Stop Smoking (Service)

This service is suitable for you if:

• You are aged 18 years or older.
• Committed to quit smoking.

This service is not suitable for you if you:

• Are under 18 years of age.
• Are pregnant, possibly pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Are taking more than one form of smoking cessation therapy at a time (this can cause significant side effects).
• Have ever been treated for any psychological problems (such as anxiety, panic attacks or reactive depression), or for psychiatric problems (such as, mania, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).
• Have a history of seizures or a condition that increases your risk of seizures.
• Have reduced kidney function.

If you are not sure you are suitable or you have any questions send us an email to info@webdoctor.ie.

Quitting smoking significantly improves health and quality of life. It reduces the risk of serious diseases such as heart attack, stroke, lung cancer, and COPD, as well as many others. Within weeks, circulation and lung function begin to improve. Over time, the risk of serious illness drops dramatically. Quitting improves breathing, energy, and sense of taste and smell. It protects loved ones from secondhand smoke and reduces costs. Even long-time smokers benefit from quitting. Every cigarette avoided adds time and vitality to life—quitting is one of the best choices for your health.

We can issue a prescription for a 12-week course of varenicline tablets subject to clinical suitability. You should decide the date you want to quit smoking and aim to start taking these tablets 2 weeks before that date. This medication course can be extended for a further 12 weeks if necessary. 

Varenicline is a prescription medication that helps people quit smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms through partial nicotine receptor stimulation.

While varenicline is generally considered safe for short-term use, it can have side effects, including:

• Headache
• Nausea/ tummy upset
• Insomnia or abnormal dreams
• Weight increase or decrease/ increase in appetite
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dizziness

Less common but serious side effects include:

• Mood changes (e.g. depression, anxiety, irritability)
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviour (especially in those with a history of mental health issues)
• Seizures (rare)
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Cardiovascular events in people with existing heart disease

For full details on potential side effects of this medication, please read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication before you start to use it.

If you are concerned that you are developing side effects, we advise that you stop this medication and seek medical advice.