Most people who eventually quit didn’t do it on the first try — and that’s completely normal, not a sign it won’t work for you. This page is general information to help you understand your options, not a treatment plan. It is not medical advice — a GP or pharmacist can tailor this to you.
Vaping laws changed in Australia in 2024. Answer two quick questions to see which pathway applies to you right now — this checks the current rules, it doesn’t recommend vaping as your quit method.
You can likely buy from a pharmacy without a script. Since 1 October 2024, pharmacists can sell nicotine vapes at 20 mg/mL or less directly to adults after a short consultation — no GP visit needed first. The pharmacist will still ask some questions; they can decline to supply if they think it's not appropriate. Disposable (single-use) vapes are banned regardless of nicotine content, so it'll be a refillable device.
You'll need a prescription. Either because you're under 18, or you're after a higher-strength or specific product — both still require a doctor's prescription, filled at a pharmacy. Talk to your GP; this is a normal, judgement-free conversation to have.
This reflects the rules as at August 2026 (they have changed several times since 2021 and may change again) — source: TGA vaping reforms, cross-checked against the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. A vape being legally available doesn't mean it's the best quit method for you — see “Ways to quit” below.
Your quit timeline
Pick your quit date (or the date you're planning to quit) and see what's already happening in your body, and what's still ahead.
There's no single "right" way — combining a medicine with some form of support roughly doubles your chance of success compared to going it alone. All of the medicines below need a PBS prescription from your GP; nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches, gum and lozenges are also available over the counter at full price if you'd rather skip the GP visit.
First-line
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers or mouth spray — delivers nicotine without the tar, carbon monoxide and thousands of other chemicals in cigarette smoke. Combining a patch (steady background dose) with gum or lozenges (for sudden cravings) works better than either alone. PBS-subsidised: up to $25.00 per script (general) or $7.70 (concession card), up to 12 weeks' supply per 12 months.
First-line
Varenicline
A tablet that blocks nicotine's effect on the brain, reducing both cravings and the satisfaction from smoking if you slip up. Generally considered the single most effective medicine on its own. Needs a GP authority prescription; course length capped at 24 weeks per 12 months on the PBS. Common side effects are nausea and vivid dreams, usually mild.
Option
Bupropion
Originally an antidepressant; reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms through a different mechanism to nicotine. GP authority prescription, PBS course capped at 9 weeks per 12 months. Not suitable if you have a history of seizures or an eating disorder — your GP will check this.
If other options haven't worked
Vaping as a quit aid
Current Australian guidance treats nicotine vaping as a second-line option — worth considering if approved medicines above haven't worked for you, with GP or pharmacist involvement, not as a first choice. Evidence on long-term safety is still limited. If you already vape and want to move off it too, the same NRT-based approach applies.
Free
Behavioural support
Quitline counselling, your GP, or a pharmacist — structured support on its own roughly doubles quit success, and combined with a medicine it's better again. This part is free regardless of which medicine (if any) you choose.
Most people who quit successfully needed several attempts first — nicotine is genuinely addictive, and each attempt teaches you something about your own triggers. It isn't a personal failure. Combining a PBS medicine with Quitline support gives you a different, usually stronger set of tools than trying alone.
Some people gain a small amount of weight (commonly a few kilograms) as appetite and metabolism adjust — it's not universal, and NRT can reduce it. The health gain from quitting substantially outweighs the health risk of typical post-quit weight gain. If it worries you, mention it to your GP or pharmacist before you start.
Vaping avoids the tar and combustion by-products of burning tobacco, but it isn't harmless — e-cigarette aerosol still contains nicotine (highly addictive) plus other chemicals whose long-term effects aren't fully known. It isn't an approved first-line quit method in Australia. If you're vaping to quit smoking, the goal is usually to come off both eventually, with your GP or pharmacist's help.
Behavioural support is the recommended first step in pregnancy. NRT may be considered if that alone hasn't worked, with your GP or midwife weighing it up with you — smoking itself carries clear, well-established risks to a pregnancy, and quitting at any stage helps. Varenicline and bupropion generally aren't recommended in pregnancy. This is exactly the kind of decision to make with your GP or obstetric team, not alone.
You can still quit, and support can be tailored around it. NRT, varenicline and bupropion are all generally usable with a stable mental health condition, though your GP will want to monitor mood over the first few weeks — quitting is itself a period of change, and it's worth having that support in place. Don't let it stop you from having the conversation.
Free support — available now Quitline — 13 78 48 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, callbacks 7 days; Aboriginal counsellors available on request) | quit.org.au — online chat, tailored quit plans My QuitBuddy — free Australian Government app for tracking your quit journey (search your phone's app store)
Need an interpreter or support in another language? Quitline can arrange one — just ask when you call.