Guide · Australia

Prescription Quit Aids

Three medications are proven to help people quit smoking, and all three are subsidised by the PBS in Australia. They're the most effective option for heavier smokers and people who've tried NRT without success.

Your three PBS-subsidised options

Varenicline (Champix / Champix Starter Pack)

  • How it works: blocks nicotine receptors in your brain. Cigarettes stop feeling rewarding.
  • Success: the most effective single medication available — roughly triples your quit chances vs willpower alone.
  • Course: 12 weeks. Start 1–2 weeks before your quit date.
  • Cost on PBS: ~$7.70 (concession) or ~$31.60 (general) per script.
  • Side effects: nausea (very common — take with food), vivid dreams, occasional low mood. Stop and call your GP if mood drops sharply.

Bupropion (Zyban SR)

  • How it works: originally an antidepressant. Reduces cravings and the urge to smoke.
  • Success: roughly doubles quit chances. Useful if varenicline didn't suit you.
  • Course: 7–12 weeks. Start 1–2 weeks before quit date.
  • Cost on PBS: same PBS pricing as varenicline.
  • Not suitable if: history of seizures, eating disorders, or current MAOI use.

Nortriptyline (off-label)

  • Older tricyclic antidepressant. Used when the other two aren't appropriate. Requires GP discussion of side effects.

How to ask your GP for a script

  1. Book a standard appointment. Say "I want to quit smoking and I want to talk about medication."
  2. Bring your pack-year number — it makes the conversation faster.
  3. Ask which of the three suits your history. Both varenicline and bupropion need a GP-issued PBS script.
  4. Book a 4-week follow-up. The first month is when side effects show up.

Should I combine medication with NRT?

Varenicline + NRT patch has stronger evidence than varenicline alone, but only do this under GP guidance. NRT combinations on their own (patch + gum) are also a solid option if you'd rather avoid prescription medication.

What about Australian vaping scripts?

Nicotine vapes are pharmacy-only in Australia. For higher strengths or to use vaping as a quit-smoking tool, your GP can prescribe — see our quit vaping guide for the full rules.