Cytisine
"Cystine is an effective, nicotine-free treatment that helps you quit smoking. The tablets are only available on prescription. So, to make sure the medication is right for you, you’ll need to start a consultation with our clinicians."
What is cytisine?
Cytisine is a prescription-only medication that comes in tablet form. Though nicotine-free, the treatment mimics nicotine's effects in your body, easing cravings and withdrawal symptoms to help you quit smoking.
How does it work?
Cytisine attaches to your brain's nicotine receptors, mimicking the effects of smoking and making it think you’ve smoked a cigarette. This reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings that occur when you quit.
Cystine smoking cessation tablets are as effective as patches, gum and other products designed to replace nicotine. They’re particularly suitable if:
- You’ve tried to quit before without success.
- You’re looking for an alternative to traditional smoking cessation methods.
- You want a proven treatment (studies have shown Cystine to be twice as effective as placebo).
How to use cytisine
Take cytisine tablets with water and set your quit date within the first 5 days of treatment. After that date, which is when you smoke your last cigarette, you should avoid smoking as it can worsen nicotine's harmful effects.
One pack of 100 tablets provides a complete 25-day treatment course. If you haven’t been able to quit after that, you can try again in 2-3 months’ time.
This is the dosing schedule for the 25 days:
- Days 1-3, take 1 tablet every 2 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 6 tablets
- Days 4-12, take 1 tablet every 2.5 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 5 tablets
- Days 13-16, take 1 tablet every 3 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 4 tablets
- Days 17-20, take 1 tablet every 5 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 3 tablets
- Days 21-25, take 1-2 tablets a day, with a maximum daily dose of 2 tablets
Find out more about how to take cytisine in the patient information leaflet. The best way to remind yourself to take the tablets is by setting reminders on your phone. If you forget a dose, don’t take a double dose to make up.
Treatment results
You’ll probably notice that your cravings begin to reduce early in the treatment course. However, while you’ll experience the benefits soon after taking the medication, it’s important to complete the full 25-days’ worth of cytisine tablets.
Side effects of cytisine
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking cytisine, especially when you first begin treatment. However, they’re usually mild. For more than 1 in 10 people, side effects can include:
- Changes in appetite (usually an increase)
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Sleep problems
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Reduces the urge to smoke
Eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings
Doubles your chances of giving up smoking
What is cytisine?
Cytisine is a prescription-only medication that comes in tablet form. Though nicotine-free, the treatment mimics nicotine's effects in your body, easing cravings and withdrawal symptoms to help you quit smoking.
How does it work?
Cytisine attaches to your brain's nicotine receptors, mimicking the effects of smoking and making it think you’ve smoked a cigarette. This reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings that occur when you quit.
Cystine smoking cessation tablets are as effective as patches, gum and other products designed to replace nicotine. They’re particularly suitable if:
- You’ve tried to quit before without success.
- You’re looking for an alternative to traditional smoking cessation methods.
- You want a proven treatment (studies have shown Cystine to be twice as effective as placebo).
How to use cytisine
Take cytisine tablets with water and set your quit date within the first 5 days of treatment. After that date, which is when you smoke your last cigarette, you should avoid smoking as it can worsen nicotine's harmful effects.
One pack of 100 tablets provides a complete 25-day treatment course. If you haven’t been able to quit after that, you can try again in 2-3 months’ time.
This is the dosing schedule for the 25 days:
- Days 1-3, take 1 tablet every 2 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 6 tablets
- Days 4-12, take 1 tablet every 2.5 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 5 tablets
- Days 13-16, take 1 tablet every 3 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 4 tablets
- Days 17-20, take 1 tablet every 5 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 3 tablets
- Days 21-25, take 1-2 tablets a day, with a maximum daily dose of 2 tablets
Find out more about how to take cytisine in the patient information leaflet. The best way to remind yourself to take the tablets is by setting reminders on your phone. If you forget a dose, don’t take a double dose to make up.
Treatment results
You’ll probably notice that your cravings begin to reduce early in the treatment course. However, while you’ll experience the benefits soon after taking the medication, it’s important to complete the full 25-days’ worth of cytisine tablets.
Side effects of cytisine
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking cytisine, especially when you first begin treatment. However, they’re usually mild. For more than 1 in 10 people, side effects can include:
- Changes in appetite (usually an increase)
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Sleep problems
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Cytisine FAQs
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How long does cytisine take to work?
Most people notice their cravings reduce soon after starting the 25-day treatment course. While the benefits of quitting smoking begin quickly, it’s important to complete the full course for the most successful results.
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How long should I take cytisine for?
You’ll need to keep taking the full 25-day course of cytisine tablets for the treatment to be effective.
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Who can take cytisine?
Cytisine tablets are for smokers aged 18-65 who want to quit. You shouldn’t take it if:
- You have liver, kidney, or heart problems
- You have a history of stroke
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
Women using contraceptive pills should use barrier methods during treatment, like condoms, as cytisine tablets may reduce the effectiveness of the pill. The contraceptive coil could be a better option as it’s longer lasting and 99% effective. Your doctor or one of clinicians can advise on the right option for you.
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What happens if I smoke while taking cytisine?
Although you can smoke during the first 5 days of treatment, continuing beyond this puts you at risk of having adverse reactions.
If you take too much cytisine while smoking you might, for example, experience nausea, vomiting and blurred vision. You might have breathing difficulties too, or even convulsions. If this occurs, you should seek immediate medical help.
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Can I take cytisine while pregnant or breastfeeding?
You shouldn't take cytisine while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you think you could be pregnant, we advise taking a test before starting this treatment.
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Can I drink alcohol on cytisine?
While it's possible to drink alcohol when taking cytisine tablets, you should always drink sensibly.
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Where can I buy cytisine?
You can’t buy cytisine tablets over the counter at a pharmacy. You’ll need a prescription to buy them, even if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe this medication after an online consultation where we make sure they’re right for you. It only takes a few minutes.
Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online for discreet home delivery or to pick up from any Well Pharmacy.
Your prescription will be for one pack of 100 tablets which is a full, 25-day course. If your attempt to quit is unsuccessful, it’s possible to re-order the medication in 2 to 3 months’ time in your Patient Record.
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Cytisine warnings
You should only take cytisine if you’re serious about stopping nicotine use. Taking cytisine while smoking or using any products containing nicotine can increase its negative effects. This medication should also be taken with caution if you have a range of conditions including:
- Ischemic heart disease
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
- Pheochromocytoma
- Atherosclerosis and other peripheral vascular diseases
- Gastric and duodenal ulcer
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Schizophrenia
It’s important to note that nicotine withdrawal can also lead to depressed mood and in some cases neuropsychiatric symptoms. It can also exacerbate existing psychiatric health conditions such as depression. Remember to tell your clinician about any existing health conditions during your online consultation.
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Cytisine drug interactions
Certain medications can react with cytisine tablets. So, our clinicians can prescribe them safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription and over-the-counter medicines you’re taking regularly.
Important: Cytisine shouldn’t be taken alongside any anti-tuberculosis drugs.
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Alternative cytisine stop smoking treatments
Other options for stopping smoking include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and varenicline tablets. Quitting 'cold turkey' works for some people, while others find success with hypnotherapy or counselling.
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