Quit SA - What medications are there

What medications are there

There are two types of medically approved aids to quitting in Australia:

Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Zyban - a non-nicotine medication
Champix - a non nicotine medication

Nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is the collective name for a range of products containing small amounts of nicotine that are designed to help people stop smoking. These include nicotine gum, patches, inhaler and lozenges. These help smokers quit by replacing some of the nicotine they normally get from their cigarettes with nicotine absorbed through the skin (patches) or the lining of the mouth (bum, lozenges). This eases some of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and irritability.

Research shows that using NRT doubles the chance of successfully quitting compared to using willpower alone and the people most likely to benefit from the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy products are heavier smokers and those who receive some other form of support (eg Quitline) at the same time.

Nicotine Replacement Therepy (NRT)

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Zyban

Bupropion Hydrochloride (Zyban) is a non-nicotine medication recognised as a smoking cessation aid. It is only available with a doctor’s prescription. It acts on the parts of the brain that are affected by nicotine. It seems to reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms such as frustration and anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness and negative mood.

Some people should not take it, including people who:

have ever had seizures
have had head injuries
take some anti-depressants (MAO inhibitors)
take other medication containing bupropion
have, or have had, eating disorders

It is very important to discuss thoroughly and completely with your doctor, your suitability to use Zyban.

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Champix

Champix (also known as Varenicline) is a non-nicotine drug to aid with smoking cessation. It comes in tablet form and works by affecting the receptors for nicotine in the brain. This produces an effect that relieves the craving and withdrawal symptoms you can get when you stop smoking. At the same time, Champix prevents any nicotine inhaled in tobacco smoke from having a rewarding and enjoyable effect.

Some people should not take Champix if:

They are allergic to any of the ingredients that Champix contains;
Are under 18 years of age; or
Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Before being prescribed Champix by a doctor, it is important to disclose:

allergies to any other medicines, foods, etc;
a history of kidney problems, haemodialysis treatment or repeated fits or convulsions; or
a history of mental illness.

For more information on Champix, which has been tested and has shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms, and improve the likelihood of successful quitting, see our information sheet below. Please note, as with any drug, champix does have varied side-effects.

Champix

No medication will work effectively unless you are committed to quitting.

That means that you are prepared to work at dealing with all aspects of your smoking, not just the addiction.

If you also get some help from your doctor, or other health professional, or call the Quitline 13 7848, your chances of success are even better.

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