Stop Smoking Treatments Product Information
How do stop smoking treatments work?
Stop smoking treatments contain an active ingredient that targets and stimulates nicotine receptors in the brain, mimicking some of the effects of nicotine, but at a much lower intensity.
This helps to reduce cravings for cigarettes and alleviates withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced when an individual stops smoking.
Stop smoking treatments also block nicotine from binding to nicotine receptors, which normally triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with short-term pleasure and reward.
This mechanism reduces the pleasurable effects of smoking, making cigarettes less satisfying.
Stop smoking treatments come in two doses - 0.5mg and 1mg. The 0.5mg tablet to stop smoking is available in the Starter Pack, while the 1mg tablet to stop smoking is available in the Maintenance Pack.
When should I start taking stop smoking treatments?
Stop smoking treatments are formulated to be taken two weeks before an individual’s planned quit-smoking date.
How do I take stop smoking treatments?
Start the treatment 1 to 2 weeks before your planned quit-smoking date.
From days 1 to 3, take one 0.5mg stop smoking tablet per day, swallowing each tablet whole with water. The 0.5mg tablet to quit smoking is white in colour and comes as part of the Starter Pack for this treatment.
From days 4 to 7, increase the treatment dose to two 0.5mg stop smoking treatments per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.
From day 8 onwards, take two 1mg stop smoking treatments per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. The 1mg tablet to quit smoking is light-blue in colour and comes as part of the Maintenance Pack for this treatment. Continue this dosage for the remaining 11 weeks of the treatment.
The full course of the treatment to stop smoking typically lasts for 12 weeks. For individuals who successfully quit smoking during this initial period, an additional 12-week course of treatment is recommended to help prevent a relapse.
During these additional 12 weeks, the individual should take two 1mg stop smoking tablets per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your regular schedule - do not take an extra dose to make up for the one missed.
Stop smoking treatments can be taken with or without food. While the medication is highly effective in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it is important to remember that quitting smoking also requires willpower and motivation to stop smoking.
How effective are stop smoking treatments at helping someone to quit smoking?
The efficacy of stop smoking treatments depends on the mechanism of the active ingredient.
For instance, research has shown that 44% of participants taking stop smoking treatments containing an active ingredient that targets nicotine receptors successfully quit smoking after 9 to 12 weeks of treatment.
This was notably higher than the success rate of other treatments to stop smoking, which contain other active ingredients that have differing mechanisms of action.
Where can I buy stop smoking treatments in the UK?
You can buy stop smoking treatments from Pharmica for fast, discreet UK-wide delivery, provided you are eligible for treatment. Complete our free online consultation for stop smoking treatment today to get started.
How long does it take to quit smoking using stop smoking treatments?
Stop smoking treatments can help individuals to quit smoking within 2 to 12 weeks of treatment. The exact time frame depends on factors such as the individual’s willpower to quit smoking.
Individuals who do not relapse during treatment may be able to quit smoking in as little as 2 weeks using only the starter pack.
In contrast, relapses could require the individual to continue to take stop smoking treatment maintenance packs from the end of the 2nd week of treatment, for a maximum of 12 weeks.
Individuals should not take stop smoking treatments if they are still smoking after a full course of treatment, which consists of 12 weeks.
Can you still smoke while taking stop smoking treatments?
Stop smoking treatments gradually reduce nicotine dependency, which can cause some individuals to continue to smoke during treatment. While this is fine to do, it is recommended to try to muster the willpower to stop smoking during treatment.
Individuals who still smoke after 12 weeks of taking stop smoking treatments should cease treatment and consult a GP or doctor.
Individuals who have managed to quit smoking after 12 weeks of taking stop smoking treatments are advised to take a follow-up course of treatment for another 12 weeks.
Who cannot take stop smoking treatments?
Stop smoking treatments should not be used by individuals who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the treatment.
Additionally, individuals with a history of cognitive conditions such as depression or anxiety should consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking stop smoking treatments.
Individuals affected by kidney diseases are also advised to speak with a pharmacist or doctor before taking stop smoking treatments, as a dosage adjustment may be required to prevent adverse effects caused by potential interactions between stop smoking treatments and certain other medications.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of stop smoking treatment, and it is within 3 hours of your next scheduled dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Conversely, if you miss a dose and there are still at least 3 hours until your next scheduled dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
Do not take two doses of stop smoking treatments at once to make up for the missed dose, and remember to take each stop smoking tablet consistently at the same time each day.
Can I use more than one type of stop smoking treatment together?
We do not advise using more than one type of stop smoking treatment at the same time, as doing so can increase the side effects of the treatments without enhancing their efficacy.
This is particularly true of taking nicotine replacements alongside stop smoking treatments, as the nicotine content in nicotine replacement treatments such as gums and patches can excessively stimulate nicotine receptors, resulting in side effects such as nausea, headaches and dizziness.
Can I drink alcohol while taking stop smoking treatments?
Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity to alcohol while taking stop smoking treatments, as the treatment can enhance the effects of alcohol on the central nervous system, altering the brain's neurotransmitter response.
Therefore, we recommend limiting the consumption of alcohol during treatment and discussing your alcohol use with your healthcare provider before using stop smoking treatments.