Nicotine Patch: Everything You Need to Know About How to Use It

nicotine patch
pixinoo/Shutterstock

The nicotine patch is a unique method that smokers adopt to reduce smoking. It helps them ingest nicotine without having to light a cigarette. This alternative is ideal for those who need a nicotine replacement strategy. This strategy will reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. You’ll be free from cigarette cravings that make it difficult to stop smoking.

The nicotine patch was invented in 1984. A group of doctors made this discovery while working at UCLA. They discovered that a nicotine transdermal system was an effective way to help people reduce smoking. Nicotine patches were the first globally recognized transdermal medication. For the past 34 years, it has helped millions of smokers say goodbye.

Table of Contents

  1. Benefits
  2. What Are They Used For?
  3. How to Use
  4. How The Patches Work
  5. How They Made
  6. How to Choose?
  7. Side Effects
  8. Nicotine patch vs. Gum
  9. When To Stop
  10. FAQ
  11. Conclusion

Table of Contents

  1. Benefits
  2. What Are They Used For?
  3. How to Use
  4. How The Patches Work
  5. How They Made
  6. How to Choose?
  7. Side Effects
  8. Nicotine patch vs. Gum
  9. When To Stop
  10. FAQ
  11. Conclusion

Benefits of Nicotine Patches

The benefits of nicotine patches include the following:

  • 24 – hour duration
  • Three available nicotine strengths
  • No serious side effects
  • Safe and effective

The nicotine patch is helpful because it allows users to go about their day with a single patch. Users can apply the transdermal patch in the morning and leave it on for the rest of the day without thinking about it. Users do not have to constantly take the transdermal patches or apply them to their skin like other NRTs like gum or lozenges.

The strengths are predetermined, so users know exactly how much nicotine they are ingesting with each patch. In addition, the patches are easy to apply and easy to remove when necessary. Although some are associated with their use, they do not cause significant side effects.

The benefits of nicotine patches include the following:

  • 24 – hour duration
  • Three available nicotine strengths
  • No serious side effects
  • Safe and effective

The nicotine patch is helpful because it allows users to go about their day with a single patch. Users can apply the transdermal patch in the morning and leave it on for the rest of the day without thinking about it. Users do not have to constantly take the transdermal patches or apply them to their skin like other NRTs like gum or lozenges.

The strengths are predetermined, so users know exactly how much nicotine they are ingesting with each patch. In addition, the patches are easy to apply and easy to remove when necessary. Although some are associated with their use, they do not cause significant side effects.

What are Nicotine Patches Used For?

The patches are used for nicotine replacement therapy to give smokers a dose of nicotine without smoking a cigarette. The products have three strengths so that users can choose based on their smoking habits. People who smoke more than ten cigarettes daily should start with the highest dose.

Users need to only apply the transdermal patch to a clean, dry area of skin and leave it there throughout the day to receive a steady dose of nicotine. Only one should be used initially, but your doctor or medical provider may instruct you to use more than one if needed. Users should also not use any other NRT and the patch, like gums or lozenges, as they could experience headaches or upset stomachs. Users should also not smoke a cigarette while using the patch.

The patches are used for nicotine replacement therapy to give smokers a dose of nicotine without smoking a cigarette. The products have three strengths so that users can choose based on their smoking habits. People who smoke more than ten cigarettes daily should start with the highest dose.

Users need to only apply the transdermal patch to a clean, dry area of skin and leave it there throughout the day to receive a steady dose of nicotine. Only one should be used initially, but your doctor or medical provider may instruct you to use more than one if needed. Users should also not use any other NRT and the patch, like gums or lozenges, as they could experience headaches or upset stomachs. Users should also not smoke a cigarette while using the patch.

How Do Nicotine Patches Work?

Nicotine patch works by releasing nicotine into the bloodstream through the skin slowly over a day. The products come individually wrapped. And users need to remove the wrapping and the protective film to apply the adhesive strip to the skin. Users should apply the transdermal patch to a clean, dry piece of skin to avoid skin irritation. They should also avoid applying it to the same part of the skin, as this could also lead to irritation or a rash if done repeatedly.

It releases nicotine into the skin and then into the bloodstream to help smokers have a sense of satisfaction without relying on cigarettes. They are intended to wean users off nicotine entirely so that afterward, they do not need any nicotine product at all. In addition, the patch works all day long to help users with their cravings and stave off withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting.

Best Place to Put a Nicotine Patch

The best place to put a nicotine patch is on a dry, clean part of skin somewhere in the upper torso, chest, arm, back or shoulder. Do not put it on an irritated part of the skin or somewhere dirty or prone to rashes.

Nicotine patch works by releasing nicotine into the bloodstream through the skin slowly over a day. The products come individually wrapped. And users need to remove the wrapping and the protective film to apply the adhesive strip to the skin. Users should apply the transdermal patch to a clean, dry piece of skin to avoid skin irritation. They should also avoid applying it to the same part of the skin, as this could also lead to irritation or a rash if done repeatedly.

It releases nicotine into the skin and then into the bloodstream to help smokers have a sense of satisfaction without relying on cigarettes. They are intended to wean users off nicotine entirely so that afterward, they do not need any nicotine product at all. In addition, the patch works all day long to help users with their cravings and stave off withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting.

Best Place to Put a Nicotine Patch

The best place to put a nicotine patch is on a dry, clean part of skin somewhere in the upper torso, chest, arm, back or shoulder. Do not put it on an irritated part of the skin or somewhere dirty or prone to rashes.

How to Use Nicotine Patches?

The following steps will show you how to use nicotine patches;

  • Ensure you stick to the dosage: The nicotine patch dosing comes in three categories; 7, 14, and 21mg. The dosage refers to how much nicotine is in a patch. You have to watch your dosage to avoid harming yourself. Excessive use of nicotine patches can lead to nicotine poisoning. Your patch dosage depends on how many cigarettes you smoke daily. Heavy smokers may opt for the 21mg dosage. Avoid using two patches at once unless prescribed by a health practitioner. Over time, you should lower your dosage until you stop using the patch.
  • Nicotine patches should be worn for 24 hours: The best way to use a nicotine patch is to wear it for 24 hours. Always wear a new patch as soon as you wake up. They don’t get destroyed by bathing or showering. You can take the patch off if you have trouble sleeping.
  • Stick the patch on a dry, hair-free part of your upper body: The best place to put the nicotine patch is on the upper body. They include; the upper chest, shoulder, upper arm, inner arm, and back. Don’t place it on oily or scarred skin. Press the patch down till it sticks
  • Keep your nicotine patches in a secure location: They should be away from the reach of pets and kids. A patch may still have enough content to cause nicotine poisoning.

The following steps will show you how to use nicotine patches;

  • Ensure you stick to the dosage: The nicotine patch dosing comes in three categories; 7, 14, and 21mg. The dosage refers to how much nicotine is in a patch. You have to watch your dosage to avoid harming yourself. Excessive use of nicotine patches can lead to nicotine poisoning. Your patch dosage depends on how many cigarettes you smoke daily. Heavy smokers may opt for the 21mg dosage. Avoid using two patches at once unless prescribed by a health practitioner. Over time, you should lower your dosage until you stop using the patch.
  • Nicotine patches should be worn for 24 hours: The best way to use a nicotine patch is to wear it for 24 hours. Always wear a new patch as soon as you wake up. They don’t get destroyed by bathing or showering. You can take the patch off if you have trouble sleeping.
  • Stick the patch on a dry, hair-free part of your upper body: The best place to put the nicotine patch is on the upper body. They include; the upper chest, shoulder, upper arm, inner arm, and back. Don’t place it on oily or scarred skin. Press the patch down till it sticks
  • Keep your nicotine patches in a secure location: They should be away from the reach of pets and kids. A patch may still have enough content to cause nicotine poisoning.

How Long Do You Use Nicotine Patches?

The recommended duration for using nicotine patches is between 8 – 12 weeks. Users should not need that much supervision afterward if they wish to continue using these products beyond that timeline. Users who feel they need a little more time to use them can continue using them for up to six months.

The recommended duration for using nicotine patches is between 8 – 12 weeks. Users should not need that much supervision afterward if they wish to continue using these products beyond that timeline. Users who feel they need a little more time to use them can continue using them for up to six months.

How Are Nicotine Patches Made?

Nicotine patches are made with an adhesive film surrounding the central patch where the nicotine is contained. All patches are made according to a manufacturer’s standard, and so they are all made differently. According to their manufacturer’s practices, many have different chemical makeup to contain other ingredients, but they all typically have the same contents.

