Comparing the best treatments to help you quit smoking

Person snapping cigarette

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?

  • Inhalators and sprays can control sudden nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Inhalators can help keep your hands busy and mimic the action of smoking.
  • Each inhalator usually provides you with 20 minutes of puffing.
  • Stopping smoking sprays are available in different flavours.
  • One to two sprays are recommended every 30 minutes.
  • Less nicotine is released from a puff of an inhalator than a drag of a cigarette, so it might be necessary to inhale more often than when smoking.

What are stop smoking nicotine gum and lozenges?

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  • Gum often comes in a refreshing, minty flavour.
  • You can easily slip gum or lozenges into a bag or draw so they are readily available whenever your cravings hit.
  • Gum can be used every two hours by itself to control nicotine cravings.
  • Nicotine lozenges can be used every one to two hours to control nicotine cravings.
  • Lozenges and gum are discreet options for quitting smoking.

Turning down a cigarette

What are nicotine patches?

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  • 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.

What are Zyban tablets?

  • 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.

What are Varenicline tablets?

  • 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.

Cytisine tablets

  • Cytisine tablets work by reducing nicotine cravings in smokers.
  • 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.

crushed cigarettes

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 Simple and easy to take
Strength 7mg Inhalators: 10mg Sprays: 1mg Gum: 2mg Lozenges: 1mg Zyban: 150mg Varenicline: 1mg Cytisine: 1.5mg
Long-term success rate 11.8% Inhalators: 11-13% Sprays: 13.8% Gum: 16% Lozenges: 23% Zyban: 19% [6] Varenicline: 13.9% [7] Cytisine: 47.3% [8]

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.

James O'Loan - CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist
James O'Loan , CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist on 03 July 2025
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