Smoking Cessation treatments
Explore information about Smoking Cessation. An independent doctor decides whether a prescription is appropriate. Dispensing and delivery depend on a valid prescription, the available route and an independent licensed pharmacy.
Choose a treatment to review
Pricing is indicative where shown. Final route, fulfilment, and whether treatment is clinically appropriate remain subject to independent doctor review. Check platform, independent doctor, pharmacy and delivery charges before payment. A listed medicine amount is not a complete route quotation.
Champix (Varenicline)
Champix (varenicline) for smoking cessation: dosing, contraindications, precautions and adverse effects for discussion with a healthcare professional.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Learn about NRT patches, gum, lozenges and inhalers for smoking cessation. Dosage, efficacy, and guidance from doctors via Prescrivia.
Zyban (Bupropion)
Learn about Zyban (Bupropion) for smoking cessation. How this non-nicotine prescription medicine works, dosage, and side effects via Prescrivia.
About smoking cessation treatments
Tobacco smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the European Union. According to WHO data, tobacco kills approximately 700,000 people in the EU each year. The health consequences of smoking are well-established: it is causally linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, stroke, and numerous other serious conditions. Despite widespread awareness of these risks, nicotine dependence is a recognised chronic relapsing disorder that makes cessation profoundly difficult without appropriate support.
Nicotine acts on reward pathways in the brain, producing dependence through both physical and psychological mechanisms. When a smoker attempts to quit, withdrawal symptoms — including cravings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and disturbed sleep — can be severe and are a primary driver of relapse. This is why the World Health Organization classifies tobacco dependence as a medical condition warranting treatment.
Clinical evidence consistently demonstrates that the combination of pharmacological support and behavioural counselling produces the highest cessation rates. Prescription options authorised for smoking cessation, depending on the product and country, include varenicline (sold under the brand name Champix) and bupropion (originally an antidepressant, repurposed for smoking cessation). Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) — available in patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, and nasal spray formulations — provides another effective option for reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Access to evidence-based smoking cessation support through a qualified medical professional can significantly improve the chances of a successful and sustained quit attempt.
Available treatments
The following medications are described here for smoking cessation. Independent doctors make prescribing decisions. Licensed pharmacies dispense only where approved and available. This comparison is provided for informational purposes only.
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Class | Typical Course Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varenicline (Champix) | Varenicline | Nicotinic receptor partial agonist | 12 weeks (extendable to 24) |
| Bupropion | Bupropion HCl | Atypical antidepressant (NDRI) | 7–9 weeks |
| Nicotine replacement therapy | Nicotine | NRT (patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler) | 8–12 weeks |
Key distinctions:
- Varenicline (Champix): Considered the most effective single pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in clinical trials, with quit rates approximately three times higher than placebo at 12 months. Taken as a standard tablet twice daily after an initial titration period. Not suitable for adolescents under 18.
- Bupropion: An atypical antidepressant with dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition activity. Supports cessation by reducing cravings and withdrawal. Important contraindications include seizure history and eating disorders.
- Nicotine replacement therapy: Reduces withdrawal symptoms by providing nicotine without tobacco combustion products. Over-the-counter formulations are available without prescription; higher-dose or combination NRT may be discussed with a doctor.
How to get smoking cessation treatment online
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary. We do not prescribe medications, employ doctors, or sell medicines. Our platform collects your health assessment for review by an independent licensed prescriber.
The process:
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Complete a health assessment — Answer a structured set of medical questions covering your smoking history, nicotine dependence level, previous quit attempts, current medications, mental health history, and relevant medical conditions.
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Independent doctor review — An independent doctor reviews your assessment. If a prescription smoking cessation medication is clinically appropriate, the doctor may issue a prescription. If contraindications are identified, the doctor will advise on alternative options.
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Pharmacy fulfilment — A valid prescription does not guarantee dispensing or delivery. An independent licensed pharmacy checks lawful supply, stock and an available supply route for the destination country.
Important: Prescrivia does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. Prescribing decisions are made entirely by independent medical professionals.
How we compare
| Through Prescrivia | In-person GP appointment | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Online assessment, subject to platform availability | Subject to appointment availability |
| Wait time | Review time depends on clinical needs and availability | Depends on appointment availability |
| Travel required | No | Yes |
| Prescribing decision | Made by independent doctor | Made by your GP |
| Ongoing monitoring | Supported via follow-up assessments | Managed by your GP |
| Cost | Transparent pricing displayed upfront | Varies by country and healthcare system |
Note: Smokers with complex psychiatric histories, those taking multiple medications with significant interaction profiles, or pregnant women should seek in-person consultation for smoking cessation support. Prescrivia’s platform complements but does not replace comprehensive quit programmes that include behavioural support.
Sources
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Champix (varenicline) — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
- World Health Organization (WHO). Tobacco — Key facts. who.int
- Cahill K, et al. Pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation: an overview and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013.
Medical information may change as clinical guidance is updated. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Availability, dispensing and delivery depend on the country, clinical assessment, pharmacy and applicable law. A Spanish-language page does not establish eligibility for supply in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
- How does an online assessment for smoking cessation medication work?
- Yes. Prescrivia connects patients with independent doctors who can review your health profile and, where clinically appropriate, issue a prescription for smoking cessation medication. A pharmacy may dispense after confirming a valid prescription, applicable requirements, stock and availability for the destination. Dispensing and delivery are not guaranteed.
- What is varenicline (Champix) and how does it work?
- Varenicline is a partial agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It reduces cravings by partially stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain, and reduces the rewarding effects of smoking by blocking nicotine from fully binding to those receptors. Clinical trials demonstrate significantly higher quit rates compared to placebo and comparable or superior efficacy to bupropion.
- Is bupropion safe for everyone?
- Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizures, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, or those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It also has interactions with various other medications. A thorough medical assessment is essential before it is prescribed. The reviewing doctor will evaluate your full health profile.
- Do I need prescription medication to stop smoking?
- Not necessarily. Many people successfully quit using over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) — patches, gum, lozenges, and inhalers — without prescription medication. However, prescription medications such as varenicline and bupropion have demonstrated higher cessation rates in clinical trials and may be appropriate for those who have not succeeded with NRT alone or who have a high level of nicotine dependence.
- How long does a course of smoking cessation medication typically last?
- The standard treatment duration for varenicline is 12 weeks, with an optional additional 12-week course to further consolidate abstinence. Bupropion treatment is typically 7–9 weeks. Nicotine replacement therapy is generally used for 8–12 weeks, though duration may be extended based on individual need.
Intermediary notice: Prescrivia connects patients with independent doctors and licensed pharmacies. We do not provide medical advice, employ doctors, or sell medicines. All medical decisions are made by independent healthcare professionals, and prescription-only medicines require a valid prescription. Treatment is not guaranteed — whether a prescription is issued depends on an independent doctor's clinical assessment.
Ready to begin your assessment?
Complete a short health assessment and, where clinically appropriate, connect with an independent doctor for review.
Prescrivia is not a doctor or pharmacy — it is a technology platform. Any prescription decision is made by an independent doctor; medicines are dispensed by licensed pharmacies only where available.