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10 myths about stop smoking treatments

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding stop smoking medicines such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and prescription tablets. Here are 10 common myths, and the truth behind them.

1. MYTH: Stop smoking treatments don't really work

THE FACTS: Research suggests that nicotine replacement therapies and the prescription stop smoking tablets (Champix and Zyban) can double and sometimes even triple your chances of successfully quitting.

All stop smoking treatments work best when used as part of a programme that includes:

  • setting a quit date
  • committing to the `not a drag' rule
  • having a plan for dealing with things that make you reach for a cigarette
  • getting support from a doctor or trained stop smoking adviser

Read more about how the NHS Stop Smoking Service can help you quit.

2. MYTH: Nicotine therapy causes cancer

THE FACTS: This is wrong. Nicotine doesn't cause cancer. It's the other toxic chemicals in cigarettes, such as tar and carbon monoxide, that damage your health. Nicotine replacement therapy gets nicotine into your body without the dangerous poisons.

3. MYTH: It's dangerous to use more than one nicotine replacement product at a time

THE FACTS: No, it isn't. In fact, using more than one product at a time - known as combination therapy - can be a good thing as it often increases your chances of success. A popular strategy is to use nicotine patches to reduce everyday cravings plus a nasal spray, gum, lozenges, inhalator or mouth spray for sudden cravings.

Read more about how to cope with cravings.

4. MYTH: Champix will make me feel depressed

THE FACTS: Champix has been linked with occasional reports of depression and even suicidal thoughts. However, recent research has shown that there is no evidence that Champix increases the risks of suicide and depression.

In fact, more than six in every 10 people who used it with the support of their local stop smoking service stopped smoking for a month or more.

Talk over any concerns with your doctor or NHS stop smoking adviser beforehand, especially if you've had depression or another mental illness before. Be aware of your moods while you're taking the tablets and tell your doctor if you notice any change.

Read the patient information leaflet for Champix (PDF, 410kb).

5. MYTH: Nicotine replacement therapy is expensive

THE FACTS: You can get NRT either free, or on prescription at a cost of £8.05 each week from your local NHS Stop Smoking Service or your GP. That's up to a third cheaper than buying your patches or gum from the pharmacy and is a lot cheaper than continuing to smoke.

As with a lot of medication, it's important to complete the full course, in this case to make sure you're properly weaned off nicotine.

Zyban and Champix are nicotine-free pills you take to reduce your craving for tobacco and withdrawal symptoms. In studies, Champix has been shown to work better than Zyban. 

6. MYTH: Stop smoking treatments will cure me

THE FACTS: NRT and prescription medicines are not a miracle cure. They reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms but they don't make them go away completely.

You will still need to put a lot of effort into quitting but, as thousands of ex-smokers will testify, the medications really help.

7. MYTH: I can't use stop smoking treatments if I'm pregnant

THE FACTS: If you're pregnant, it's a great time to quit as smoking is much more dangerous to you and your baby.

Talk to your stop smoking adviser or midwife about your treatment options. Though the prescription tablets Champix and Zyban are not recommended in pregnancy, NRT products such as patches, gum, lozenges, microtabs, the inhalator and nasal sprays can be helpful if you're finding it hard to quit.

You can also call the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline on 0300 123 1044. 

Read about stopping smoking in pregnancy.

8. MYTH: I've had a heart attack so I can't use NRT

THE FACTS: Nicotine replacement therapy has been shown to be safe in most people with heart disease. However, because nicotine can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before using nicotine replacement products if you've had a heart attack or if you have serious heart problems, such as an irregular or rapid heartbeat (arrhythmia) or chest pain (angina).

9. MYTH: Nicotine replacement products are as addictive as smoking

THE FACTS: Most people using nicotine products do not become dependent on them. In fact, the biggest problem with NRT is that people don't use enough of it for long enough. The nicotine from patches, gum and so on is released into your system much more slowly and in a different way than nicotine from a cigarette. Your body absorbs it more slowly and less reaches your brain, making it easier to stop using it at the end of your course.

10. MYTH: I shouldn't take Zyban because it causes seizures

THE FACTS: There is a very small risk of having seizures (fits) when using Zyban. The risk increases if you've had seizures in the past. Therefore, it isn't recommended for anyone with a condition such as epilepsy.

Read the patient information leaflet for Zyban.

Now, read more about the smoking treatments available on the NHS.




Article provided by NHS Choices

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