Patches, puffers and more

NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy)

When you're quitting, there are all sorts of medications available.  None of them is a magic cure, but they can all help you beat the cravings. These include NRT, bupropion hydrochloride (Zyban) and varenicline (Champix).

Replacing the nicotine

NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) gives you a low dose of a clean form of nicotine and reduces the withdrawal symptoms. It gives you time to adjust to a life without smoking. Available as patches, gum, nasal spray, inhalator, tablets or lozenges, NRT is suitable for most people. It's easy to use, discreet and some types are available over-the-counter.

Help on prescription

Other medications are only available on prescription and are best used as part of a support programme. Zyban suppresses the part of the brain that gives you a nicotine buzz and Champix works by stimulating the same brain cell receptors as nicotine.  Both make smoking less enjoyable.