No neuropsychiatric side effects from NRT medication, study reveals

Friday, April 29, 2016

According to a report published in the Lancet, a study of more than 8000 people has shown that concerns about Nicotine Replacement Therapy medications, Champix and Zyban, increasing the incidence of serious neuropsychiatric side effects compared to placebo, are unfounded. The study is the largest of its kind.

Stuart Gale, chief pharmacist and owner of Oxford Online, commented: "Nicotine is a drug that stimulates the brain. When a regular smoker attempts to quit, they experience withdrawal symptoms caused when there is a fall in the blood level of nicotine. This can result in feelings of irritability, restlessness, anxiety and hunger.

"NRT, available in the form of nicotine patches, tablets, lozenges, gum and nasal sprays from your pharmacy, can be very effective in easing the symptoms. Research has shown that people using NRT, as part of their efforts to stop smoking, are four times more likely to succeed.

Dr Helen Webberley, our dedicated GP added: "Champix and Zyban have both been shown to be very effective in some patients to help with long-term smoking cessation, and while we should always be mindful of side effects, these have to be weighed up with the risks and benefits of treating the patient versus their continued smoking."

For further information about how you can quit for good, visit your local pharmacy or check our Stop Smoking page.