Stop Smoking Treatment

Overview

Evidence-based help to stop smoking, combining behavioural support (through services you access) with prescription options such as varenicline where appropriate. NHS stop-smoking services and local pharmacies remain important partners; this private route adds choice for people who meet safety criteria.

Treatment options (UK context)

• Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) - patches, gum, sprays (often first line in pregnancy and many comorbidities)
• Varenicline (Champix) - reduces cravings and withdrawal; requires mental health and kidney screening
• Bupropion - less commonly used first line; not interchangeable without prescriber review

Who needs face-to-face or specialist review first

• Under 18
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (prefer NRT under midwife or GP guidance)
• Severe kidney disease or dialysis (varenicline dosing needs adjustment)
• History of seizures or eating disorders (product-specific cautions)
• Serious mental illness requiring hospital care (shared decision with psychiatry)
• Recent heart attack or unstable angina (stabilise with GP / cardiology first)
• MAOI antidepressants or other interacting medicines

Private suitability

• Adults 18+ committed to a quit date within a short planning window
• Stable enough to complete a remote questionnaire honestly
• Understanding that mood changes are possible and that urgent help (for example Samaritans, NHS 111, 999) must be used if unsafe thoughts appear

Common questionnaire topics

• Cigarettes per day or equivalent tobacco use
• Previous quit attempts and what helped or failed
• Heart, psychiatric, seizure, kidney, and pregnancy screening
• Medicine choice (for example Champix vs generic varenicline)
• Supply length and review fee before payment

The fixed medical review fee for this indication is £8.00.

This fee covers the independent clinical assessment carried out by your reviewing doctor, including reviewing your medical questionnaire, checking suitability and safety, and making a prescribing decision where appropriate.

The review fee is charged once your request is submitted for clinical assessment and is non-refundable after the review has been completed.