The patches have a central section where manufacturers insert the nicotine. In addition, there are several other chemicals and ingredients that manufacturers place into the patches that help with things like absorption into the bloodstream, helping it stay on, and slowly releasing the nicotine into the skin.

Nicotine patches are made with an adhesive film surrounding the central patch where the nicotine is contained. All patches are made according to a manufacturer’s standard, and so they are all made differently. According to their manufacturer’s practices, many have different chemical makeup to contain other ingredients, but they all typically have the same contents.

The patches have a central section where manufacturers insert the nicotine. In addition, there are several other chemicals and ingredients that manufacturers place into the patches that help with things like absorption into the bloodstream, helping it stay on, and slowly releasing the nicotine into the skin.

How to Choose Nicotine Patches?

Your doctor will be the one to decide which nicotine patch to start with and which strength you should begin with. Your doctor knows your smoking and medical history, and they will choose this product to reflect this. They will tell you what patch is right for you to begin with, and afterward, depending on your satisfaction or lack thereof, they could recommend another brand or a lower strength depending on your progress.

There are three main nicotine strengths to choose from:

  • 7mg
  • 14mg
  • 21mg

The highest strength is for heavy smokers, and the descending strengths correspond to a person’s smoking habits. Non – heavy smokers should not start with the highest nicotine patches but should be somewhere at the 7mg or 14 mg level.

Your doctor will be the one to decide which nicotine patch to start with and which strength you should begin with. Your doctor knows your smoking and medical history, and they will choose this product to reflect this. They will tell you what patch is right for you to begin with, and afterward, depending on your satisfaction or lack thereof, they could recommend another brand or a lower strength depending on your progress.

There are three main nicotine strengths to choose from:

  • 7mg
  • 14mg
  • 21mg

The highest strength is for heavy smokers, and the descending strengths correspond to a person’s smoking habits. Non – heavy smokers should not start with the highest nicotine patches but should be somewhere at the 7mg or 14 mg level.

Side Effects Of Nicotine Patch

There are several common side effects associated with using a nicotine patch, including:

  • Redness or inflammation at the site
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach

These side effects can appear no matter what nicotine strength a user begins with. The side effects are common, but users should report any adverse effects to their doctor to adjust their dosage accordingly.

There are several common side effects associated with using a nicotine patch, including:

  • Redness or inflammation at the site
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach

These side effects can appear no matter what nicotine strength a user begins with. The side effects are common, but users should report any adverse effects to their doctor to adjust their dosage accordingly.

Nicotine patch vs. Nicotine gum: Is the nicotine patch or gum better?

A doctor will determine whether a patient would benefit more from a nicotine patch or gum based on a patient’s history. Nicotine gum is another common nicotine replacement therapy that is often prescribed instead of the patch. It can also come in several different nicotine strengths, but as it is a gum, it can come in different flavors and may appeal more to certain patients than the patch.

The effects of gum are felt more immediately as users ingest the nicotine with a piece of gum right away rather than slowly over the course of a day, like with the patch. Gums are also convenient and easy to use, so they have advantages over other NRTs. However, the cost of nicotine gum may be higher in some states, depending on where you live.

Some states subsidize NRT, so patients have to pay little–of–pocket expenses. But it states that NRT is not subsidized. So users may have to pay for the gum or patches, for that matter, out of their pocket. But, even still, the cost is still relatively low and should not be too much of a burden for most smokers.

A doctor will determine whether a patient would benefit more from a nicotine patch or gum based on a patient’s history. Nicotine gum is another common nicotine replacement therapy that is often prescribed instead of the patch. It can also come in several different nicotine strengths, but as it is a gum, it can come in different flavors and may appeal more to certain patients than the patch.

The effects of gum are felt more immediately as users ingest the nicotine with a piece of gum right away rather than slowly over the course of a day, like with the patch. Gums are also convenient and easy to use, so they have advantages over other NRTs. However, the cost of nicotine gum may be higher in some states, depending on where you live.

Some states subsidize NRT, so patients have to pay little–of–pocket expenses. But it states that NRT is not subsidized. So users may have to pay for the gum or patches, for that matter, out of their pocket. But, even still, the cost is still relatively low and should not be too much of a burden for most smokers.

