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Stop Smoking

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  • UK-registered clinical team
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  • No GP visit needed
    No GP visit needed
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    Fast & discreet delivery

We understand the importance of quitting smoking for countless health reasons at Oxford Online Pharmacy, so we are pleased to offer a stop-smoking service.

Stopping smoking is a challenge. The biological addiction to nicotine, the temptation of a psychological addiction and a set smoking ‘routine’ can make quitting difficult. However, with help from our healthcare professionals, you can buy stop-smoking medication and treatments that can increase your chance of quitting, helping you enjoy a smoke-free life.

You can contact a healthcare team member to learn more about our stop-smoking service and treatments.

How to stop smoking?

Around 40% of smokers will die from a smoking-related illness, so if you really want to quit smoking, then our online pharmacy can help.

You are four times more likely to quit smoking with a medicine that blocks the effects of nicotine on the brain.

Nicotine is a drug that stimulates the brain, as a regular smoker, you will notice withdrawal symptoms when your blood level of nicotine falls. This may leave you feeling irritable, restless, anxious or hungry.

How long does it take to stop smoking?

While it may take up to three months for your brain chemistry to return to normal, cravings typically begin to fade in strength and frequency during the first week and are gone entirely in one to three months after you stop smoking.

What happens when you stop smoking?

There are endless benefits of quitting smoking with our stop smoking tablets, so what happens to your body when you stop smoking?

You will notice several health benefits of giving up smoking within days:

  • Improved sense of smell and taste

  • Lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and lung cancer

  • Improvements in blood pressure, asthma, diabetes and circulation

  • Younger-looking skin and whiter teeth

  • Improved fertility

Some people worry that if they stop smoking, they will put on weight. There may be a few added pounds in practice, but the benefits of an improved healthy lifestyle and added fitness can quickly prevent this problem. Simply do more exercise, as two and a half hours of exercise per week is recommended for the average adult.

Comparing stop-smoking treatments

 

Varenicline

Cystine

NRT

Champix

Zyban

Availability

Yes

Yes

Yes

Discontinued

Discontinued

Active Ingredient

Varenicline

Cystine

Nicotine

Varenicline

Bupropion

Type

Prescription-only

Prescription-only

Over the counter

Prescription-only

Prescription-only

Form

Tablet

Tablet

Patches, gum, lozenges

Tablet

Tablet

Dosage

Stepped dosage

Stepped dosage

As required

Stepped dosage

Stepped dosage

Function

It reduces cravings for nicotine like NRT, but it also blocks the rewarding and reinforcing effects of smoking.

Mimics the effects of nicotine.

Provides you with a low level of nicotine without the chemicals.

It reduces cravings for nicotine like NRT, but it also blocks the rewarding and reinforcing effects of smoking.

It is thought to have an effect on the parts of the brain involved in addictive behaviour.

Timeline

12 weeks

25 days

8-12 weeks

12 weeks

7 to 9 weeks

How to order stop-smoking treatments?

You can order Varenicline (generic Champix) through the online doctor's service at Oxford Online Pharmacy.

We offer a free online consultation with a GMC-registered doctor. If you are approved, the doctor will provide you with a private prescription for stop-smoking medications.

References

  1. The use of bupropion SR in cigarette smoking cessation - PMC

  2. Varenicline for smoking cessation in individuals who smoke cigarettes and use electronic cigarettes: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial - ScienceDirect

  3. Cytisine for smoking cessation - PMC

  4. Nicotine replacement therapy versus control for smoking cessation - PMC

  5. Harms caused by smoking | Background information | Smoking cessation | CKS | NICE

  6. Stop smoking treatments - NHS

Authored on March 11, 2025

Stuart Gale (Pharmacist)

Stuart Gale (Pharmacist) - BSc (Hons) MRPharmS

Pharmacist and Owner

GPhC Number: 2039889

Reviewed on March 11, 2025

Need Help - Stop Smoking

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