Did you know?
You’re 3 times more likely to quit smoking when using stop smoking medications alongside support from an NHS stop smoking service.
Stop Smoking Medication
Stop smoking medications are prescription-only tablets that make quitting much easier by reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They contain zero nicotine, working instead to reset how your brain reacts to tobacco.
Learn more about stop smoking medicines
Different Stop Smoking Tablets
When you combine the right medication with expert, non-judgemental coaching from our local teams, you are 3 times more likely to quit successfully than trying to do it alone.
Varenicline (Formerly known as Champix)
Varenicline is a highly effective, daily tablet specifically developed to help people stop smoking.
How it works: It works on your brain’s nicotine receptors in two ways. First, it takes the edge off your daily cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Second, it blocks the rewarding effects of smoking, meaning if you do have a slip-up cigarette, you won’t get a nicotine “buzz.”
How to use it: You start taking Varenicline 1 to 2 weeks before your official quit date. Treatment is a simple daily tablet that you typically take for for 12 weeks.
Who can use it? Most adults aged 18 and over can use it safely. Our specialist advisors, a pharmacist or your GP will run a quick health check with you if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing heart, kidney, or mental health conditions.
Cytisine/Cytisinicline
Cytisine is a natural, plant-based stop-smoking tablet that has been used successfully across Europe for decades and is now rolling out as a primary treatment on the NHS.
How it works: Derived from plant seeds, Cytisine attaches to the same brain receptors as nicotine. It essentially “tricks” your body into feeling like you’ve had a cigarette, meaning you experience far less anxiety and fewer cravings.
How to use it: It is taken as a short, highly structured course of daily tablets lasting just 25 days.
Who can use it? It is highly effective for most adults aged 18 to 65. Speak to your stop-smoking advisor to see if it could work for you.
Bupropion (Brand name: Zyban)
Bupropion is a prescription medicine that was originally developed to treat depression, but was found to be exceptionally effective at helping smokers quit.
How it works: It works directly on the chemicals in your brain to significantly reduce your daily urge to smoke and ease nicotine withdrawal irritability.
How to use it: You begin taking it as a daily tablet 1 to 2 weeks before you stop smoking. A standard treatment course typically lasts between 7 and 9 weeks.
Who can use it? It is suitable for most adults, but it cannot be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a personal history of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders.
Did you know?
You should be able to get stop smoking medications either for free, or for the cost of a prescription, from your local NHS Stop Smoking Service or your GP.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRT is the blanket term for a trusted group of medicines that provide your body with a low, clean dose of nicotine without any of the dangerous chemicals found in tobacco.
How it works: It takes the edge off physical withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, irritability, and frustration.
How to use it: NRT comes in many formats. You can use slow-release patches for steady, 24-hour protection, or fast-acting options like gums, lozenges, inhalators, and nasal sprays when sudden cravings strike.
Who can use it? Most adults and children over 12 can use most NRT. However, you must check with your GP or stop smoking advisor before using it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney or liver problems or have recently had a heart attack or stroke.
Combination Therapy
While these tablets are incredibly powerful on their own, clinical research proves they work best as a multi-tool approach. You can safely combine these prescription tablets with external support tools like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) patches or our 12-week free vape starter kits to satisfy physical hand-to-mouth habits. Ask your advisor how to build a custom combination plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get stop smoking medications for free?
Our behavioural support and coaching are always completely free. If you don’t pay for your prescriptions, your medications will also be entirely free. Alternatively, the only charge will be the standard cost of a single NHS prescription.
What is the best stop smoking tablet?
Research has shown that all these stop smoking medicines can be effective. The “best” option depends on your medical history, age, smoking habits, personal preference, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, and health conditions. The best way to find out is to speak to a specialist, stop smoking advisor or your doctor.
What if I’ve tried to quit before and failed?
Do not discourage yourself—most successful non-smokers have tried to quit multiple times before making it stick. With our newly expanded medication options, flexible paths, and dedicated local advisors backing you, this attempt can be entirely different.
Ready to choose your path?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Our local, friendly advisors are here to help you check your eligibility for these medications and give you the ongoing support you need to succeed.
Visit our Stop Smoking Services page for more information