Nicotine replacement therapy and other stop smoking medicines

There is a range of different treatments available that can dramatically increase your chances of going smokefree.

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.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
NRT products such as patches and gum help reduce cravings for cigarettes by supplying the body with nicotine. They double your chances of success and do not contain the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Using NRT doesn't have to be expensive. You can get NRT free or subsidised from your local Stop Smoking Services. From patches to inhalators, there are many types of NRT products to choose from that will suit your needs.

Other stop smoking medicines that can help

Champix (Varenicline)
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.

Zyban (Bupropion Hydrochloride)
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.