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Health

Smoking cessation pills

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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According to their principle of action, all smoking cessation pills are divided mainly into three types:

  1. nicotine substitutes – contain nicotine or cytisine (a substance that has an effect on the body similar to a smoked cigarette).

These types of drugs act like cigarettes, i.e. they irritate nicotine receptors and cause a reaction similar to that which occurs when smoking a cigarette. Such pills help eliminate the greatest danger of smoking – inhaling harmful substances released with cigarette smoke. Also, nicotine replacement pills prevent the development of signs of addiction, i.e. a condition when the body requires another dose of nicotine. When taking pills, the withdrawal syndrome manifests itself minimally or disappears completely, since the body receives what it requires. The downside of these types of pills is that the addiction to nicotine (or substances replacing it) remains.

  1. drugs that act on specific areas of the brain where nicotine addiction occurs. These drugs include antidepressants, complex drugs that reduce the symptoms of smoking cessation, stress experienced by the body during smoking cessation, and cravings for cigarettes.
  2. drugs that bind to receptors in the brain and suppress the ability of nicotine to cause pleasure and addiction, resulting in an aversion to smoking. It is worth noting that the well-known folk remedy for cigarette addiction - soaking a cigarette in milk and smoking it - has a similar effect, the taste of a cigarette causes disgust at a reflex level. Herbal smoking cessation pills can also be attributed to this group.

Indications for the use of smoking cessation pills

Smoking cessation pills are used for nicotine addiction, when it is impossible to quit smoking on your own for some reason. Smoking cessation drugs are used to break the bad habit with minimal consequences for the body.

Instructions for smoking cessation pills

Smoking cessation pills should be used after consultation with a doctor.

The effectiveness of drugs for nicotine addiction depends on the patient's desire to quit smoking, otherwise the treatment will not lead to the desired result.

The tablets are taken daily, according to the instructions. In case of chronic diseases or the appearance of side effects, the dosage is reduced or the drug is completely discontinued. The course of treatment usually lasts 3-4 months, after a short period the course of treatment can be repeated if necessary.

Interactions of smoking cessation pills with other drugs

Smoking cessation tablets containing cytisine should not be taken simultaneously with anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Smoking provokes an increase in the CYP1A2 enzyme; when you quit smoking, the concentration of certain medications in the blood may increase, which is important when using targeted therapeutic agents (clozapine, tacrine, etc.)

According to clinical data, no interaction of smoking cessation tablets with other drugs has been identified.

Storage conditions for smoking cessation pills

Smoking cessation tablets should be stored in a place protected from light and moisture. Also, the drug should be kept away from children.

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Best before date

Smoking cessation pills are stored for an average of two years if storage rules are followed and the packaging is not damaged.

Names of smoking cessation pills

Smoking cessation pills are divided into several types, depending on the method of action.

  • Nicotine-containing drugs are the most effective and are not contraindicated in ischemic heart disease, depression (Tabex, Cytisine).
  • Receptor blockers reduce dependence on nicotine, eliminate the sensitivity of receptors responsible for pleasure, and alleviate the symptoms of nicotine addiction (varenicline, champix).
  • Antidepressants (Zyban, Nosnok) are aimed at suppressing psychological dependence on cigarettes.
  • Homeopathic remedies (ceres, tabacum, corrida-plus) are made from herbs and plants.

Nicotine-containing smoking cessation pills are more effective when combined with antidepressants. Herbal pills are the safest for health and have virtually no side effects.

Good results are shown by drug therapy and psychotherapeutic methods of influence used in parallel.

After treatment, for a number of reasons (nervous tension, environment), a breakdown may occur and the person may return to the bad habit. In this case, a second course of treatment may be required, the positive effect of which will be much higher.

Tabex tablets for smoking

Tabex smoking cessation tablets are nicotine-containing drugs. The main substance is cytisine, which has properties similar to nicotine. When Tabex enters the body, it excites nicotine receptors, resulting in reactions that begin in the brain during smoking. The drug's action leads to strong excitation of receptors, as a result of which the effect of smoking increases, the taste of the cigarette becomes unpleasant, which at a reflex level causes aversion to smoking. The drug also reduces the manifestation of addiction (craving for smoking).

Tabex affects the body in two directions. On the one hand, it creates an aversion to cigarettes, on the other hand, it reduces the desire to smoke.

