3 minute read
Varenicline vs NRT vs bupropion vs cytisine
Effectiveness, side effects, health history, access and personal preference all matter in cessation treatment.
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.
There is no universally best stop-smoking medicine. The most effective practical option is one that is safe for you, controls your main withdrawal pattern and can be followed for the full course. Access and authorised regimens vary across European countries.
Varenicline and cytisine
Both act partially at nicotine receptors and do not supply nicotine. Varenicline commonly uses a gradual start around a quit date and may cause nausea or vivid dreams. Cytisine uses a product-specific tapering schedule with an early stop date. Kidney function, cardiovascular history, pregnancy and other risks influence choice.
Nicotine replacement
NRT is available in several forms and allows flexible combination of steady and rapid relief. It is familiar and can suit people who want control over breakthrough cravings. Skin irritation, mouth or throat effects and technique problems vary by formulation. Continuing to smoke heavily while using it should trigger advice, not secret dose changes.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-nicotine tablet that can reduce cravings for suitable adults. Insomnia, dry mouth and headache can occur. Seizure disorders, eating disorders, some alcohol or sedative withdrawal situations and multiple medicine interactions can make it unsuitable.
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
Compare options with a clinician or pharmacist using your medical history and past attempts. A planned switch after side effects is safer than abandoning treatment and returning to smoking without support.
Clinical sources used: World Health Organization clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults and the relevant medicine leaflet.
