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Smoking cessation

Quit Smoking with Varenicline (Champix Alternative) – Redwood Pharmacy

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. If you're ready to stop smoking but need help managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, Varenicline is a proven, effective prescription treatment designed to help you break the addiction to nicotine.

At Redwood Pharmacy, we offer a private smoking cessation consultation and, if suitable, can supply Varenicline 0.5mg and 1mg tablets to support your quit journey.

🚭 What Is Varenicline and How Does It Work?

Varenicline (previously branded as Champix) is a prescription medication used to support people who want to stop smoking. It works in two key ways:

  1. Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms

  2. Blocks the pleasurable effects of nicotine if you do smoke

It binds to the same brain receptors as nicotine, partially stimulating them to reduce withdrawal but also blocking nicotine from having its usual rewarding effect, making cigarettes feel less satisfying.

💊 How Is Varenicline Taken?

The treatment course usually lasts 12 weeks, with the following dosing schedule:

✅ Days 1–3:

  • Take 0.5mg once daily

✅ Days 4–7:

  • Take 0.5mg twice daily

✅ Day 8 onwards:

  • Take 1mg twice daily, for the remainder of the 12-week course

You'll usually set a “quit date” within the first 1–2 weeks of starting the tablets. Some patients continue treatment for an additional 12 weeks if needed to prevent relapse.

⚠️ Possible Side Effects of Varenicline

Like all medicines, Varenicline can cause side effects. Most are mild and improve with time:

Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Nausea (especially when first starting treatment)

  • Difficulty sleeping or vivid dreams

  • Headache

  • Dry mouth

  • Changes in appetite

Less common but important:

  • Mood changes, irritability, depression, or suicidal thoughts (rare)

  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling) – stop use and seek immediate help

You’ll have regular check-ins with our pharmacist to monitor for side effects and offer support.

🩺 What to Expect During Your Pharmacy Consultation

  • Private, one-to-one assessment with a trained pharmacist

  • Review of your smoking history and readiness to quit

  • Explanation of Varenicline’s benefits, risks, and dosing

  • Supply of 0.5mg and 1mg tablets if clinically appropriate

  • Ongoing advice and encouragement throughout your quit journey

This is a private service. A consultation fee applies, and the cost of treatment will be discussed during your visit.

🎯 Why Choose Varenicline to Quit Smoking?

  • Most effective single therapy available for smoking cessation

  • Works by targeting the addiction at a neurological level

  • Doesn’t contain nicotine – unlike patches, gums, or lozenges

  • Suitable for people who have previously failed with other methods

Studies show that using Varenicline can double or triple your chances of quitting successfully compared to willpower alone.

📍 Start Your Stop Smoking Journey with Redwood Pharmacy

Our team is here to help you quit confidently and safely, using evidence-based support and treatment options.

📍 Redwood Pharmacy, 116 Alexandra Park Road, Muswell Hill, London, N10 2AH
📞 Call us: 02088831596