I Smoke 3-5 Cigarettes A Day, And Have Been Smoking

Posted on Mon, 21 Jan 2019

Question: I smoke 3-5 cigarettes a day, and have been smoking since around 12 years now. I want to quite and make it 0. Please help with options. I tried those gums but didn't like.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can take deaddiction treatment like Varenicline

Detailed Answer:
Hi sir,
Welcome to Ask a doctor service,

I have gone through your query and can certainly understand your concern towards your habit.

Nothing to worry, there is an effective medication, that is Varenicline.

It will work better for smoking de-addiction.

I advise you to start by taking this prescription based medication.

Hope this information would help you.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soujanya (21 hours later)

Varenicline - Is this available over the counter? What are the prescribed dosage?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My suggestion.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back ,

I have gone through your follow up query and can understand your concern.

Yes, it is not available over the counter.
It is a scheduled drug.
You can start with 50 mg once a day. You can discuss about this medicine with your treating doctor and obtain a prescription.

Hope this information would help you.
Thank you.

Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad