Smoking

It’s estimated that around 7,000 people in Ireland die from smoking related diseases every year, even though these deaths are preventable. Despite the well publicised risks of smoking, many people feel unable to quit because they’re addicted to nicotine, which is just one of the 4,000 toxic chemicals contained in cigarette smoke.

Whilst thousands of people try to quit smoking with the help of patches, gum and similar treatments, many people find it impossible to get past their addiction to nicotine. If you’re serious about wanting to quit smoking, you should consider taking a prescription medication treatment that will make a new smoke-free life much easier. Champix is one such medication; it’s an aid that can help you quit smoking within 12 weeks.

What are the dangers of smoking?

Smoking is directly linked to long-term, painful conditions as well as terminal illnesses. If you decide to quit smoking, you will reduce your risk of developing health problems such as:

• Cancer of the lungs, liver, throat, mouth and bladder
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Infertility
• Heart disease and stroke
• High blood pressure
• Impotence
• Cervical cancer
• Kidney failure

Smoking is also linked with health problems in those who are exposed to second-hand smoke; it’s known to trigger breathing problems like asthma in passive smokers.

Why should I stop smoking?

If you quit smoking, your health will improve. It will also improve your looks as grey, wrinkled and damaged skin will return to its natural colour. Your senses will improve; you’ll enjoy the taste of food and drink and be able to smell things better. Your personal hygiene will also improve because your breath won’t be so bad, your teeth will become less stained and you’re less likely to develop gum disease.

Choosing to quit smoking will benefit your bank balance too; a 20-a-day habit will cost over £2,000 to maintain each year.

Which treatment will help me to quit smoking?

If you complete a consultation with one of our doctors, they will take into account your medical history and will suggest a treatment for you.

The most commonly used treatments involve nicotine replacement therapy in the form of a pill, patch, gum, inhaler or spray; however, you don’t need a prescription to buy these treatments. They can be bought over the counter, but they aren’t the most effective aid because just 17% of people remain smoke-free after their first attempt.

Another option you could explore is counselling or therapy. This will help you to understand why you smoke and help you try to overcome your cravings.

What is Champix?

Champix is the most effective quit smoking method available on the market. It has a higher success rate than rival medication Zyban, which is the only other prescription drug that helps you stop smoking. Depending on how long you continue treatment for, Champix has a success rate of between 50% and 70%.

How can I tell if it’s working?

You should keep in mind that certain medications might work with your body better than others, so you might need to try more than one quit smoking aid before deciding on a course of treatment.

Over time, using your medication should discourage you from smoking more and limit your nicotine withdrawal symptoms so it’s easier to cope with quitting smoking.

You can complete a consultation online with one of our registered doctors, who will assess your medical history and health before prescribing Champix to help you quit smoking.

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