A controversial pill is boosting the success of smokers in England in kicking the habit, NHS figures suggest.
One in seven people trying to quit are using Champix, according to the first figures published since the stop smoking drug was licensed in 2006.
And NHS Information Centre data showed 63% of people were successful last year at the four-week mark compared to half using nicotine replacement therapy.
Champix has come under scrutiny over reports it causes suicidal feelings.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency says it is "closely" monitoring the drug after almost 3,000 reports of adverse reactions.
So far in that respect have been more than 200 reports of suicidal thoughts in patients taking Champix.
And more than than 350 reports of depression, although these have mainly involved patients world Health Organization had an underlying psychiatrical illness.
The drug is unusual as it both stimulates and blocks specific nicotinic receptors in the brain.
By stimulating the receptor it is thought to mimicker the personal effects of nicotine to reduce cravings.
At the same time, it part blocks the receptor preventing nicotine from binding to it, resulting in a weaker response in people who present in to temptation and have a cigarette.
Trials suggested around 44% of smokers give up after taking the dose twice a day for 12 weeks, compared with 18% of those apt a placebo and 30% of those taking some other major anti-smoking drug, bupropion.
Smoking ban
The latest figures show that in 2007-8 - the first year since the smoke ban was introduced - there was a 13% increase to 680,000 in the number of people stage setting a depart date.
There was also a 10% uprise to 350,800 in the number of people who had stuck to their attempts to lay off after four weeks.
NHS Stop Smoking Services spent most �61 1000000 in the past year on serving people to quit - nearly �10 million higher than the year before.
Health minister Ann Keen aforesaid she was delighted with the increase in people successfully quitting smoking.
"I'd like to take aim this opportunity to tell congratulations to all those who have made such positive efforts to recoil the riding habit - selfsame well done.
"This shows that the investments that we are qualification in helping smokers to quit are having a positive impact."
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