This risk is estimated to be less than 1 in 1000 but other less serious side effects such as insomnia, dry mouth and headaches are more common. An independent review by the Consumers Association concluded that when used in a specialist setting and in conjunction with regular counselling, bupropion is at least twice as effective as placebo in helping patients to stop smoking . Other cessation aids Acupuncture and hypnosis. A review of alternative methods of aids to stopping smoking found little evidence to support the effectiveness of either acupuncture or hypnosis as a means of stopping smoking, but such methods may suit some smokers. These are not recommended as an aid to giving up smoking because they produce both tar and carbon monoxide.
Some brands have a tar content equivalent to tobacco cigarettes.
In addition, the use of herbal cigarettes reinforces the habit of smoking which smokers need to overcome. Clinics and self-help groups. Smokers who are motivated to quit the habit may benefit from cessation clinics or self-help groups, although smokers should be cautious about claims of high success rates made by some clinics. A review of smoking cessation products and services found that smokers are up to four times more likely to stop smoking by attending specialist smokers clinics than by using willpower alone. Office for National Statistics, 1998.