Smoking Alternatives

Stop smoking treatments

If you want to stop smoking, several different treatments are available from shops, pharmacies and on prescription to help you beat your addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms.

The best treatment for you will depend on your personal preference, your age, whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding and any medical conditions you have. Speak to your GP or an NHS stop smoking adviser for advice.

Research has shown that all these methods can be effective.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

The main reason that people smoke is because they are addicted to nicotine.

NRT is a medication that provides you with a low level of nicotine, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke.

Where to get it and how to use it

NRT can be bought from pharmacies and some shops. It's also available on prescription from a doctor or NHS stop smoking service.

It's available as:

• skin patches

• chewing gum

• inhalators (which look like plastic cigarettes)

• tablets, oral strips and lozenges

• nasal and mouth spray

Patches release nicotine slowly. Some are worn all the time and some should be taken off at night. Inhalators, gum and sprays act more quickly and may be better for helping with cravings.

There's no evidence that any single type of NRT is more effective than another. But there is good evidence to show that using a combination of NRT is more effective than using a single product.

Who can use it

Most people are able to use NRT, including:

• adults and children over 12 years of age – although children under 18 should not use the lozenges without getting medical advice first

• pregnant women – your doctor may suggest NRT if they think it would help you quit; read more about stopping smoking in pregnancy

• breastfeeding women – your doctor can advise you how to do this safely

Always read the packet or leaflet before using NRT to check whether it's suitable for you.

Sometimes it may be advisable to get medical advice first, for example if you have kidney or liver problems, or you've recently had a heart attack or stroke.

Possible side effects

Side effects of NRT can include:

• skin irritation when using patches

• irritation of nose, throat or eyes when using a nasal spray

• difficulty sleeping (insomnia), sometimes with vivid dreams

• an upset stomach

• dizziness

• headaches

Varenicline (Champix)

Varenicline (brand name Champix) is not currently available. It has been withdrawn as a precaution because of an impurity found in the medicine. It's not yet known whether it will be available again in future.

Bupropion (Zyban)

Bupropion (brand name Zyban) is a medicine originally used to treat depression, but it has since been found to help people quit smoking.

Where to get it and how to use it

Bupropion is only available on prescription, so you'll usually need to see your GP or contact an NHS stop smoking service to get it.

Who can use it

Bupropion is safe for most people to take, although there are some situations when it's not recommended.

For example, it's not suitable for:

• children under 18 years of age

• women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

• people with epilepsy, bipolar disorder or eating disorders

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Possible side effects

Side effects of bupropion can include:

• dry mouth

• difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

• headaches

• feeling and being sick

• constipation

• difficulty concentrating

• dizziness

Speak to your GP if you experience any troublesome side effects.

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is an uncommon, but potentially serious, set of side effects linked to some medicines.

Serotonin syndrome occurs when the levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain become too high.

E-cigarettes

An e-cigarette is an electronic device that delivers nicotine in a vapour. This allows you to inhale nicotine without most of the harmful effects of smoking, as the vapour contains no tar or carbon monoxide.