​Treatment to help you stop smoking

Nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) works by releasing nicotine steadily into your bloodstream at much lower levels than in a cigarette, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke.

There are nine different NRT products and they all work differently so it’s just about finding the right fit. A smoking cessation advisor will be able to guide you on how to use the products so you can get the most out of them.

Find out more about nicotine replacement therapies.

Champix

Champix tablets contain the active ingredient varenicline, which is a medicine used to help people who are addicted to nicotine to give up smoking. It acts in the brain but is not the same as nicotine replacement therapy. Varenicline acts on the same receptors in the brain as nicotine, stimulating the nicotinic receptors in the brain. This produces an effect that relieves the craving and withdrawal symptoms you may get when you stop smoking. At the same time, varenicline blocks nicotine from acting on the nicotinic receptors. This prevents any nicotine inhaled in tobacco smoke from having a rewarding and enjoyable effect.

One of the most commonly reported side effects of Champix is nausea. The advice is to take the tablets with food and the nausea should subside. If you are concerned then speak to a smoking cessation advisor.

What is better Champix or NRT?

According to research, Champix is more effective than singular NRT, however dual NRT is as effective as Champix. Deciding on which product to use comes down to patient choice. A smoking cessation advisor would discuss all NRT and Champix products with you and help you decide which product you would like to use.