain medications. Your advisor will explain to you. |