The dangers of smoking are well known in the modern world. And not only does this bad habit pose a significant threat for your health, but it is also expensive, off-putting to many in social situations and, of course, highly addictive. Most smokers are perfectly aware of this – in fact, several studies seem to indicate that roughly 50% of all smokers try to give up their bad habit at least once per year, but only 2% to 3% are actually successful in the long term.

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There are multiple treatments available for those who decide to quit, but don’t think they can do it ‘cold turkey’ and on their own. Some stop smoking cessation aids can be purchased only with a valid prescription, while others can be freely obtained over-the-counter. In this article, we will discuss different options for smokers looking to get some extra help in kicking their habit.

Even if you are not familiar with all the options, visiting a doctor is highly recommended as he will be able to determine which stop smoking method is the most suitable for you. More valuable info on the topic can be obtained through your local NHS Stop Smoking Service as well as in stop smoking support groups if there are any of them active in your area.

Champix

Champix is a prescription-only stop smoking tablet developed by Pfizer pharmaceutical company and based on the active ingredient called varenicline and officially classified as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist.

As such, Champix is exceptionally effective at both reducing the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and blocking the effects of nicotine that might be inhaled over the course of the treatment, thus significantly diminishing the pleasure experienced from smoking a cigarette.

How are Champix tablets taken?

Usually, Champix treatment will last for the duration of 12 weeks, with this timespan being further divided into several stages, differentiated by the exact dose of the medicine taken each day. Champix Starter Kit includes tablets of lower concentration of active ingredient as compared to the dose available in the standard pack (0.5mg as opposed to 1mg). This will allow you to better dose your medicine and follow the instructions:

  • On the first three days of treatment, take one 0.5mg tablet daily
  • From the fourth day until the end of the first week of treatment, double the dose (two 0.5 tablets per day)
  • Starting with the second week of the treatment, two 1mg tablets should be taken twice per day
  • This dose usually remains unchanged for the remaining 10 weeks
  • When 12 weeks have passed, the doctor will begin slowly reducing the dose provided the user managed to stop smoking successfully

Zyban

Zyban is, as of now, the only prescription-only stop smoking tablet alternative to Champix. While similar to varenicline-based smoking cessation treatment, Zyban is different in numerous ways. Developed by GlaxoSmithKline, this medicine is based on bupropion hydrochloride as an active ingredient. The mechanism of action of Zyban is linked to the functions and longevity of neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. These chemicals play a crucial role in emotional responses, especially the feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction (dopamine) and focus and concentration (noradrenaline). By preventing these compounds from being reabsorbed quickly, Zyban will diminish nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. As a prolonged-release tablet medicine, Zyban can ease the cravings throughout the day with surprisingly small dose.

How are Zyban tablets taken?

Zyban is taken in a manner somewhat similar to Champix. When just starting the treatment course, the user should take one tablet each day over the course of the first six days. On the seventh day, the dose should be increased to two tablets per day where it will stay for the reminder of the 9 weeks course. If the treatment achieves the desired goals, the doctor will either gradually reduce the dose or, if he decides that it is possible to do so, he may recommend the users to stop taking the medicine completely.

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT)

Nicotine replacement therapies come in a number of shapes and forms, but all of them have their core principle of functioning in common – they work by allowing the user to reduce their nicotine intake over a period of a couple of months with a more or less precisely controlled release of nicotine via some of the common forms.

As such, all nicotine replacement therapies contain addictive nicotine, but they are completely free from other harmful compounds found in cigarette smoke (like carbon monoxide or tar). NRTs are available over the counter and using them is much less strict as opposed to prescription stop smoking medicines. So, while some people stop smoking completely once they start using NRT of their choice, others may try to slowly reduce the number of cigarettes smoked.

Different individuals will find that different forms of NRT produce better results for them as compared to others, so there is no hard science in choosing the optimal nicotine replacement therapy. Instead, one simply needs to find what works for him or her through trial and error, or by following advices.

Some of the most commonly used nicotine replacement therapies include:

  • Nicotine patches – placed on an area of skin where they release nicotine directly and consistently into the bloodstream over the period of 16 to 24 hours
  • Nicotine gums and lozenges – release nicotine more quickly and are thought to be very useful in controlling sudden cravings
  • Nasal sprays and inhalers – provide an instant hit of nicotine and while they are less discreet than gums or lozenges, these NRTs somewhat mimic the act of smoking

Many people opt for using a combination of NRTs, claiming this approach helps them quit smoking easier as different NRTs are used in different situations. All of these treatments can be purchased over-the-counter, but they can also be issued with a prescription from your doctor or local NHS Stop Smoking Service.

Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes)

Electronic cigarettes are pretty common sight these days, so it might be a bit surprising that they appeared just recently – storming the markets for the first time in 2004. As a relatively recent innovation, their effectiveness, but also long-term risks and benefits are still largely unknown and there is a heated debate on the topic in the medical community.

These battery-powered devices contain a small cartridge of liquid (propylene glycol or glycerine) infused with nicotine and flavourings (if preferred). When the device is used, liquid heats up, producing vapour which is then inhaled by the user. This vapour contains nicotine, but it is completely free from cancer-causing carbon monoxide and toxic tar residue. Although they can be prescribed in some cases, e-cigarettes can be easily obtained as safety regulations for their sale have been introduced only recently (2016) in the UK, while they are still unregulated to a significant extent in a number of other European countries.