Nicotine Replacement Therapies: Champix and Zyban

Published at 19 October, 2018.

If you’re struggling to stop smoking, and have already tried nicotine patches or inhalers, we can help you to improve your chances of quitting for good. While, for some, quitting seems relatively easy, for others, the nicotine cravings can be the hardest thing to handle. If you’re looking for some extra support, there are plenty of prescription medications available to help you beat your addiction.

What are stop smoking medications?

The nicotine in cigarettes is what causes people to become addicted, and this is what smokers crave. While we understand quitting is difficult, there are a number of prescription medications that can help. Essentially, these are medical products that help you to wean your body off nicotine and help you to deal with cravings or any other cessation issues.

What prescription medications are available?

Champix

Champix works by reducing your cigarette craving, along with removing the feeling of satisfaction you would feel if you had a smoke. At the right dose, Champix can help you to both relieve cravings entirely or simply assist you in cutting down on your smoking.

Usually one tablet is taken twice a day for around 12 weeks. Only prescribed on the NHS, users are told to set a date whereby they will stop smoking and take the tablets a week or two before.

Zyban

Originally marketed as an anti-depressant drug, it soon became apparent that bupropion was an effective smoking cessation aid. This is because, when taking the drug, users simply had no desire to smoke.            

Used for the relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as a low mood or an increased appetite, Zyban also helps to rapidly reduce the enjoyment people feel when smoking. Smokers often feel as though nicotine has an almost antidepressant property, as craving it makes people feel more depressed. By taking this drug, people are less likely to go back to smoking in order to balance this feeling.

Please bear in mind that certain medications are unsuitable for some pre-existing conditions, so always check with your doctor or a healthcare professional first.

To find out more about our Yorkshire Smokefree services, why not visit one of our local clinics for expert help. Alternatively, give us a ring on 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles).