Comparing the best treatments to help you quit smoking
Comparing the best treatments to help you quit smoking
Everyone knows the risks associated with smoking, so why not stop for good? That being said, quitting smoking isn’t the easiest, and it often requires a lot of willpower.
Whether this is your first time quitting smoking or you have been in this position before, we have compiled a list of stopping smoking treatments for you to compare that will help you with your journey.
What is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)?
Most people don’t pick up a cigarette because they like how it tastes; they pick up a cigarette because they are addicted to the nicotine in them.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps you to quit smoking by providing you with a small amount of nicotine, which helps to curb your cravings. NRT is a much safer alternative to cigarettes as they are free from the poisonous chemicals that can be found in tobacco smoke.
There are many NRT products to choose from, such as inhalators and sprays, gums and lozenges, and nicotine patches and tablets.
What are inhalators and sprays for stopping smoking?
Nicotine patches can control cravings throughout the day.
They provide a steady level of nicotine.
Patches are available in 24-hour patches and 16-hour patches.
The patches are ideal for anyone who wakes up in the middle of the night craving a cigarette.
They are ideal for breaking the body language associated with smoking a cigarette.
Patches are an excellent choice for when you cannot smoke, such as on a flight or in a meeting.
Prescription tablets to help you stop smoking
If you have tried over-the-counter (OTC) stopping smoking aids and they have been unsuccessful, then you might want to consider prescription medications to help you.
Zyban is most effective if you are fully committed to giving up smoking.
Zyban tablets contain the active ingredient bupropion, which reduces nicotine cravings.
You start your course of Zyban whilst you are still smoking, with a target stop smoking day usually planned for the following week. This is because it takes about a week to start working.
Zyban can be taken with or without food.
The duration of the treatment typically lasts for around 9 weeks in total.
Varenicline tablets work by reducing the enjoyment of cigarettes while reducing your cravings and helping to combat withdrawal symptoms.
The tablets are nicotine-free and are designed to help you stop smoking for good.
You will start the tablets whilst you’re still smoking, with a date to quit set within the first two weeks. If you can’t set a date within the first two weeks, you may choose a target date within the first five weeks of treatment.
Varenicline comes in two tablets: white and blue. You start by taking the white tablet before moving to the blue one.
Varenicline tablets are simple to take, making them easier to stick with.
The tablets provide a gradual reduction of nicotine dependence in smokers, alongside relieving withdrawal symptoms.
The treatment lasts for 25 days and is one box of tablets.
The active ingredient in these tablets is plant alkaloid cytisine, which has a chemical structure similar to nicotine.
Comparing the different stop smoking treatments
*Please note that this table refers to the lowest dose and isn’t specific to brands. Different doses may change success rates, in addition to brands having varying results.
Patches
Inhalators & sprays
Gums & Lozenges
Prescription treatments
Convenience
They can be applied to the skin, controlling your cravings throughout the day
They can be used in place of regular cigarettes and taken with you on the go
They can be constantly kept on you, ready for when the cravings hit
In 2023, ONS data[9] showed that 11.9% of adults aged 18+ were still smoking, equivalent to approximately six million people. Another five million[10] people aged 16+ use e-cigarettes. However, the number of people smoking is dropping each year, and when you quit, your body starts to repair itself straight away.Â
After 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure start to come down. After 48 hours, food starts to taste better, and your sense of smell sharpens. Within a few weeks, you’ll breathe easier and feel fitter. Stick with it for a year, and your risk of a heart attack drops by half. These aren’t vague promises; they’re real, proven changes that happen quicker than you think. Â
“As pharmacists, we see the struggles daily, but also what works. Here are some simple, effective ways to give yourself the best chance this Stoptober.
Use more than one aid: A nicotine patch keeps cravings steady, but gum, spray or lozenges are there for any sudden urges. Using both together works better than one on its own.Â
Know your triggers: If you always smoke with coffee, keep gum ready. If stress sets you off, try a fast-acting spray.Â
Plan for cravings: They only last a few minutes, so have a go-to action: drink water, chew gum, step outside, or wait it out. Â
Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up: One cigarette doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Reset straight away and carry on. Â
See the money pile up: Most smokers spend about £50 a week on cigarettes or tobacco. Put that money aside, and after one month, you’ve got £200 saved, and after a year, £2,200 saved. Â
Quit with someone else:Quitting with someone else will help you keep your motivation up, and you can encourage each other. It could be a partner, a friend, or even regular check-ins with your pharmacist. Â
Change your routine: If you usually smoke after lunch, go for a walk instead. Little changes break the habits that keep smoking automatic."
Ayesha Bashir, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U
If you are thinking about quitting smoking or are ready to give up, you now know all the treatments available to help you quit and stay smoke-free.
Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and comes with an array of benefits. For more information on quitting smoking, visit the NHS website.
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