How to go Smoke Free
Nicotine replacement therapy and other stop smoking medicines
There are a range of different treatments available to help you stop smoking. In fact, if you use NHS support and a stop smoking medicine to help manage your cravings you are up to four times more likely to be successful!
You have probably heard about Nicotine Replacement Therapy (or NRT), but do you know about Zyban or Champix? Read this section to find out more.
Western Cheshire PCT Stop Smoking Service can help you access all treatment choices both quickly and easily.
- Phone: 0800 043 5134
- Text: 'quit4good' to 60777
- Complete the online form
- E-Mail: Quit@Quit4Good.org
Is Nicotine replacement right for you?
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) works differently to cigarettes. It does not contain toxic chemicals like tar or carbon monoxide, and does not cause cancer. NRT is suitable for most people, however you should check with your doctor OR stop smoking advisor if you are pregnant, have a heart or circulatory condition or if you take regular medication.There are lots of different products to choose from. The descriptions below will help you to understand your choices and we recommend that you speak to your doctor for further medical advice.
Product Type |
How it works |
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Nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream through the lining of the mouth |
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Nicotine patches are available in 2 types -24 hour patches and 16 hour patches and are placed on the skin to allow nicotine to be absorbed in a measured way into the bloodstream.
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These are small tablets containing nicotine which dissolve quickly under your tongue. |
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Lozenges are sucked slowly to release the nicotine and take about 20-30 minutes to dissolve. |
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Inhalators look like a plastic cigarette. The inhalator releases nicotine vapour which gets absorbed through your mouth and throat. If you miss the 'hand to mouth' aspect of smoking, these may suit you. |
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The spray delivers a swift and effective dose of nicotine through the lining of your nose. |
Other stop smoking medicines that can help
Product Type |
How it works |
Zyban |
Zyban is a treatment which changes the way that your body responds to nicotine. You start taking Zyban 1 to 2 weeks before you quit and treatment usually lasts for 8 weeks to help you through the withdrawal cravings. It's only available on prescription and is not available if you are pregnant or breast feeding, are under 18 years of age or have certain medical conditions. |
Champix |
Champix works by reducing your craving for a cigarette and by reducing the effects you feel if you do have a cigarette. You start taking Champix 1 to 2 weeks before you quit and treatment usually lasts for 12 weeks. It's only available on prescription and is not available if you are pregnant or breast feeding, are under 18 years of age or have severe kidney disease. Caution should be taken with those people with a previous history of Diabetes, Epilepsy, serious cardiovascular or respiratory disease or if you are currently on anti – depressant medication, or have ever suffered with mental ill health. In these instances you will need to see your doctor |
Your Free Local NHS Stop Smoking Service for Western Cheshire
Call to speak to a stop smoking advisor who will discuss the various support options available on 0800 043 5134 - Lines open 9.00 - 5.00 Monday to Friday.
OR
Text quit4good to 60777
OR
E-mail quit@quit4good.org
What is available locally?
Support available
One to One or Group
We offer individual one to one appointments or group sessions in various locations throughout Western Cheshire.
You can also visit your local pharmacy or GP practice in some areas.
Telephone Support
If you are too busy to attend a session we offer the same help and support over the telephone.
Pregnancy Support
If you are thinking of getting pregnant or are pregnant now and feel ready to try and quit, our Stop Smoking Midwife can offer a range of support services and treatments to help you. She also offers help to partners and family members.
Hospital Support
Are you waiting to have surgery? If so our Specialist Stop Smoking Nurse can offer you help and support to stop smoking before and after your hospital stay.
