Addiction and Smoking

Medicines for stopping smoking and drinking, and how they differ

Varenicline is the smoking cessation medicine here, stocked as the 0.5MG and 1MG starter pack that steps the dose up over the first week, and as 1MG continuation packs. It acts on nicotine receptors in the brain, easing cravings and blunting the reward of a cigarette, and the usual plan sets a quit date one to two weeks after starting.

Three different approaches to alcohol

The alcohol medicines work in three distinct ways. Naltrexone, at 50MG, blocks opioid receptors and reduces the urge to drink and the reward from drinking. Acamprosate is used once drinking has stopped, to help maintain abstinence by steadying the brain chemistry that withdrawal disrupts. Disulfiram does something else entirely: it makes alcohol produce an unpleasant reaction (flushing, nausea, palpitations), so it only suits people committed to not drinking at all.

Safety points worth knowing

Naltrexone also blocks opioid painkillers, which matters before surgery or for anyone taking an opioid, and it is not started while opioids are still in the body. Disulfiram reacts with alcohol in unexpected places, including some mouthwashes, sauces and liquid medicines. Varenicline commonly causes nausea, usually eased by taking it after food with a full glass of water, and vivid dreams. Any marked change in mood is a reason to stop and seek advice.

Medication works best with support

All of these work better alongside counselling or a support programme than on their own. Alcohol dependence in particular needs a medical plan for withdrawal, which can be dangerous when heavy, long-term drinking stops abruptly. Every listing shows the molecule, strength and pack size, with the guaranteed minimum expiry date. All stock ships from India through licensed distributors.