Tabex should be taken according to the scheme. At the first stage of treatment (in the first three days) take one tablet six times a day (every 2 hours), while the number of cigarettes smoked per day should be reduced.

Then, if the three-day course of treatment has shown positive results, continue taking it according to the scheme specified in the instructions. If there is no therapeutic effect, Tabex treatment is stopped and resumed after several months.

Brizantin tablets for smoking

Brizantin smoking cessation tablets, due to the components included in their composition, reduce the craving for smoking and affect the psycho-emotional state of the patient, making the process of quitting smoking easier.

The drug is taken 2-3 times a day, 2-3 tablets. The tablet must be kept under the tongue until completely dissolved. If the craving for smoking has become greater, then you can increase the daily dose to 5-6 times (one tablet).

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Champix pills for smoking

Champix smoking cessation pills act directly in the brain. By binding to nicotine receptors when nicotine enters the body, Champix acts suppressively on the receptors and the person does not get pleasure from smoking. If nicotine does not enter the body, the drug stimulates the receptors, reproducing the effect of nicotine. In this case, the addiction decreases, and the process of quitting smoking occurs almost unnoticed.

Champix is taken according to the scheme. The drug is taken in the first three days at 0.5 mg once a day, then from the 4th to the 7th day at 0.5 mg in the morning and in the evening, starting from the 8th day and until the end of treatment (complete smoking cessation) take 1 mg in the morning and in the evening.

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Evalar tablets for smoking

TM Evalar Smoking Cessation Tablets are made from natural plant components. Such preparations are homeopathic and have virtually no side effects. The use of homeopathic remedies causes an aversion to nicotine and also reduces the manifestation of cigarette addiction.

Nicorette smoking cessation tablets

Nicorette smoking cessation tablets contain nicotine, which suppresses the desire to smoke when it enters the body. The drug also effectively combats the manifestation of nicotine addiction (irritability, desire to smoke, etc.).

The dosage of the drug is selected individually, taking into account the degree of nicotine addiction. Usually, 8-12 chewable tablets of 2 mg per day are prescribed. If the treatment does not bring the expected result or the addiction to nicotine is very strong, chewable tablets of 4 mg are prescribed. It is recommended to take no more than 24 tablets per day.

The course of treatment is three months, if the craving for smoking remains after this period, the treatment can be continued (up to 12 months maximum). In case of overdose, symptoms of nicotine intoxication appear (nausea, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, convulsions, vomiting, possible paralysis of the respiratory center).

Corrida smoking cessation pills

Corrida smoking cessation pills are made from plant components. The complex composition of the drug has an aversive effect, i.e. it causes an aversion to smoking. If you want to smoke a cigarette, you need to put one tablet of the drug under your tongue until it dissolves completely. The taste of the tablets themselves, combined with the action of the main components of the drug, suppress the desire to smoke; after several days of taking it, an aversion to cigarettes appears.

It is allowed to take no more than one tablet at a time, up to 30 tablets can be dissolved per day (with each desire to smoke). The course of treatment is one month, in case of strong nicotine addiction, the duration of taking the drug can be extended for another three weeks. If after treatment it was not possible to overcome nicotine addiction, the course of treatment can be repeated (as already mentioned, each subsequent course of treatment is more effective).

Zyban smoking cessation pills

Zyban smoking cessation pills (another name is Bupropion, Bupron, Nosmok, Wellbutrin) are used to reduce severe symptoms that occur during smoking cessation. The drug is also used to treat depression, chronic fatigue, and as a painkiller. To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is recommended to use the drug in a course. Treatment with Zyban should be started even before complete smoking cessation; from the second week of using the drug, it is necessary to completely give up cigarettes.

After using the drug, the craving for nicotine decreases and the addiction disappears.

Zyban can be purchased with a doctor's prescription.

It is recommended to use the drug according to the schedule, without changing the dosage. During the week of treatment, take 1 tablet per day, then 2 tablets (1 tablet 2 times per day) until the end of the course of treatment.

Thai smoking cessation pills

Thai smoking cessation pills (herbal balls for nicotine addiction) are made from natural ingredients. They contain medicinal herbs that reduce cravings for smoking, cause aversion to cigarettes, in addition, the drug soothes, removes toxins and is a preventive measure for diseases of the bronchi and lungs.

