Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches are often recommended by doctors as a good way to stop your nicotine addiction gradually and at your own pace. They employ a phased reduction in nicotine, rather than abruptly quitting and throwing your body into withdrawal.
There is some controversy over nicotine patches, as recent studies have found them to be quite ineffective when used alone. However, when combined with other forms of therapy nicotine patches can actually a very useful aid to stop smoking.
What are Nicotine Patches?
The patches each contain a specified amount of nicotine and comes in various strengths, usually 21mg, 14mg and 7mg. The nicotine is contained in a gel on the adhesive side of the patch, that releases nicotine slowly into your bloodstream.
Nicotine patches come under various brand names, including Nicotrol, NicoDerm and Habitrol. NicoDerm and Habitrol come in 24 hour versions, while the Nicotrol patch is to be taken off before bedtime.
Nicotine patches need not interrupt your lifestyle at all. They can be worn while showering, swimming or exercising. The patches are also skin-colored and flat, meaning that they can be worn out of the house, at dinner parties and in the workplace without anyone knowing.
How do Nicotine Patches help with smoking?
First of all, nicotine patches should not be used by themselves. A recent study found that only 7% of smokers who used patches had managed to kick the habit 6 months later. However, when combined with other aids, such as support from friends and family, hypnotherapy or acupuncture, nicotine patches are a very effective addition to your stop smoking plan.
The usual plan for nicotine patches is to choose an appropriate strength of patch to begin with and then gradually reduce this over time. For example, a heavy smoker might start with the 21mg patches, then move on to 14mg after a month and 7mg a month after that.
There is a real danger that nicotine patches will not be effective unless changes are made to your lifestyle too. While the patches will help with the nicotine cravings, you should avoid putting yourself in situations where habit or custom tells you that you need a cigarette. Don't follow your colleagues out for a cigarette break, no matter how much you need to get off your desk, and try to avoid late night parties for at least a while. Remember that alcohol will reduce your willpower like nothing else.
Are there any side effects of Nicotine Patches?
Its very important that you give up smoking completely when you move on to the patches. Smoking while wearing a patch effectively doubles your nicotine intake and can be very dangerous to your health. The same goes for wearing more than one patch at a time. Always follow your doctor's advice.
Most patches are designed for 24 hour use. Smokers will occasionally find that this leads to nightmares or unusually realistic, and sometimes frightening, dreams. If these do not pass after a few days, there are other options such as 16 hour patches that should help.
Some users report that the patches cause some itching and slight swelling for around an hour after putting it on. For these reason its important to place the patch in a different spot each day.
There are a number of existing medical conditions that can be affected by nicotine patches. These include allergies, heart conditions, or diseases of the liver and kidney. Be sure to give your doctor a complete medical history before asking for nicotine patches. Pregnant mothers should be especially careful to avoid all forms of nicotine.