How to Quit Smoking in Ottawa — Champix, NRT, and Pharmacist Support
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and you don't have to do it alone. This guide covers every evidence-based tool available to Ottawa smokers — and how your Nepean pharmacist can be your quit coach.
Why Quitting Smoking Is So Hard — The Science of Nicotine Addiction
If quitting smoking were simply a matter of willpower, far more people would succeed. The reality is that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known — more addictive, by some measures, than heroin or cocaine in terms of how quickly dependence develops. Understanding why makes it easier to approach quitting with the right tools and realistic expectations.
When you inhale tobacco smoke, nicotine reaches your brain in as little as 7–10 seconds, where it binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and triggers a rapid release of dopamine — the brain's "reward" chemical. This creates an immediate sensation of pleasure, alertness, and stress relief. Over time, the brain downregulates its own dopamine production and increases the number of nicotine receptors, meaning more nicotine is needed to achieve the same effect (tolerance) and the absence of nicotine produces withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms — including intense cravings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, and disrupted sleep — peak at 2–3 days after stopping and gradually subside over 2–4 weeks. This is precisely the window where pharmacological support (NRT, Champix, or Zyban) makes the biggest difference, dramatically reducing the intensity of cravings and withdrawal so you can focus on breaking the behavioral habit alongside the physical one.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) — Your Options
Nicotine replacement therapy works by delivering a steady, controlled dose of nicotine without the thousands of toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke. This eliminates the physical withdrawal while you work on breaking the behavioral and psychological habits of smoking. NRT approximately doubles your chances of quitting successfully compared to going cold turkey, and this benefit is further enhanced when combined with counselling or behavioural support.
Combination NRT — More Effective Than a Single Product
Research shows that combining a long-acting NRT (the patch) with a short-acting NRT (gum, lozenge, or inhaler) is significantly more effective than using either alone. The patch provides a consistent baseline of nicotine throughout the day, while the short-acting product handles breakthrough cravings and situational triggers. Ask our pharmacists at Longfields about the most appropriate combination and dosing strategy for your smoking history.
Champix (Varenicline) — The Most Effective Single Medication
Champix (brand name for varenicline) is a prescription medication that works differently from NRT. Rather than replacing nicotine, Champix partially activates the same brain receptors that nicotine binds to — reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms — while simultaneously blocking nicotine from producing its pleasurable effects. This means if you do smoke while taking Champix, the cigarette is less rewarding, which helps break the conditioning cycle.
Key facts about Champix:
- Approximately 3 times more effective than NRT alone for sustained cessation at 12 months
- Started 1–2 weeks before your quit date, with a gradual dose increase in the first week to reduce nausea
- Most common side effect is nausea — taking with food and a full glass of water significantly reduces this
- Other side effects include unusual dreams, headache, and insomnia
- A 12-week course is standard; a further 12 weeks (24 weeks total) may be recommended for those who benefit from longer treatment
- Requires a prescription — your pharmacist can assess if it is appropriate or refer you to your doctor
Earlier concerns about neuropsychiatric side effects (depression, suicidal thoughts) with Champix were investigated in a large randomized controlled trial (the EAGLES study), which found no significant increase in these events compared to NRT or placebo. Champix is considered safe for most patients, though it should be used with care in those with a history of serious mental health conditions. Discuss your personal history with your pharmacist or doctor.
Zyban (Bupropion) — An Antidepressant That Helps You Quit
Zyban (bupropion SR) is an antidepressant medication that was discovered to help with smoking cessation — independent of its antidepressant effects. It works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Zyban is less effective than Champix but more effective than placebo and roughly equivalent to NRT. It is an option for patients who cannot tolerate Champix or for those who also have depression that would benefit from treatment. Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, and headache. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizures or eating disorders.
Ontario's Smoking Cessation Program — Free NRT for OHIP Patients
Ontario offers a publicly funded smoking cessation benefit under OHIP for eligible patients. Under the Ontario Smoking Cessation Program, individuals with a valid OHIP card can access up to 24 weeks of NRT products (patch, gum, or lozenge) per calendar year at no cost through their pharmacy, provided a prescription from a physician, nurse practitioner, or authorized pharmacist is obtained.
To access the free NRT benefit, you need to:
- Have a valid Ontario OHIP card
- Declare your intention to quit smoking
- Obtain a prescription from a healthcare provider (your pharmacist at Longfields can assess your eligibility and issue the prescription in many cases)
- Present to a participating pharmacy — Longfields Pharmacy participates in this program
- Complete a brief consultation to confirm the most appropriate NRT product and dose
The Role of Your Pharmacist as a Quit Coach
Research is unambiguous: people who receive structured behavioural support alongside pharmacotherapy are significantly more likely to succeed in quitting than those who use medication alone. Your community pharmacist is uniquely positioned to provide this support — accessible, knowledgeable, and available without an appointment.
At Longfields Pharmacy, our smoking cessation service involves more than just handing over a package of nicotine patches. We sit down with you to understand your smoking history, identify your triggers, help you set a quit date, choose the right pharmacological aid, and create a plan for managing cravings and difficult moments. We follow up with you over the coming weeks to check on your progress, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust your plan as needed. We celebrate your milestones and support you if you have a slip. Quitting smoking is a process, not a single event — and we are with you every step of the way.