Thai tablets are produced in the form of round balls that need to be sucked. The reduction of nicotine addiction occurs gradually over the course of a month. It is recommended to suck from 3 to 8 balls per day, the course of treatment is 4 months.

Tobacos tablets against smoking

Tobacos smoking cessation tablets develop an aversion to cigarettes after a few days of treatment. During treatment, one tablet is taken every two hours. The course of treatment is from one to several months.

Zyban smoking cessation pills

Zyban smoking cessation pills are atypical antidepressants, specially designed to help you quit smoking easily.

The drug does not contain nicotine or its substitutes, but Zyban helps to cope with nicotine addiction. The drug's effectiveness lies in its ability to reduce the severity of symptoms that occur when quitting smoking.

Herbal Smoking Cessation Pills

Nicotine addiction is deadly, millions of people die every year from cigarette-related diseases. However, it is not easy to give up this harmful habit, most people cannot quit smoking on their own.

There are several basic methods that can help a person give up a bad habit. Among them are medications, hypnosis, acupuncture, etc.

Herbal smoking cessation pills are also highly effective and will help you get rid of nicotine addiction quite easily.

Preparations based on Indian tobacco (lubelia) effectively reduce the craving for smoking. The plant contains a substance that serves as a nicotine substitute, in addition, a calming effect is observed.

Preparations based on oats are very helpful in overcoming bad habits.

Wild oats (wild oats) are a plant closely related to oats, are a weed and are quite widespread. Wild oats are the main source for creating smoking cessation drugs, as they have anti-nicotine properties. After use, there is a significant reduction in cravings for smoking, even in patients with strong nicotine addiction.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) during smoking cessation not only helps reduce cravings for cigarettes, but also improves memory, since smokers often suffer from forgetfulness.

Magnetic pills for smoking

Smoking cessation pills, acupuncture, herbal medicine, hypnosis – among the wide variety of smoking cessation products, one can note a set for massaging biologically active ear zones. This innovative product allows you to overcome not only nicotine addiction, but also marijuana and spice addiction.

The Zerosmoke system is represented by two magnets of different sizes, which should be placed on certain areas of the auricle (outside and inside). The principle of action of the magnets is an acupuncture effect on certain areas of the auricle, which leads to the activation of the brain areas responsible for addiction to nicotine and the pleasure of smoking.

Biomagnets are fixed in a certain place (indicated in the instructions) and are held by attraction to each other (the larger magnet is fixed to the inside of the ear, the smaller one to the outside). Magnets should be worn for 2 to 4 hours a day (it is recommended to use them during rest).

The use of the magnetic set is not recommended during pregnancy, for patients with a pacemaker, defibrillator or other electromedical devices.

The magnetic system is quite affordable, with its help a person can get strong psychological support during smoking cessation. The set can be used at a convenient time, and no preliminary consultation with a specialist is required. In addition, dieting, limiting physical or other activity is not required, using the magnetic set does not affect a person's normal lifestyle.

The magnetic system can be used in combination with medications or other treatments.

Method of administration and dosage

Smoking cessation pills are used depending on the active substance, its concentration in one pill. Nicotine-containing drugs are usually taken one pill each time the desire to smoke arises. In this case, nicotine pills act as a cigarette substitute - the body receives nicotine, and the area of receiving pleasure is activated in the brain. It is allowed to take from 8 to 20 pills per day (depending on the drug, the daily dose may change). Gradually, the number of pills consumed decreases, nicotine addiction decreases, and an aversion to cigarettes appears.

Other nicotine-free drugs, some herbal tablets, etc. are taken 1-2 tablets per day. The course of treatment is from three weeks to one year. Depending on the drug, the tablet regimen may vary.

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Using Smoking Cessation Pills During Pregnancy

When a woman becomes pregnant, she has a powerful incentive to quit smoking. Ideally, she should quit this bad habit several months before conception, but often the pregnancy was not part of the woman's plans, and she did not maintain a healthy lifestyle during conception and until she found out about her condition. Smoking during pregnancy is deadly for the child, and it is vital to quit this habit. However, many smoking pills can be harmful to the health of the future baby, so before quitting smoking with the help of medications (even herbal ones), you should consult a specialist.

The safest way to quit smoking for a pregnant woman is to simply quit smoking, but not everyone succeeds. During the quitting process, you can visit a psychotherapist or narcologist who will provide psychological support and help overcome the addiction.

