Did you know? : Smokers who use Stop Smoking Wales are four times more likely to quit
As well as nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) there are other products that do not contain nicotine that can help you stop smoking that your doctor can prescribe.
Bupropion (Zyban ™)
Bubroprion hydrochloride (Zyban ™) is a treatment which changes the way the body responds to nicotine. It comes as a tablet. You start taking Zyban ™ a couple of weeks before you quit and then continue the treatment for a few weeks to help you through the withdrawal craving. Zyban™ is only available on prescription from your GP who can discuss if it is suitable for you. The most common side effects are difficulty sleeping, dry mouth and headache.
Varenicline (Champix ™)
.jpg)
This is a non-nicotine therapy developed specifically to help people stop smoking. It works in two ways - it reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms and it also diminishes the sense of satisfaction associated with smoking; potentially preventing a lapse from turning into a full relapse. Champix™ is only available on prescription from your GP who can discuss if it is suitable for you. You start taking the tablet while you are still smoking and set a quit date 8-14 days ahead. The dosage is gradually increased until you are taking 2 tablets a day. The treatment lasts for 12
weeks. The most common side effects are nausea and sleep disturbance.