Quitting Smoking
Quitting at any age improves your health, and the benefits start within days. Most people take several attempts, so a slip is not a failure. Support plus medicine gives you the best chance.
Treatment options
Ratings show how strong the research is.
- Strong evidenceQuitline and quit appsCall 13 7848 (13 QUIT) for free phone coaching and a quit plan. The iCanQuit website and My QuitBuddy app also help. Works best alongside medicine.
- Strong evidenceCombination nicotine replacementA daily patch plus a fast-acting gum, lozenge, spray or inhalator for cravings. Works better than one type alone. Patches are cheaper on a PBS script.
- Strong evidenceVareniclinePrescription tablet, PBS-subsidised. The most effective single medicine. Start 1 to 2 weeks before your quit date and take for about 12 weeks. Nausea is common, so take it with food.
- Strong evidenceCytisineA plant-based tablet that works like varenicline. Now available as a pharmacist-only medicine for adults. Ask your pharmacist or GP.
- Strong evidenceBupropionPrescription tablet, about as effective as nicotine replacement. Not suitable if you have seizures or an eating disorder.
- Moderate evidenceNicotine vapesHelp more people quit than nicotine replacement in trials, but long-term safety is unknown and none are TGA-approved. Pharmacy only: adults after a talk with the pharmacist; under 18s need a prescription. Plan to stop vaping too.
- Limited evidenceHypnosis or acupunctureLittle good evidence they help.
- Not recommendedIllegal vapesNot from a pharmacy, often with undeclared nicotine and chemicals. Avoid.
What you can do
- Set a quit date and stop completely on that day.
- Know your triggers (coffee, alcohol, stress, after meals) and plan a swap.
- Cravings pass in a few minutes: delay, drink water, move.
- Withdrawal (irritability, poor sleep, hunger) peaks in the first few days and usually settles within 2 to 4 weeks.
- A pack a day costs over $15,000 a year. Use the savings for rewards.
See your GP if
- You want a prescription medicine or help choosing one
- You are pregnant, under 18, or have heart or mental health conditions
- You take clozapine, warfarin or insulin, as doses may need changing when you stop smoking
Stop the medicine and see a doctor promptly if you notice major changes in mood or behaviour while taking varenicline or bupropion. For thoughts of self-harm, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000.
Evidence and more information
- Healthdirect: Medicines to treat nicotine dependence
- Quit: Australia’s vaping regulations
- RACGP: Supporting smoking cessation
- Cochrane: Medicines to help people stop smoking
maladywise.com/quit-smoking/