Doctor-prescribed medications are usually relatively safe for a child, provided all recommendations are followed. But in any case, smoking cessation pills are much safer than cigarettes.

Some women use Zyban tablets to quit smoking. This drug is an antidepressant and can only be used by pregnant women in extreme cases as prescribed by a doctor. There is no correct and effective method for treating nicotine addiction in pregnant women (and not only), and most likely you will have to try several drugs (methods) before finding the right one.

Contraindications to the use of smoking cessation pills

Smoking cessation pills are contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components, during pregnancy, and in case of allergic reactions. Smoking cessation drugs are contraindicated for use in childhood and adolescence under 18 years of age.

Some tablets are contraindicated in cases of heart disease (arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, etc.), schizophrenia (some forms), peptic ulcer and other gastrointestinal diseases, liver and kidney failure, etc.

Before using the drug, you must read the instructions.

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Side effects of smoking cessation pills

The most common side effect of smoking cessation pills is intolerance to any component. In this case, the patient begins to experience muscle pain, a rash and itching appear on the body.

The pharmacological properties of the drugs can cause increased blood pressure, a burning sensation behind the chest, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, nausea, abdominal cramps, dizziness, insomnia or drowsiness, headaches, and bowel disorders.

Overdose

Smoking cessation pills, if not taken in the recommended dosage, can cause weakness, vomiting, severe nausea, and rapid heartbeat. Overdosing on the drug can cause pallor and convulsions. If left untreated, respiratory paralysis can develop, which will ultimately lead to death.

If you suspect an overdose, you should seek help immediately. Treatment is best done in a hospital setting (gastric lavage, administration of water-salt solutions, glucose, anticonvulsants).

Best Smoking Cessation Pills

Smoking pills are currently the most common form of treatment for nicotine addiction. There are many drugs on the pharmaceutical market that help overcome the painful craving for smoking. However, all these drugs are not a panacea for smoking, no drug can help to quit smoking if a person does not have the desire to do so, in addition, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the body: what helps one person is completely ineffective for another.

All smoking cessation medications are rather an auxiliary therapy that helps to overcome the body's addiction to nicotine. Some people need to get rid of the psychological dependence on cigarettes, others need to overcome the physical factor.

Often, due to an initially incorrect approach to treating nicotine addiction, the desired result is ultimately absent.

All smoking cessation aids are divided into two types: those containing nicotine (or its substitute) and those that do not. People who have been smoking for more than five years are recommended to begin treatment with nicotine-containing drugs. Those who have been smoking for less than five years tend to have a greater psychological dependence on cigarettes, when a person reaches for a cigarette during a stressful situation, after drinking alcohol, or just for company. In this case, it is better to use drugs that do not contain nicotine or its substitutes.

Price of smoking cessation pills

The price of smoking cessation pills ranges from 100 to 1000 UAH per package.

Reviews of smoking cessation pills

Smoking cessation pills, according to reviews, are the most effective form of treatment for nicotine addiction. Pills are widely used among smokers who have already tried to quit smoking and are familiar with the manifestations of the addiction syndrome.

Pills that cause aversion to cigarettes help people who have independently (not under pressure from loved ones and others) made the final decision to give up the bad habit. If you give a smoker pills to stop smoking without his knowledge, the therapeutic effect will be minimal, since there is no formation of the reflex "smoked - disgust - quit smoking".

Drugs that do not create aversion but help to cope with severe manifestations of nicotine addiction are effective when the patient wants to quit smoking gradually. Such drugs help well in the initial stages of treatment, providing support in the desire to give up the bad habit.

Smoking cessation pills effectively help overcome the craving for cigarettes if the patient himself wants it. If a person does not want to quit his habit, but does so under pressure from loved ones, others, etc., then the expected effect of the treatment, i.e. complete cessation of smoking, will not occur. Even if after the end of the course of treatment the person holds out and does not smoke for some time, there is a high probability that he will return to the bad habit again.

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to assess the degree of dependence on smoking, which is individual for each person, and then select pills for smoking. With a high degree of dependence on cigarettes, a person smokes more than 20 cigarettes a day, experiences a strong desire to smoke in the morning, after waking up, when trying to quit the bad habit, a strong craving for smoking and symptoms of dependence appear (irritability, increased appetite, weakness, malaise, etc.).

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Smoking cessation pills" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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