Video Transcription

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

VO: Quitting smoking is different for everyone, and some people need help along the way. That’s why there are medicines available that can help you fight smoking addiction. Nicotine Replacement Therapy – or NRT – controls nicotine withdrawals and makes it easier to quit the smokes. When you use NRT the way you’re meant to, it can double your chances of quitting. Sure, it isn’t magic medicine, but it does reduce cravings, irritability, mood swings, and anxiety. There are a few different types of NRT.

You can get patches, which go on your skin and last for a day, or there are tablets, gum, inhalers, or lozenges that last for 1 to 2 hours. You can get NRT medicines from pharmacies, some supermarkets, or your local health service. Even better, two courses of patches are free each year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from a chemist, with a prescription from your doctor. There are other medicines available by prescription from your doctor that help you stop smoking: Varenicline, commonly known as Champix, and Bupropion, commonly known as Zyban.

Some people can receive these at a lower cost. These medicines reduce withdrawal symptoms when you quit. Varenicline also works by blocking the nicotine receptors in your brain to make smoking less satisfying. They aren’t suitable for everyone, so you should talk to your doctor or health worker to find out if they’re right for you. Whatever NRT or medicine you use, have a quit plan in place as well. This will help give you the best chance of quitting and staying quit. So, if you don’t want to make smokes your story, ask your doctor, health worker, or pharmacist about NRT medicines today. They’re a great way to help you get rid of the smokes for good. Combining other support with NRT increases your chances of success even more. Talk with your doctor or health worker, call the Quitline, download the My QuitBuddy or Quit for You, Quit for Two app, or visit australia.gov.au/quitnow.