Stop Smoking Medicine: Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Patches, Gum and Other Stop Smoking Medicines
There is a range of different treatments available that can double your chances of going smokefree. In fact, if you use NHS support and a stop smoking medicine to help manage your cravings you are up to four times more likely to be successful!
All of these products included on this page are available on prescription from your doctor, so it doesn't have to cost you a fortune to quit!
You have probably heard about Nicotine Replacement Therapy (or NRT), but do you know about Zyban or Champix? Read this section to find out more.
Is nicotine replacement right for you?
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) works differently to cigarettes. It does not contain toxic chemicals like tar or carbon monoxide, and does not cause cancer. NRT is suitable for most people, however you should check with your doctor if you are pregnant, have a heart or circulatory condition or if you take regular medication.
There are lots of different products to choose from. The descriptions below will help you to understand your choices and we recommend that you speak to your doctor for further medical advice.
Depressed mood, that in rare cases includes suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, may be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. Smoking cessation, with or without medication, has also been associated with the exacerbation of underlying psychiatric illness (e.g. depression). If you are concerned about this, please consult your Doctor, Nurse or NHS Stop Smoking Advisor.
| Product type | How it works | |
|---|---|---|
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Nicotine gum | When you chew nicotine gum, the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. |
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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). |
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Microtabs | These are small tablets containing nicotine which dissolve quickly under your tongue. |
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Lozenges | Lozenges are sucked slowly to release the nicotine and take about 20-30 minutes to dissolve. |
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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. |
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Nicotine nasal spray | The spray delivers a swift and effective dose of nicotine through the lining of your nose. |
Other stop smoking medicines that can help
The following stop smoking medication is only available in the UK to over 18 year olds.
| Product type | How it works | |
|---|---|---|
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Zyban (Bupropion Hydrochloride) Patient Information Leaflet | Zyban is a treatment which changes the way that your body responds to nicotine. You start taking Zyban 1 to 2 weeks before you quit and treatment usually lasts for a couple of months to help you through the withdrawal cravings. It's only available on prescription and is not available if you are pregnant. |
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Champix (Varenicline) Patient Information Leaflet | Champix works by reducing your craving for a cigarette and by reducing the effects you feel if you do have a cigarette. You set a date to stop smoking, and start taking tablets 1 or 2 weeks before this date. Treatment normally lasts for 12 weeks. It's only available on prescription and is not available if you are pregnant. Depressed mood may be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. Depression, rarely including suicidal ideation (thinking about committing suicide) and suicide attempt, has been reported in people trying to stop smoking. These symptoms have also been reported while attempting to quit smoking with Champix. |
More information
Visit the NHS Choices Smoke Free page on Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
