Clinics
Quitting Smoking
Since the introduction of the smoking ban in the UK in July 2007, more and more people are trying to quit smoking and with the right determination and the right treatment, more and more are succeeding.
Following an online consultation with our UK registered doctor, Pharma.MyonlineDoctor can provide you with an online prescription for Champix, a non nicotine based medication to help you break the habit for good.
What is it?
Champix (varenicline) is a prescription treatment developed by Pfizer, which is designed to help smokers quit. It is a non-nicotine tablet, a fact which makes it different from most other existing therapies.
How does it work?
Champix tablets contain the active ingredient varenicline, a type of medicine called a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist. This means that it acts on the same receptors in the brain as nicotine does. It has two effects:
- It relieves the craving and withdrawal symptoms you can get when you stop smoking.
- It reduces the satisfaction a smoker receives when smoking a cigarette.
Main points to consider
- Studies indicate that about 4 in 10 smokers who want to quit smoking will be able to do so with the help of Champix.
- Start taking the tablets one week before the 'quit date'. The aim is to build up the dose so your body gets used to the medicine before the date you intend to give up for good. The usual advice is to start with 0.5mg daily for the first three days. Then 0.5mg twice daily on day´s four to seven. Then, 1mg twice daily for 12 weeks.
- The usual course of treatment is for 12 weeks. In some cases, a short 'tapering off' of the dose over a week or so may be helpful
For further Information please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully
About Nicotine Addiction & Smoking
Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that is inhaled from the tobacco in cigarettes. It enters the bloodstream and stimulates the brain. Most regular smokers are addicted to nicotine and it is historically noted as one of the hardest addictions to break.
About 2 in 3 smokers want to stop smoking but, without help, many fail. An addiction to nicotine is strong and very difficult to break.
When attempting to stop smoking, most smokers develop withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, inability to concentrate, irritability, dizziness, constipation or just feeling awful. Depending on the level of the habit, these symptoms can begin within a few hours after having the last cigarette. The withdrawal symptoms peak after about 24 hours, and then gradually ease over about 2-4 weeks.
Getting to know the hazards and effects of smoking is an important aid in giving up.
Giving up is the single best thing you can do to improve your health. You will reduce your risk of developing illness, disability or death caused by cancer, heart or lung disease, gangrene or amputation caused by circulatory problems. You will improve your fertility levels and your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby. You will improve your breathing and general fitness. You will protect the health of those around you by not exposing them to secondhand smoke.
Smoking Cessation is never easy. Most people are unable to succeed on will power alone. However with modern smoking cessation products and medications, quitting has become very much a possibility.
Nicotine gum, sprays, patches, tablets, lozenges, and inhalers are available. Using one of these roughly doubles your chance of stopping smoking if you really want to stop. A pharmacist, GP, practice nurse or Stop Smoking Clinic can advise about NRT.
