Addiction Recovery
Medicines for alcohol dependence and smoking cessation sit together in this range, including Antabuse and Revia for alcohol dependence and Zyban and Varnitrip for stopping smoking.
Key points
- Naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram are identified by NIAAA as medicines used in alcohol use disorder treatment.
- Varenicline and bupropion are identified by the CDC among medicines that help adults stop smoking.
- Recovery support can combine either type of medicine with counselling, behavioural treatment or mutual-support approaches.
- Alcohol dependence and smoking cessation call for different medicines, so this range groups them by what they treat rather than by a shared drug class.
Alcohol dependence medicines
Naltrexone is the opioid receptor antagonist in Revia, listed for alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. Antabuse contains disulfiram and Acamprol contains acamprosate, both also listed for alcohol dependence.
Smoking cessation medicines
Varenicline is the active ingredient in Varnitrip, and bupropion is in Zyban. Nootropil (piracetam) is also listed in this range, for cognitive impairment and myoclonus rather than alcohol dependence or smoking cessation.
Further reading
Which addiction medicines can I buy on Direct Meds?
Direct Meds lists 6 addiction medicines. Together they contain 6 different active ingredients, including bupropion, varenicline and naltrexone. Examples include Zyban and Varnitrip; all 6 medicines are listed on this page.
What are addiction medicines used for?
Between them, the addiction medicines on Direct Meds are used for alcohol dependence, smoking cessation and opioid dependence.
What form do addiction medicines come in?
They come as tablets. The strengths are listed on each product page.
How do I choose between the addiction medicines on Direct Meds?
Start with the active ingredient: there are 6 different ones in this range. Products with the same active ingredient contain the same medicine. Compare their strength, form and price per tablet. Each product page's details table lists uses, how quickly it works, side effects and interactions. If you take other medicines, are pregnant or have a long-term condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
Are these addiction medicines brand-name or generic?
Mostly generic. Names such as Zyban and Revia identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength. Others, such as Varnitrip and Acamprol, are listed under their own names; for these you receive a branded generic or generic with the same active ingredient, depending on stock.
What you will receive →What do addiction medicines cost in rand?
Compare each medicine, strength and pack on its product page. Prices are shown in rand, converted from US dollars, so the final rand total can change with the exchange rate. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Are addiction medicines available over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order addiction medicines. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I order addiction medicines online in South Africa?
Yes. Choose a product, strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
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