Nicotine Patches
What is Nicotine Patches?
Nicotine Patches is a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) product. It is mostly like a sticker which contains mild adhesive along with nicotine compound. You have to worn it on the skin. Nicotine patch directly touches your skin surface and slowly release nicotine through your skin cell. This is most widely used techniques or therapy to reduce nicotine carvings.
Types of Nicotine Patches
You will find nicotine patches from various brands. They mostly come with two main types:
- 24-hour nicotine patch: Nicotine dose 21mg, 14mg and 7mg
- 16-hour nicotine patch: Nicotine dose 25mg, 15mg and 10mg
It depends what type of nicotine patch is perfect for you. If you think you have serious carvings then you can go for the 16 hour nicotine patch as you have to replace your patch after 16 hours.
If you are a serious smoker and you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day then you should go for the highest strength patch that is 21mg/24 hour or 25mg/16 hour.
If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day or your weight is less than 45kg then you have to start with the mild version that is 14mg/24 hour or 15mg/16 hour.
Both types of patches are widely effective. It takes coupe of hours to build up to an effective dose and it varies from person to person, as nicotine will flow through your patch to skin surface.
Ways to use Nicotine Patches to quit smoking
You can use Nicotine Patches in a number of ways. You can start two weeks before your quit day to reduce the carvings or you can start from day one of your quit smoking journey.
For both methods you have to follow the steps.
- Never use more than one patch in a day.
- Apply the patch in a clean, dry skin with minimal fat and hair, such as your upper body or your arm.
- To avoid rash, use different part of your skin every day.
One have to use the nicotine patches in a disciplined and prescribed way.
Gradually reducing your carvings with Nicotine Patches (Pre-Quit)
If you are a chain smoker or you smoke more than 15 cigarettes in a day, and at the same time, you feel that it will be hard for you to quit smoking in the next few days, then you can go with this method.
Use a 25mg or 21mg nicotine patch for two weeks before your quit day. Identify your most carvings time and try to use patch couple of hours before that carving time. When you are in sleep you do not smoke so wearing a patch just before your sleep will not help you much.
By using this method you will get some of nicotine from your smoke and some from your nicotine patches. It will greatly reduce your withdrawal symptoms and help you to reduce your carvings.
Research has shown that when you go with a pre-quit method like this it can reduce your smoking by 50%.
Quitting with nicotine Patches
Step 1: First set up your quit date for 2 week’s time.
Step 2: You have to follow the standard steps for using nicotine patches. Start with a higher dose at beginning either 25mg or 21mg.
Step 3: Your willingness to quit smoking is very important. Stop smoking at your scheduled date.
Step 4: Each nicotine patch come with a detailed information sheet. Carefully read it and follow their guidelines. For future carvings you can use the nicotine patch for the next 8-12 weeks after your quit day.
FAQs – Nicotine Patches
Can I use other forms of NRT while using nicotine patches?
If you have serious carvings and it is hard for you to resist then you can use an Oral NRT product. You can find more in NRT combination therapy.
What is the right time for using nicotine patches?
The perfect time of using nicotine patch is in the morning. When you are in sleep you will not be able to smoke. So using patch before your sleep might be an wastage. But if you are used to have your smoke just after waking up then you can use it before your sleep.
How long should I use Nicotine patches for?
One can use nicotine patches for another 8-12 weeks after quit smoking. Some told that using higher strength patches for 8 weeks is beneficial but you can reduce your patch strength gradually after 6 weeks.
After your quit day, regular use of patch is not recommended.
Side effects of Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches almost come with no side effects. Due to the adhesive of the patch you might experience a rash your skin but you can avoid it by using your patches in different skin areas. Sometimes you might experience sleeping problem and nausea may occur.
Still if you are having trouble to use nicotine patches you can consult with your doctor.