Quitting smoking

Stopping smoking can be difficult, but with the right help, chances are you'll succeed. At the pharmacy, we are ready to support you in this process. It is important to realize that quitting smoking is not just about willpower, but that you can also enlist help to guide you through this process.

Why quit smoking?

Smoking is harmful to your health, you probably already know that. But did you know that smoking also causes poorer fitness, less energy and dull skin? When you quit, you often feel fitter and healthier within just a few weeks. You taste and smell better, your breath smells fresher and you get more air. It is also better for those around you if you quit smoking, because second-hand smoke is also harmful.

There are no good reasons to keep smoking. Maybe you think you can't quit because you've been smoking for a long time. But it's never too late to quit! Every day you don't smoke has positive effects on your health.

Addiction to nicotine

Many people start smoking out of curiosity or because others are doing it. Often you think you can easily quit whenever you want. Unfortunately, this often turns out to be more difficult than thought. This is because your body quickly gets used to the nicotine in cigarettes. Nicotine provides a temporary pleasant feeling, but when it wears off, you often feel tense and restless. This gives you the urge to smoke again. This creates an addiction.

Nicotine is the substance that prompts your body to take a cigarette again and again. This makes it difficult to just quit, but with the right approach, it is certainly possible.

What can we do for you?

In the pharmacy, we can help you with nicotine replacements or medications that support you in quitting. For example, you can think of nicotine patches, chewing gum or mouth spray. These products make your body less dependent on nicotine, so you are less likely to reach for a cigarette.

You can also discuss with your doctor or primary care physician whether a medication such as bupropion or nortriptyline is right for you. These medications reduce the urge to smoke and help make withdrawal symptoms more tolerable. With help from a coach or guidance, the chances of success are much higher than if you try it alone. And the good news is: these counseling and resources are often covered by your health insurance, so you don't have to pay for them. More on that below.

'Help' to quit smoking

Medications can help you reduce symptoms after quitting smoking. Some medications also make you crave a cigarette less. You usually get these medications along with counseling on quitting. There are two types of medications that can help: nicotine replacement and prescription drugs.

Nicotine replacements
Nicotine replacements help with symptoms that arise after quitting smoking, such as moodiness, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, poor concentration, chills, tingling in hands and feet, slower heartbeat, increased appetite and weight gain. You can buy nicotine replacements without a prescription at the pharmacy or drugstore.
Sometimes your health insurance company will reimburse you for nicotine replacements, but you will need a prescription. Check with your health insurance company or doctor.
Important information about nicotine replacements:
- Nicotine replacements come in different forms: patches, chewing gum, lozenges to suck, under the tongue, mouth spray and inhalant. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist about which form is best for you and how to use it.
- In some cases, you may not be allowed to use nicotine replacement, such as during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or if you have (or have had) cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking is still very important. Consult your doctor for extra help in quitting.
- You must stop smoking before you start using nicotine replacement. If you continue to smoke and use nicotine replacement, you will ingest too much nicotine. This can lead to side effects and serious heart problems.
Other medications
There are also medications that reduce your cravings for a cigarette or take away the pleasure of smoking. These medications are prescribed by your doctor or specialist, usually in conjunction with counseling on quitting. Sometimes you cannot use these medications with other medications you are already taking. Your pharmacist checks this before giving you the drug.
There are two drugs that are suitable for this purpose: bupropion (Zyban) and nortriptyline (Nortrilen). Previously, varenicline (Champix) was also an option, but this drug has been unavailable since 2021.
Important information about bupropion (Zyban):
- Bupropion reduces post-quitting symptoms and the urge to smoke.
- You should not use this drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Bupropion can reduce your responsiveness. Your pharmacist can advise you about this, including with regard to driving.
- It is better to drink little or no alcohol while taking bupropion.
- For more information about bupropion, look under "Medications" on this website.
Important information about nortriptyline (Nortrilen):
- Nortriptyline is actually a medication for depression, but it can also help you quit smoking.
- Like bupropion, nortriptyline can reduce your responsiveness. Your pharmacist can inform you about this, also regarding its effect on driving.
- Please don't drink alcohol, or drink little alcohol, when taking nortriptyline.
- More information about nortriptyline can be found under "Medications" on this website.
If you want to know more about the medications that can help you quit smoking, you can always contact your pharmacist or doctor.

Preparing to quit

One of the most important steps in quitting smoking is choosing a quit date. This gives you a concrete goal to work toward. Once you choose that date, you can begin preparing your plan. Think about what the difficult moments will be for you. Maybe you always fume when stressed or when you need a reward. It helps to think in advance what you can do at those times. For example, go for a walk, do a breathing exercise or talk to someone.

Exercise and sports can also help you avoid reaching for a cigarette. Exercise reduces stress and makes you less likely to gain weight after you quit. In fact, it is true that many people gain some weight after quitting, but with regular exercise and healthy eating, your weight will remain stable.

Dealing with difficult moments

Stop smoking is a challenge, and there will be times when you struggle. This is normal and part of the process. It is important to be prepared for these moments. For example, make a list of things you can do when you feel like having a cigarette. These can range from going for a walk to calling a friend. What works for you is personal, but it helps to have a plan.

It is also good to think about why you smoke and what are the most important smoking moments for you. If you know why you smoke, you can better understand what you can do to stop smoking. Maybe you smoke to relax, or because you are bored. If you know what your reasons are, you can take this into account.

The benefits of quitting

The benefits of quitting smoking are numerous. Your health improves quickly, your skin and hair become more beautiful and you no longer smell of smoke. Your teeth become whiter and your voice sounds normal again. In addition, you save a lot of money because you no longer have to buy cigarettes. And perhaps most importantly, you set a good example to your children and other people around you.

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. At the pharmacy, we are happy to help you make this process the best it can be. Make an appointment, or just walk in for advice and support. Together, we'll make sure you can quit successfully!

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