Stop smoking medication

You’re more likely to successfully give up smoking with the support of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service combined with stop smoking medication, rather than willpower alone.

There are 7 types of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

All NHS stop smoking medication and support in Scotland is free.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a way of giving your body nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking or chewing tobacco.

Types of NRT

You can take it in various ways, including:

  • patches
  • gum
  • inhalator
  • microtabs
  • lozenges
  • nasal spray
  • mouth spray

How NRT works

NRT works by gradually reducing your body’s addiction by using a low dose of clean and therapeutic nicotine. This doesn’t contain the other harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke such as carbon monoxide and tar. NRT should reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.

How long should NRT be used for

NRT should be used for an 8 to 12 week period but it’s best to check your individual product for guidance.

Some long-term NRT users experience mild withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.

NRT is safe to use as a tool to help you stop smoking and stay stopped.

It’s best not to use it long term but its still a better option than returning to smoking. This is because it only contains nicotine and not the other harmful chemicals you find in cigarettes.

Where to get NRT

NRT is available to everyone free from your community pharmacy, stop smoking adviser or GP. This will also give you access to additional support through your prescriber. Medication and support will increase your chances of stopping and staying stopped.

How to use NRT

The best way to use NRT is to start using it from your ‘quit date’. If you haven’t been able to, or don’t want to, stop smoking at once on a target quit date, you can use NRT for several weeks alongside ‘cutting down to quit’.

Read more about cutting down to quit

NRT and pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, it’s best to stop smoking without the use of NRT. If you’re struggling to stop through willpower alone, your health professional or stop smoking adviser may advise you to use NRT.

It’s important to talk to your doctor, midwife, pharmacist or stop smoking adviser before using NRT. They can help you to weigh up the risks of continuing to smoke against the benefits of stopping by using NRT.

Any small risk from NRT to mothers and babies is far outweighed by the much greater risk of continuing to smoke during pregnancy.

Read more about smoking and pregnancy

Other stop smoking medication

Speak to your local pharmacy or stop smoking adviser to find out if other types of stop smoking medication are available to you.

Quit Your Way Scotland

Contact Quit Your Way Scotland for advice on choosing the best medication for you.

Last updated:
19 December 2022

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