> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cytisine quit-smoking guide

> How to follow the 25-day cytisine taper exactly, stop smoking by day 5, and tell medicine effects apart from nicotine withdrawal.

Cytisine (cytisinicline) uses a tightly scheduled 25-day taper to help you stop smoking by partly stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing craving while nicotine use stops. Take tablets with water at the intervals printed on the pack. Authorised products can differ between countries, so your supplied leaflet always takes priority over this guide.

<Warning>
  Choose your quit date before or by day 5, and do not continue smoking or using nicotine products during treatment unless a clinician has explicitly advised a plan. Continued nicotine can worsen adverse effects.
</Warning>

## How to use

The course has two conditions that hold throughout it — the pack schedule, and
the quit date.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Follow the supplied 1.5 mg pack in order" icon="tablets">
    Take tablets with water at the intervals printed on the pack.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Stop smoking no later than day 5" icon="ban-smoking">
    Choose the quit date before or by day 5 of the course.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Dose schedule

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Days 1–3: one tablet every 2 hours">
    Take up to 6 tablets per day while reducing smoking and preparing to stop.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Days 4–12: one every 2.5 hours">
    Take up to 5 tablets per day, and stop smoking no later than day 5.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Days 13–20: continue the taper">
    Days 13–16 use one tablet every 3 hours, up to 4 daily. Days 17–20 use one every 5 hours, up to 3 daily.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Days 21–25: one or two daily">
    Complete the final taper exactly as labelled. If the attempt is unsuccessful, stop the medicine and discuss when another attempt is appropriate rather than restarting immediately.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## What has been reported

| Category                                   | Effects                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Digestive and sleep effects                | Nausea, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbance, vivid dreams, and appetite or weight changes can occur.                                                                   |
| Heart rate, blood pressure, and withdrawal | A faster heartbeat or blood-pressure changes can occur. Irritability, anxiety, low mood, poor concentration, and craving may also reflect nicotine withdrawal rather than the medicine, so review the whole pattern with your doctor. |

## Contact your doctor if

* Chest pain, fainting, stroke symptoms, a sustained abnormal heartbeat, or a severe allergic reaction — seek urgent care
* Severe mood change, thoughts of self-harm, or symptoms that make continued treatment unsafe
* You cannot stop smoking by day 5, used nicotine throughout treatment, missed several timed doses, or want to restart a course

## Storage

Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.

## What to expect

Cytisine partly stimulates nicotine receptors to reduce craving while nicotine use stops. The structured 25-day course and behavioural support can improve the chance of quitting, but results vary. Follow the exact pack schedule, use a firm quit date, and review an unsuccessful attempt with your doctor before repeating treatment.

## Who it is not suitable for

The consultation screens for medical conditions that make cytisine unsuitable. Tell the doctor about any heart condition, history of seizures, severe kidney or liver disease, or pregnancy or breastfeeding before starting treatment.

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I drink alcohol while taking cytisine?">
    The product information does not list a specific interaction with alcohol. However, alcohol can weaken resolve during a quit attempt and may worsen side effects such as dizziness. Discuss your alcohol use with the prescribing doctor.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I cannot stop smoking by day 5?">
    If you cannot stop smoking by day 5, used nicotine throughout treatment, or missed several timed doses, stop the medicine and discuss with your doctor when another attempt is appropriate. Do not restart immediately.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How does cytisine compare with varenicline?">
    Both medicines partly stimulate nicotine receptors to reduce craving. Cytisine uses a 25-day taper whereas varenicline uses a different schedule. A doctor can discuss which approach may suit you better. See the [varenicline guide](/library/guides/varenicline).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use nicotine replacement products alongside cytisine?">
    The course is designed to stop nicotine entirely by day 5. Continued use of nicotine during treatment can worsen adverse effects. Do not continue smoking or using nicotine products unless a clinician has explicitly advised a plan.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What should I do if I miss a dose?">
    Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember, then continue with the next scheduled dose. Do not double a dose to catch up. If you miss several doses, message the medical team for advice.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Are the side effects from cytisine or from nicotine withdrawal?">
    Some effects — irritability, anxiety, low mood, poor concentration and craving — may reflect nicotine withdrawal rather than the medicine. Digestive symptoms, sleep disturbance and vivid dreams are more likely from the medicine. Review the whole pattern with your doctor.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## How Hi-Doctor handles it

A licensed EU doctor reviews your case in under 24 hours. See [how it works](/essentials/how-it-works) for the consultation process and [pricing](/essentials/pricing) for the fee.

<Warning>
  This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription.
  Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor
  after reviewing your consultation.
</Warning>