Cytisine

About Cytisine Smoking Cessation Tablets

Cytisine is a plant-derived smoking cessation medication that has been used for decades in Eastern Europe. Derived from laburnum seeds, it’s a proven natural alternative to other treatments such as Varenicline. As a result, Cytisine tablets have become a popular stop-smoking product in the UK.

The medication works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal while blocking the dopamine high of cigarettes if you smoke during treatment. It’s typically taken for a 25-day course alongside a structured dosing schedule to support your stop-smoking journey. Cytisine is clinically proven to help you stop smoking, with some studies recording a 59% success rate when compared to a placebo.

If you’re looking for reliable smoking cessation treatments, you can buy Cytisine online from Prescription Doctor after completing a short medical questionnaire for our licensed clinicians to review. Orders approved before 3pm Monday to Friday are eligible for next-day delivery. 

Cytisine Prices

Prescription Doctor is pleased to offer Cytisine tablets at the following prices and quantities: 

We also provide a range of alternative smoking cessation aids, such as Varenicline and Zyban. 

What is Cytisine?

Cytisine is an alkaloid found in the seeds of the golden rain tree (Laburnum anagyroides). It’s a partial agonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, meaning it binds to the same receptors as nicotine. This partially stimulates them to reduce cravings while also blocking nicotine from fully binding if you decide to smoke.

This dual action helps with both physical dependence and psychological reinforcement, making it easier to quit. Cytisine has been used since the 1960s in Eastern Europe and is the active ingredient in branded alternatives like Tabex and Desmoxan.

In the UK, Cytisine is available as a prescription stop-smoking aid for those looking for a natural, plant-derived treatment option. It works similarly to Champix, another smoking cessation treatment which is no longer available. 

How Does Cytisine Work?

Cytisine works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms from nicotine addiction while making smoking less enjoyable if you decide to have a cigarette. It partially stimulates the brain’s nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), giving the impression that you’re getting nicotine. In addition, the treatment binds more tightly to the receptors than nicotine itself, preventing cigarettes from having their full effect.

This dual action of Cytisine tablets helps you break the cycle of addiction by removing the pleasure of smoking while supporting your body through withdrawal symptoms. The fact that they don’t contain nicotine means they’re non-addictive, making them a useful alternative to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).  

It’s not recommended that you smoke while using Cytisine. If you do decide to have a cigarette, however, the active ingredient means you won’t feel much satisfaction and may even experience side effects. 

Cytisine and Other Smoking Cessation Methods

For the best results, Cytisine tablets should be used alongside a structured quitting plan or behavioural support programme to address the habits and triggers linked to smoking. Some potential stop-smoking techniques include:

• Join support groups or speak to a specialised therapist. You could also speak to family and friends if you feel you need some extra backing.
• Distance yourself from old hobbies that used to make you smoke, and switch them for new activities that can take your mind away from the habit.
• Give your mouth something different to do when you crave a cigarette, such as chewing gum
• Avoid spending much time with people who smoke as much as possible, at least until you feel your cravings are under control
• Embark on a healthy diet and exercise regimen to counteract the possibility of putting on weight after you quit

How Effective Are Cytisine Pills?

Several clinical trials have proven that Cytisine pills are highly effective for smoking cessation. For example, a 2011 Bulgarian study involving over 700 smokers showed 13.8% continuous abstinence at one year with Cytisine versus 2.4% for placebo, demonstrating a significant improvement over no treatment.

Meanwhile, in a 2014 randomised controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Cytisine was found to be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy. After 1 month, 40% of Cytisine users were abstinent, compared to 31% of those using NRT. These numbers were 22% and 15% respectively, after 6 months.

Cytisine also fares well when put against other stop-smoking treatments. A 2023 Cochrane review concluded that Cytisine doubles the chances of quitting compared to placebo and is at least as effective as Varenicline, with fewer reported side effects in some studies.

These findings suggest Cytisine is a highly effective tool for smokers looking for a natural treatment to quit, especially when combined with behavioural support.

How Long Does Cytisine Take to Work?

Cytisine starts working within the first few days of treatment. Most people notice reduced cravings within the first 3-5 days, which is why your quit date is often set around day 5 of the dosing schedule. Given that the entire treatment schedule lasts for 25 days, it is expected that you will have fully quit smoking by this point.

Unlike nicotine replacement therapy, Cytisine doesn’t contain nicotine but works directly on the brain’s receptors to relieve withdrawal symptoms quickly. By the time you reach your quit date, cravings should feel substantially weaker, and cigarettes should feel far less satisfying.

It’s important to note that Cytisine pills work best when following a set dosage schedule, rather than taking them just when you experience cravings.

How Long Do Cytisine Tablets Last in the Body?

Cytisine has a half-life (the time it takes half of the active ingredient to leave the body) of 4.8 hours. This is shorter than Varenicline (generic Champix), which has a half-life of 17 hours. It also leaves the body without the need for hepatic metabolism, which lowers the risk of potential drug interactions. 

Cytisine Prescription Criteria UK

To be prescribed Cytisine in the UK, there are certain eligibility criteria to be met. Cytisine is generally suitable for healthy adults aged 18 and over who are motivated to quit smoking and prefer a non-nicotine based medicine.

