The NHS outlines its strategy for helping smokers quit using Varenicline, which NHS data shows gives people the best chance of kicking the habit once and for all
Varenicline is a pill that works differently to gums and patches because it does not contain nicotine.
Instead the daily tablet gets in the way of nicotine in the brain so you don’t enjoy it as much if you use a cigarette. Smokers can gradually reduce cigarettes since they can start taking it before quitting.
The NHS states that Varenicline reduces the cravings for nicotine and helps with the withdrawal symptoms such as the urge to smoke again, feeling depressed or irritable and difficulty sleeping.
A review of medical data from 654 general practices in England suggested almost three in ten people who tried to quit using the pill were no longer smoking two years later. The national review, led by Bristol University and published in the Lancet, showed 28.8% had quit two years later using Varenicline compared to 24.3% for nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gums, lozenges, sprays and inhalers.
All drugs come with the risk of side effects and this one has been linked to nausea, vivid dreams, insomnia, anxiety, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, and change in appetite. However many of these symptoms are thought to be caused by the nicotine withdrawal.
Varenicline must be prescribed on the NHS by a GP, pharmacist or stop smoking adviser and smokers can access it via NHS Stop Smoking Services.
The NHS states you will normally be offered a one-to-one appointment with an adviser, but many areas also offer group and drop-in services as well. The venue could be a local GP surgery, pharmacy, high-street shop, or even a mobile bus clinic. You may be able to join sessions by phone or video call if you cannot go in person.
Jennifer Percival, who trains stop smoking advisers, says that using both treatment and specialist support is proven to give you the best chance of stopping smoking. She said: “The majority of people who see an adviser will get through the first month after quitting without smoking a cigarette. Overall, you’re up to three times more likely to stop smoking for good if you use a combination of stop smoking treatment and receive support from an NHS Stop Smoking Service.”
At your first meeting with an adviser you will talk about why you smoke and why you want to quit as well as any attempts you’ve made to quit in the past. You will also be able to decide on a quit date.
Jennifer said: “You don’t need to be sure you want to quit or have a quit plan in mind before this meeting.
“You can use the time to talk your situation through with the adviser without making a commitment. If you do decide to quit, the adviser can help you form an action plan and set a quit date, usually in a week or so.
“No one is forced to use treatment but we’ll encourage it because the results are better. We can help you decide which type of treatment is right for you and how to use it.
“In some cases, we can directly supply you with the treatment before you leave, or we can arrange for you to receive a prescription or a voucher for it.”
Smokers are offered weekly face-to-face meetings or phone contact with their adviser for the first four weeks then less frequently.
Jennifer added: “If you do relapse we won’t judge or nag you or take it personally. We’re a friendly face that understands how difficult it is to quit, and we’ll help you get back on track to becoming a non-smoker.”
Click HERE to access NHS Stop Smoking Services.
