Cytisine is a tablet that could help you stop smoking

Relieves cravings and other common withdrawal symptoms It doubles your chances of stopping smoking It doesn’t contain nicotine

How can Cytisine help you stop smoking?

Cytisine doesn’t contain nicotine, but mimics its effects. It could help you to handle withdrawal symptoms and overcome cravings when you decide to stop smoking. Our pharmacy team can prescribe Cytisine following a consultation.

Taken in tablet form, Cytisine binds to the same receptors in your brain as nicotine. As a result, it tricks your brain into thinking you’ve smoked a cigarette.

Nicotine cravings and other common withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking are reduced.

Research shows Cytisine is as effective as nicotine replacement therapy, like gum and patches.

Cytisine could be a helpful option:

• For smokers who’ve tried to stop before
• For smokers who’ve failed with other cessation methods Studies show it’s twice as effective as a placebo to help people quit smoking

Who can take Cytisine?

If you’re a smoker aged between 18 and 65, Cytisine could help you take control of your habit and quit.

Women taking the pill should be aware that Cytisine makes your medication less effective. Consider using an additional barrier method of contraception, such as condoms. Alternatively, talk to your doctor about switching to a long-term contraceptive method like the coil, which can be 99% effective.

There are some exceptions. Cytisine is not suitable if you have a history of stroke or liver, kidney and heart problems. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking Cytisine.

How to take Cytisine

Each pack of Cytisine contains 100 tablets, enough for a 25-day complete quit treatment. If Cytisine doesn’t work this time, you can try again in two to three months when you’re ready to make another serious attempt to quit.

Cytisine should be taken with water. Take your first dose when you wake up in the morning. Then, set a phone reminder for your second dose. If you do forget a tablet, don’t double up your medication.

Plan your quit date no later than the fifth day of your treatment. Smoking again after your final cigarette could worsen the harmful effects of nicotine.

When should I take Cytisine?

Day 1-3: Take 6 tablets daily, with 1 tablet every 2 hours Day 4-12: Take 5 tablets daily, with 1 tablet every 2.5 hours Day 13-16: Take 4 tablets daily, with 1 tablet every 3 hours Day 17-20: Take 3 tablets daily, with 1 tablet every 5 hours Day 21-25: Take 2 tablets daily, with 1-2 tablets a day

What happens if you smoke when taking Cytisine?

You can continue to smoke in the very early stages of taking Cytisine. However, you should definitely stop smoking before the fifth day of taking your medication.

Continuing to smoke after this time means you run the risk of worsening treatment reactions. Taking more Cytisine than you should can result in symptoms like sickness and nausea, feeling generally unwell, breathing problems, blurred vision and convulsions.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical advice immediately.

What are the side effects of Cytisine?

Like all medications, Cytisine has a risk of side effects. These potentially adverse side effects can vary from minor to more serious. However, they may not affect everyone.

Some of the most common side effects (those experienced by more than 1 in 10 people) include:

Changes in appetite (usually an increase) Dizziness Mood changes Sleep problems Headaches High blood pressure Slow heart rate Dry mouth Diarrhoea Sickness Nausea Heartburn Fatigue Rash Muscle pain

Please read the patient information leaflet for more information on possible side effects.

Can Cytisine cause weight gain?

Nicotine is an effective appetite suppressant. Therefore weight gain can be an expected outcome when you stop smoking. Gaining weight is a common side effect of using Cytisine as a result of nicotine withdrawal. A healthy nutrition plan and exercise could help you control your weight.

How long does Cytisine take to work?

The standard treatment course is 25 days. You’re likely to notice the benefits of reduced cravings and other withdrawal symptoms quite soon after you start your Cytisine journey.