How does cytisine help to quit smoking

Cytisine is a tablet that can help you stop smoking. Available with a prescription in the UK, the medication contains no nicotine. But it does mimic its effects. It works to relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. 

Cytisine works by attaching to the same receptors in the brain that nicotine does. It ‘tricks’ your brain into thinking you’ve had a cigarette. This reduces urges and the withdrawal symptoms of stopping smoking.

Evidence suggests it is as effective as nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gum.

It may be a helpful option:

• For smokers who have tried to quit before
• For those who found other cessation methods haven't worked
• As it's shown in studies to be twice as effective as placebo at helping people quit smoking 

What are the side effects of cytisine?

Like with all medications, there’s a risk of side effects. However, these may not affect everyone.

Some of the most common side effects affecting more than 1 in 10 people include:

• Changes in appetite (usually an increase)
• Dizziness
• Mood changes
• Sleep problems
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Slow heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhoea
• Sickness
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Muscle pain 

For more information on side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

“If you’re struggling with side effects, talk to your GP or prescriber. Stopping smoking can also cause withdrawal symptoms which you may experience at the same time.” - Dr Bhavini Shah 

Does cytisine cause weight gain?

Weight gain is a common side effect of cytisine. However, stopping smoking often causes weight gain (without treatment) as nicotine is an appetite suppressant.   

How to take cytisine

Cytisine should be taken with water. You should plan a quit date (the day of your last cigarette) no later than the fifth day of treatment. After your planned quit date, you should not smoke again as it can make the harmful effects of nicotine even worse.

100 tablets (one pack) are enough for a complete quit attempt over a 25-day period. If your quit attempt doesn’t work this time, you can resume treatment in two to three months.

A dosing schedule can be seen below. It’s useful to set timers on your phone to remind you to take the tablets. If you forget a dose, do not double up next time. 

Cytisine dosing schedule

1. ​​​​​​​Day 1-3: 6 tablets daily, 1 tablet every 2 hours
2. Day 4-12: 5 tablets daily, 1 tablet every 2.5 hours
3. Day 13-16: 4 tablets daily, 1 tablet every 3 hours
4. Day 17-20: 3 tablets daily, 1 tablet every 5 hours
5. Day 21-25: 2 tablets daily, 1-2 tablets a day

How long does cytisine take to work?

The standard course of treatment is 25 days. You’re likely to notice your cravings start to reduce quite soon into your treatment journey and the benefits of smoking can be felt quite quickly. However, it’s important you finish a complete course.

Alternative smoking cessation treatments

There are many ways to quit smoking, such as:

Counselling, hypnotherapy, acupuncture and quitting 'cold turkey' with no support are all other ways of quitting smoking.