1st line for smoking cessation.

Restriction: As part of a smoking cessation programme or during inpatient stay only.

Nicotine replacement therapy is funded by Public Health. GPs should not routinely prescribe; patients should be directed to a local provider of stop smoking services to access support and treatment.

Self Care Medicine-Available OTC for self-care.

Bupropion HCl Tablet 150mg M/R

2nd line for smoking cessation.

Restriction: As part of a smoking cessation programme only.

APC Advice: Varenicline (Champix®), revised May 2008. 

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy remains the pharmacological agent of choice for smoking cessation.
• Consider varenicline or bupropion if NRT ineffective, not tolerated or inappropriate.
• Only use as a component of a smoking cessation programme. 
• Current evidence is insufficient to recommend an additional treatment course in those who have stopped smoking after the initial 12 weeks of therapy

MHRA/CHM advice: Bupropion (Zyban®): risk of serotonin syndrome with use with other serotonergic drugs (November 2020)

Varenicline Tartrate Tablet 0.5mg 
Varenicline Tartrate Tablet 1mg
Varenicline Starter Pack (11 x 500mcg Tabs + 14 x 1mg Tabs)

2nd line for smoking cessation.

Restriction: As part of a smoking cessation programme only.

APC Advice: Varenicline (Champix®), revised May 2008. 

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy remains the pharmacological agent of choice for smoking cessation.
• Consider varenicline or bupropion if NRT ineffective, not tolerated or inappropriate.
• Only use as a component of a smoking cessation programme. 
• Current evidence is insufficient to recommend an additional treatment course in those who have stopped smoking after the initial 12 weeks of therapy