Stop smoking treatments

There are two types of stop smoking medication. Both work effectively in different ways to help you and you can only get them on prescription. 

• Varenicline reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings when you stop smoking. You'll need to complete a 12-week course for the best results.
• Cytisine works by mimicking the effects of nicotine in your brain, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This treatment runs for a shorter 25-day course.

Are there side effects?

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking varenicline and cytisine, especially when you first begin treatment. These differ from person to person and may only be temporary.  

While side effects can be uncomfortable, they're far outweighed by the long-term health benefits of quitting smoking. 

What happens when you stop smoking 

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the UK and contributes significantly to heart disease, lung cancer and stroke. Of course, quitting can be difficult. Particularly if you’ve been smoking for a while. However, the health benefits are substantial.

For example, your risk of serious illness decreases, your breathing improves, and your energy levels often increase. You'll also protect others from exposure to second-hand smoke. 

How to get stop smoking treatments 

Let us know which stop smoking treatment you’d prefer and complete our short online consultation questionnaire. We can then decide if that particular medication is right for you and prescribe it.

Start your online consultation.

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/smoking-cessation/background-information/harms-caused-by-smoking/
https://ash.org.uk/uploads/Facts-At-A-Glance-Fact-Sheet.pdf?v=1697723952
https://ash.org.uk/uploads/Smoking-Statistics-Fact-Sheet.pdf?v=1731432998
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/nicotine-replacement-therapy