Quitting medicines and NRT
There are two types of medications that can be used to help you quit smoking – prescribed tablets and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which can be purchased without a prescription.
Prescribed quit smoking medications
How well do quit smoking medications work?
Do I need a prescription for a quit smoking medication?
How much do quit smoking medications cost?
Who should use quit smoking medications?
Where can I buy quit smoking medications?
How do I use quit smoking medication?
Do quit smoking medications have side effects?
Can I try a quit smoking medication more than once?
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Prescribed quit smoking medications
In Australia, there are two prescribed medications available that are designed to help people quit smoking:
These medications can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating and insomnia. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
How well do quit smoking medications work?
Quit smoking medications help many people to quit smoking, but may not work for everyone. Your doctor can help you to decide if quit smoking medications are right for you. Quit smoking medications are used in combination with other counselling support like that provided by the Quitline – 13 7848. Quitline counsellors can give you tips and strategies for dealing with triggers and cues to smoke, while the medication helps to manage feelings of nicotine withdrawal and cravings.
Do I need a prescription for a quit smoking medication?
You will need a prescription from your doctor who will tell you if the medication is right for you.
How much do quit smoking medications cost?
You can get quit smoking medications at a cheaper price through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) if you have a Medicare card. There is a further discount available if you have a concession card.
Who should use quit smoking medications?
It’s important for you to discuss your individual situation with your doctor to decide if a quit smoking medication is right for you. Tell your doctor if you are on any medicines, have any medical conditions (including mental health conditions) or allergies, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Quit smoking medications are not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
Where can I buy quit smoking medications?
Your prescription can be filled by your local pharmacist.
How do I use quit smoking medication?
Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding when and how often to take your medication.
Do quit smoking medications have side effects?
As with all medicines, side effects can occur. Talk to your health professional about possible side effects.
Can I try a quit smoking medication more than once?
It’s best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about which quit smoking medication will suit you best when you’re ready to try quitting again.
While you are taking your quit smoking medication, try to work on your stress management and strategies for beating the habit.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
NRT products provide small, measured doses of nicotine, helping people who are quitting smoking deal with nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and restlessness. They come in a variety of different forms including:
- Nicotine patches
- Faster-acting forms of NRT:
- chewing gum
- mouth lozenges
- mouth spray
- inhalator that has a vapour that is inhaled.