3 minute read
How stop-smoking medicines work
Treatment can replace nicotine safely or act on nicotine receptors to reduce cravings and the reward from smoking.
DIRECT ANSWER
An online consultation lets an EU-licensed doctor review your case and, if appropriate, issue an electronic prescription; each pharmacy decides whether it can dispense it.
Doctor reply in under 2 hours
Average doctor reply under 2 hours; at night and on public holidays it can take longer, always within 24 hours. A prescription only if appropriate.
EU-licensed doctors
Every case is reviewed by an EU-licensed doctor.
Electronic prescription
Each pharmacy decides whether it can dispense an approved prescription; some do not accept PDF prescriptions.
HOW IT WORKS
From consultation to collection
- 1
Consultation
Answer a secure medical questionnaire online.
- 2
Doctor reviews
An EU-licensed doctor personally assesses your case.
- 3
Prescription only if appropriate
The doctor replies in under 2 hours on average and issues a prescription only if it is clinically appropriate.
- 4
Collect at the pharmacy you choose
Take an approved prescription to the pharmacy you choose; each pharmacy decides whether it can dispense it.
Stop-smoking medicines do not make the decision for you, but they can reduce withdrawal enough to let new routines take hold. The World Health Organization recommends behavioural support alongside effective options including nicotine replacement, varenicline, bupropion and cytisine.
Nicotine replacement therapy
Patches deliver nicotine steadily without tobacco smoke, while gum, lozenges, sprays or inhalator-style products can address breakthrough cravings. Combining a long-acting patch with a faster product is useful for some adults. Correct strength and technique matter; underdosing can leave withdrawal untreated.
Medicines that act on nicotine receptors
Varenicline and cytisine partially stimulate nicotinic receptors. This can ease cravings while reducing the rewarding effect if a cigarette is smoked. Their schedules and availability differ, and they are not taken together unless a specialist explicitly directs it.
Bupropion and behavioural support
Bupropion changes noradrenaline and dopamine signalling and can reduce withdrawal in suitable adults, but seizure risk and interactions require screening. Counselling, brief clinician advice, phone support and digital tools add practical skills. Medication and support address different parts of dependence and can work better together.
When to seek help
Seek urgent help for chest pain, a seizure, a severe skin or allergic reaction, or thoughts of self-harm. New or marked changes in mood or behaviour should be discussed promptly. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent cardiovascular events, kidney disease, seizure history, mental-health treatment and other medicines can change the safest option.
What to prepare for a medical review
A practical review covers cigarettes or other tobacco used per day, time to the first cigarette, previous quit attempts, withdrawal pattern, alcohol or other triggers, current medicines, health history and preferred quit date. The aim is not to judge motivation. It is to match support and, where appropriate, medication to the moments when relapse is most likely.
A calm next step
Discuss previous quit attempts, not just cigarettes per day. What caused relapse (morning withdrawal, stress, social drinking or side effects) helps choose the next treatment and the right intensity of follow-up support.
Clinical sources used: World Health Organization clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults and the relevant medicine leaflet.
