Smoking Cessation
Smoking cessation means stopping combustible tobacco and managing nicotine dependence. A planned quit attempt with behavioural support can be combined with medicine when benefits outweigh individual risks.
Key takeaways
- Cravings, irritability, low mood, sleep disruption and poor concentration are common withdrawal symptoms and usually change over time.
- A quit plan should address triggers, social support, previous attempts and use of cigarettes, vaping products or other forms of nicotine.
- Varenicline, bupropion and nicotine replacement work differently and have distinct contraindications and adverse effects.
Catalogue matches do not select a quit medicine or account for pregnancy, seizures, mental health, kidney function or interactions.
Why can quitting feel difficult?
Nicotine repeatedly activates brain reward pathways, while routines link smoking to stress, meals or social cues. Withdrawal is real, but a lapse does not make an attempt a failure; the plan can be adjusted around what triggered it.
How are medicines used?
Medicines may reduce cravings or the reward from smoking and work best with practical support. Choice depends on previous response, health conditions and patient preference. Combining products or continuing to smoke can change exposure and adverse effects; see addiction recovery.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for suicidal thoughts, seizure, severe allergic reaction, chest pain or serious breathing difficulty. New severe mood or behavioural change after starting a quit medicine needs prompt clinical advice.