Nictoine Replacement Therapy or NRT for short, is a method of giving your body nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking or chewing tobacco. The basic idea is to gradually reduce the body's addiction by using a low nicotine dose to take the edge off the cravings.

NRT is therefore an effective way of helping you manage your withdrawal symptoms and research shows that using NRT together with support, doubles your chances of successfully stopping smoking.

Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) is an alternative to nicotine replacement products and is only available on prescription. It works by suppressing the part of the brain that gives the smoker a nicotine 'buzz' when smoking a cigarette. The smoker starts taking Zyban before giving up, and the drug puts them off cigarettes because they no longer get the 'hit'. It reduces the cravings as well as the usual withdrawal symptoms of anxiety, sweating and irritability. A course lasts two months, and you should be prepared to stop smoking during the second week of the course.

Although proven to be effective, as with all drugs there is a risk of side effects and you will need to discuss with your doctor whether this form of therapy would be suitable for you. Like NRT, Zyban works well as part of an overall NHS Stop Smoking Service support programme.