There are currently two medications, available on prescription through your doctor, that can reduce withdrawal symptoms when you are ready to stop smoking. These can greatly increase the likelihood of making a successful quit attempt.
- Varenicline
- Bupropion
(both medications are on the PBS and cheaper if you have a health care card)
Research studies show that varenicline can more than double your chance of quitting, and bupropion nearly doubles your chance.
Medications will not completely stop all cravings, but they will help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This makes it easier for you to focus on changing the habits and managing the emotions that you associate with smoking.
Talk to your doctor if you would like to use medication to help you stop smoking.
The most effective way to stop smoking is counselling / behavioural support through a service such as Quitline, combined with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or quitting medication (varenicline/bupropion).
Varenicline
Varenicline works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and by reducing the satisfying effects of smoking. When you puff on a cigarette, nicotine travels through your lungs and into your bloodstream to your brain, where it attaches to receptors to release the brain-reward chemical, dopamine. Varenicline blocks these receptors and causes a release of a smaller but steadier amount of dopamine.
Usage
Varenicline is a 12-week course. The advice is to continue to smoke in the first week and to set a quit date for some time in the second week. As the dose builds up, cigarettes will start to be less desirable and it will be easier to cut down before stopping smoking in the second week. It’s important to take varenicline for the full 12 weeks, even if you’re feeling quite confident that you have successfully stopped smoking – varenicline can help prevent relapse.
Side effects
Most people on varenicline will have no side effects. The most common side effect is nausea, affecting about 3 out of 10 people. This may be eased by taking varenicline with food, or your doctor may recommend reducing your dose. Nausea is usually mild to moderate and fades with time. Other side effects might include having trouble sleeping and vivid dreams. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about any side effects you are experiencing.
Varenicline is not recommended if you are under 18, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Bupropion
Bupropion is an anti-craving medication to help people stop smoking and is available on prescription. Using bupropion can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, irritability and difficulty concentrating. Bupropion may also make smoking seem less rewarding.
Usage
Bupropion is a 9-week course. The advice is to continue to smoke in the first week of using bupropion and set a quit date for some time in the second week. It’s important to take bupropion for the full 9 weeks even if regular cravings have faded, as staying on bupropion can help prevent relapse.
Side effects
Most people on bupropion will have no side effects. The most common side effects are difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, anxiety or nausea. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about any side effects you are experiencing.
Bupropion is not recommended if you are under 18, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
