Quit Smoking Confidently, Start Living Better

Adults aged 18 years or older who live, work, or study in Fulham, Kensington, Battersea, Putney, Hammersmith or Chelsea can join. You need the wish to quit and time for short weekly reviews. We then check health details to ensure tablets are safe. Pregnancy, breast feeding, under eighteen, certain medicines, severe kidney issues, uncontrolled mental illness, or seizures mean we pick another approach. Even if tablets are not suitable, you can still benefit from tailored coaching and nicotine replacement. Speak to us and we will build a plan that matches your situation.

The first meeting lasts around twenty minutes. We welcome you with a friendly chat and measure your carbon monoxide level using a simple breath monitor. This reading shows how much recent smoke is in your body. Next we explore your smoking pattern, earlier quit attempts, and any concerns. Together we pick a quit date, decide whether you prefer stopping at once or cutting down, and explain the medicine choices. If Varenicline suits you, we issue the first pack under our Patient Group Direction, explain the dosing steps, and answer every question. You leave with written tips, a progress card, and your next review booked.

Nicotine binds to receptors in your brain that release dopamine, the chemical that makes smoking feel rewarding. Varenicline sits on the same receptors. It gives a mild nicotine like effect that eases cravings while blocking the stronger hit from cigarettes. Because the reward loop is interrupted, cigarettes taste less pleasant and urges fade. Studies show people taking Varenicline are roughly twice as likely to remain smoke free at twelve weeks compared with unaided quitting. The once or twice daily tablet routine also gives structure to your day. You can focus on positive habits while the medicine works quietly in the background. The course runs twelve weeks, with the option of another twelve weeks if needed.

Most people tolerate Varenicline well. The common effects are mild nausea, vivid dreams, and slight trouble sleeping, usually settling after the first few days. Taking tablets with food and water cuts the nausea for many. A small number of users notice mood changes or agitation. Tell us or your doctor straight away if that happens. Very rare skin reactions have been reported. We monitor you at every review and adjust the plan if any problem appears. Remember that nicotine withdrawal alone can cause irritability, low mood, and restlessness. We will help you spot the difference and manage each symptom safely.

Consultations are free to all adults registered with a GP in the local boroughs we serve. If you live outside the area we can still help, but a small private fee may apply. We will confirm this before any appointment. The medicine cost depends on exemption status. Many patients qualify for NHS prescription charge exemption or pre payment certificates that lower the price over the full course. We explain every option and never surprise you with hidden costs. If you choose nicotine replacement items like patches or gum we advise on the cheapest bundles available locally. Remember that investing in quitting almost always saves money within weeks through fewer cigarette purchases.

A lapse is common and never means failure. The first step is to contact us. We will book an extra support call within forty eight hours to review what triggered the slip and reset your plan. Often one or two missed doses or an unexpected stress event is all it takes. We help you rebuild routines, adjust medicine timing, or add an extra tool like lozenges for crunch moments. If the slip grows into a full relapse we simply restart the programme. Many people need more than one attempt before quitting for good. We stay with you for the long run.

Yes. While most people find Varenicline alone enough, some still crave a comfort aid. Low dose nicotine gum or lozenges can be used for short bursts, for example during flights or long meetings. We check the total nicotine intake and make sure you do not exceed safe amounts. The goal is to use the extra product only when needed and taper off quickly as cravings drop. At every review we ask about cravings and adapt the plan. Combining therapies safely can improve confidence and keep you on track during tricky times like holidays or social events.