Your prescriber will look at several factors when determining whether Cytisine tablets are right for you. These include:

• Your smoking history
• How many cigarettes you smoke on a daily basis
• The length of time you’ve been smoking
• Your overall health status

They’ll consider whether any medical conditions could be affected by Cytisine, such as cardiovascular disease, and check for potential interactions with other medications you take regularly.

This assessment ensures that Cytisine is the right fit for your quit journey, giving you the best support towards becoming smoke-free.

How to Take Cytisine Tablets 

The tablets should be taken by mouth with water, and it’s best to follow the dosing schedule exactly as prescribed. Ensure the pills are swallowed whole, so do not break or chew them. Unlike some stop smoking medicines that are taken at a fixed dose daily, Cytisine has a structured plan that gradually tapers down over a 25-day course.

Start by taking more frequent doses in the first few days to build up the medication’s effect in your system. As you progress through the course, the number of tablets per day reduces, helping your body adjust and supporting your quit attempt without causing a sudden drop in receptor stimulation. Take each tablet at roughly the same time intervals recommended in your schedule and complete the full course as prescribed.

Each pack of Cytisine contains 100 1.5 mg tablets, enough to last you for the full treatment course of 25 days. Your actual quitting date must be Day 5 of the schedule, although ideally it should be the first day of treatment. If you finish the pack and think you still need additional support, contact a stop-smoking service or one of our clinicians. 

Cytisine Dosage Information

One complete course of Cytisine treatment lasts for 25 days. It’s a good idea to have your first tablet of the day as soon as you wake up, so that any potential cravings or withdrawal symptoms are nullified. After that, you should follow the rest of the dosage schedule as closely as possible. You may even find it beneficial to set an alarm to help you remember.

The standard Cytisine dosage schedule is as follows: 
 

An alternative version of the Cytisine dosage schedule was devised by the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training, which you may feel is easier to follow:

If you have questions about the dosing plan, speak to your clinician before starting to ensure you feel confident.

What if I Miss a Cytisine Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed tablet.

What Happens if I Take Too Much Cytisine?

Taking too much Cytisine may increase your risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, or increased heart rate. If you think you have taken more tablets than prescribed, contact your clinician or seek medical advice immediately.

Cytisine Side Effects

Like all medicines, Cytisine can cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them. Most are mild and improve as your body adjusts. Here’s a list of potential Cytisine side effects:

It’s important to note that the above is not an exhaustive list of potential Cytisine side effects. For more thorough information, please consult the Patient Information Leaflet that accompanies the medication.

If you experience severe allergic reactions, chest pain or breathing difficulties, be sure to seek urgent medical attention. 

How to Manage Cytisine Side Effects

If you experience Cytisine side effects, here are some practical tips to help manage the most common ones:

Nausea or stomach upset: Take your Cytisine tablets with food or a full glass of water to reduce digestive discomfort. Eating small, frequent meals can also help settle your stomach. 
Sleep disturbances: Try taking your last dose earlier in the evening rather than close to bedtime. 
Mood changes: Remember that mood swings may be linked to nicotine withdrawal as well as Cytisine. Gentle exercise, relaxation techniques, and talking to friends or family can help you cope.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, improving within the first few days or weeks of treatment. However, if they persist or affect your daily life, contact your prescriber for advice.

Cytisine Warnings

Before taking Cytisine, you should let our clinicians know if you have:

• ischaemic heart disease
• heart failure
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• gastric or duodenal ulcers
• gastroesophageal reflux disease
• an overactive thyroid
• diabetes
• schizophrenia
• atherosclerosis
• a tumour in the adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma)

Having one of these conditions doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use Cytisine to give up smoking. It simply means that our clinicians will need to assess the risks, and if they believe the medication is suitable for you, they will monitor your body’s response.

Cytisine: Where to Buy in the UK?

Currently, Cytisine can only be purchased in the UK from pharmacies that issue prescriptions for stop smoking treatments. As an example, you can buy Cytisine online from Prescription Doctor, who acts as a private prescriber. It’s also possible to discuss using the medication with your GP or a smoking cessation service. 

Can You Get Cytisine Over the Counter in the UK?

No. Cytisine is a prescription-only medicine and not available over the counter in the UK. To obtain the medication, you will first need to go through a consultation process to determine whether Cytisine tablets are right for your circumstances. This can be done with a GP or online with a private prescriber such as Prescription Doctor. 

Is Cytisine Available on the NHS in the UK?

Yes, Cytisine tablets are available on the NHS in the UK and can be obtained via prescription from your GP or specialist stop smoking clinician. You could also get a referral to a free smoking cessation service in your area. 

Can You Buy Cytisine Online in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Cytisine online in the UK from reputable providers such as Prescription Doctor. With us, you just need to complete a short assessment, which involves answering questions about your general health and smoking patterns, to confirm you’re suitable for treatment.

Once your information has been reviewed and approved by our prescribers, your items will be dispatched in plain and discreet packaging. Orders authorised before 3pm on a weekday are also eligible for next-day delivery. Buying Cytisine online offers a fast, private way to access Cytisine if you’re ready to quit smoking without the need for a face-to-face doctor’s visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cytisine Tablets