Stop smoking medicines

The first few weeks without smoking can be the hardest, as this is when your body is fighting the physical addiction. This passes, but you might find stop smoking medicines helpful to get you through these early stages. Once the physical cravings pass you’ll find it much easier to stay the course.

Products available
There are lots of different products available, a summary of which can be found below.

What’s right for you?
Quitting with stop smoking products is about using the right product to fit with your lifestyle. If one type doesn’t work at first, then try another or a combination. For best results though talk to one of our wellness coaches, your doctor or your local a pharmacist.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRT gives your body the nicotine it craves without the toxic chemicals you get in cigarettes, so it doesn’t cause cancer. There are six types available – patches, gum, lozenges, microtabs, inhalator, mouth spray and nasal spray. All of them are available on prescription, or to buy over the counter.

NRT is suitable for most adults, but if you have a heart or circulatory condition, or are on regular medication, you should get the OK from your doctor.

If you are pregnant, you should contact the Dudley Stop Smoking in Pregnancy Service or speak to your doctor or midwife.

Champix
As well as NRT, Champix (varenicline) is available on prescription to help you quit smoking by changing the way your body responds to nicotine.

Champix works to reduce your cravings. It comes in tablet form and you start taking it one or two weeks before you quit. Treatment usually lasts 8-12 weeks. It is only available on prescription and is not available if you’re pregnant or under 18.

Gum
Gum is good for day-long treatment. For maximum effect, chew the gum slowly, then park it in the side of your mouth. The nicotine is then absorbed through the lining of your mouth.

Patches
Nicotine patches work well for most smokers and can be worn around the clock (24 hour patchers) or just during the day (16 hour patches).

Inhalator
Much like a plastic cigarette, the inhalator releases nicotine vapour which gets absorbed through your mouth and throat. This might suit you if you miss having something to do with your hands when not smoking.

Microtabs
These small tablets contain nicotine and dissolve when you place them under your tongue.

Lozenges
Lozenges are sucked slowly to release the nicotine and take up to 30 minutes to dissolve.

Nasal and mouth spray
Nasal and mouth spray delivers a swift and effective dose of nicotine through the lining of the nose or mouth.

This might come in handy if you need a more instant dose of nicotine (such as first thing in the morning, or if you find the slower release products take a bit too long at first).