How Well Do Nicotine Patches Work?

How well do nicotine patches work? are they a quit aid you should consider using to help you quit smoking for good?

A study was conducted to test, one group was given a placebo, and the other group was given nicotine patches.

There’s a good reason that people who try to quit cold turkey struggle and relapse back to smoking. The addictive nature of nicotine and smoking creates many physical and physiological reactions that you have to overcome, and the bar is very high.

Nicotine patches allow you to stop smoking straight away, so they help you break the physical connection immediately. You still are getting nicotine and are able to control the dosages, the idea being that you reduce it over time and eventually break the addiction to smoking and nicotine.

As studies suggest people that quit and stay smoking free use an aid to help. The conclusion was that nicotine patches increase the chances of quitting smoking successfully by about a factor of four.

stubbed out cigarette

From all the information that is available and analyzed, it’s clear that if you want to quit smoking nicotine patches are worth trying. Nicoderm CQ Nicotine Patches have been on the market the longest and appear to work great.

They are one of the most effective products to give yourself the best chance to quit smoking successfully.

Now whilst nicotine patches are a great product and greatly increase your chances of quitting smoking.

They do need to be used correctly with willpower, they do help with the withdrawal and anxiety symptoms.

Quitting smoking is likely to be one of the hardest habits you will break, it can be very tough. You have to break the psychological part of the habit, you also have to deal with the addiction.

Many people try to quit smoking by using the cold turkey method, the majority cannot get through the withdrawal symptoms and soon relapse, this is the most reason that many smokers just can’t get through.

Nicotine replacement methods can help you as a smoker break the habit by allowing you to stop smoking immediately.

You can then concentrate on reducing the level of nicotine consumption. Doing it this way you avoid the intense feelings of withdrawal and avoid relapse.

Nicotine doses and how to use them

You should start with a dosage of a nicotine patch roughly equivalent to how heavily you smoked. This will give you the nicotine you consumed in cigarettes.

At the same time this allows you to take the 1st step of getting the cigarettes out of your hands.

There is a range of strengths, 7 mg to 21 mg. The idea is you can steadily reduce to a lower strength until you are able to taper off the nicotine replacement patches altogether.

Side effects of nicotine patches

Side effects when you first use the patches, these should fade as you adjust to them.

  • Mild itching
  • Burning
  • Tingling

Other possible side effects:

  • Vivid dreams or sleep disturbances
  • Headache

Nicotine patches are very safe to use. But they are drug and with all drugs, there are possible side effects.

Some of the most common side effects associated with nicotine patches include skin irritation, itching, nausea and dizziness.

Even though nicotine replacement patches have side effects and some minor risks, how well do nicotine patches work? for many people, the benefits are worth it to help quit smoking for good.

Best nicotine patches

NicoDerm CQ (click to check the latest price)

NicoDerm CQ nicotine patches

GSK is the market leader in the nicotine patch industry, and their product NicoDerm CQ is one of the most successful on the market today.

NicoDerm is a transparent patch that is barely visible on your arm and delivers a steady stream of nicotine into your body.

The key feature of Nicoderm is that unlike most cheaper patches which deliver too much nicotine too quickly. While NicoDerm CQ has tested and tested and got it just right.

A 7-patch pack can last for at least 14 days. The GSK state that one patch can deliver nicotine for up to 24 hours.

A common side effect of NicoDerm is a rash, so if you are prone to skin allergies and rashes, be sure to check with your Dr first. Also, it is a good idea to keep moving the area on your skin where you place the patch.

It’s recommended to use the patch for 8-10 weeks depending on how many cigarettes you smoke daily, but within 3-4 weeks, your cravings should be gone.

Habitrol patches (click to check the latest price)

Habitrol nicotine  patches

Habitrol patches are a very effective product on the market for smokers who want to quit smoking. They act in a very similar way to Nicoderm where they provide a steady delivery of nicotine to fulfil your cravings, rather than 1 big hit.

The patches gradually release nicotine into your skin that you eventually absorb into your bloodstream.

There are 3 different levels of Habitrol nicotine patches is that you can choose from. This is so you can drop down each potency levels to gradually reduce your nicotine intake, and then finally stop.

Habitrol recommends an eight-week period for permanently quitting smoking. The patch ensures you do not experience the withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, restlessness, headaches, increased appetite.

Tips on using nicotine patches

  • Always consult your doctor before using patches or any other nicotine product for smoking cessation.
  • Nicotine patches are great to help assist you to quit smoking. But you have to be committed to quitting smoking. They will help you with your nicotine cravings, but you will have to break the physical habit yourself.
  • Read and follow instructions given on the label. All you have to do is to unpack and stick the patch onto your body.
  • You can use a patch for 16-24 hours. If your cravings are under control, you can remove the patch before going to bed and wear again when you wake up.
  • Do not cut patches in half or using more than one patch at a time
  • Although FDA allows using patches for more than eight weeks, it is ideal to stop using them after 8-10 weeks.
  • Always keep the patches and any other nicotine product away from kids and pets.

I hope that gives a comprehensive answer to the question on how well do nicotine patches work? Which patches work well and are recommended and how to use them.

Additional reading

Can tea help you quit smoking?

CBD for quitting smoking – does it really work?

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