When To Stop Using Nicotine Patches

You can stop using nicotine patches up to six months after beginning use. Talk to your doctor to make sure you are ready to stop using them, especially if you have quit smoking cigarettes entirely. Near the end of using nicotine patches, users should lower their nicotine levels to wean themselves off, so they do not experience any withdrawal symptoms or cravings.

You can stop using nicotine patches up to six months after beginning use. Talk to your doctor to make sure you are ready to stop using them, especially if you have quit smoking cigarettes entirely. Near the end of using nicotine patches, users should lower their nicotine levels to wean themselves off, so they do not experience any withdrawal symptoms or cravings.

FAQ

Can you still smoke while wearing a nicotine patch?

No, you cannot smoke while wearing it. This is because smoking with nicotine patches negates the reason for using this product, which is to avoid smoking cigarettes to receive a dose of nicotine.

Is a nicotine patch better than smoking?

Nicotine patches are an effective way to reduce smoking. You’ll be able to stop smoking without craving cigarettes every minute.

How long does it take for a nicotine patch to kick in?

The time it takes to kick in depends on various factors like the strength of the patch, a person’s weight and build, and smoking history. Many users may begin to feel the effects thirty minutes or an hour after applying the patch. Still, the point of the patch is that it eliminates cravings for cigarettes, so it may not cause the immediate nicotine buzz that comes from smoking. A nicotine patch is intended to be released throughout the day, so the effects are subtle and sometimes may not even be noticeable, but that does not mean it is not working.

Do nicotine patches work?

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like patches and gums are among the most popular ways to help people quit smoking. Still, users may not experience success on their first try. Many users may have to use NRT and other treatments like medications or therapy to see actual results. Many users may also have to use NRTs more than once and keep using them until they are successful.

Are nicotine patches safe?

Patches are safe because they contain nicotine ingested in the body through the skin and then the bloodstream. Users do not consume their nicotine through cigarette smoke, and people have rarely experienced severe, life-threatening events from using nicotine patches. People may experience an allergic reaction or another rare occurrence, but a doctor should screen for those factors before prescribing them.

Can nicotine patches cause cancer?

No, nicotine patches do not cause cancer. They contain no cancer-causing chemicals, and there is no evidence suggesting that they cause cancer. Smoking, on the other hand, does cause cancer.

Does nicotine patch raise blood pressure?

According to several studies, using nicotine patches has not been found to have any significant effect on blood pressure or heart rate.

How many cigarettes is a 14 mg patch?

The 14mg patch is ideal for those who smoke between 5-10 cigarettes daily.

What if the nicotine patch is too strong?

If the nicotine patch is too strong, you’ll suffer nicotine patch side effects. These may include restlessness and inability to sleep.

Is it normal to feel sick with a nicotine patch?

The purpose of wearing a nicotine patch is to reduce smoking. So you may feel a little different. But falling sick may be a sign of an underlying problem.

Should I use nicotine patches when pregnant?

They are safe for pregnant women who want to stop smoking if they have no other option. Pregnant women should avoid smoking medications as they could experience several adverse effects if taken. But nicotine patches remain safe for women who want to quit smoking during pregnancy.

Where to apply a transdermal nicotine patch?

Users should apply patches to a clean, dry part of skin located anywhere from their upper torso, chest, back, shoulders, inner and outer arm.

Can you still smoke while wearing a nicotine patch?

No, you cannot smoke while wearing it. This is because smoking with nicotine patches negates the reason for using this product, which is to avoid smoking cigarettes to receive a dose of nicotine.

Is a nicotine patch better than smoking?

Nicotine patches are an effective way to reduce smoking. You’ll be able to stop smoking without craving cigarettes every minute.

How long does it take for a nicotine patch to kick in?

The time it takes to kick in depends on various factors like the strength of the patch, a person’s weight and build, and smoking history. Many users may begin to feel the effects thirty minutes or an hour after applying the patch. Still, the point of the patch is that it eliminates cravings for cigarettes, so it may not cause the immediate nicotine buzz that comes from smoking. A nicotine patch is intended to be released throughout the day, so the effects are subtle and sometimes may not even be noticeable, but that does not mean it is not working.

Do nicotine patches work?

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like patches and gums are among the most popular ways to help people quit smoking. Still, users may not experience success on their first try. Many users may have to use NRT and other treatments like medications or therapy to see actual results. Many users may also have to use NRTs more than once and keep using them until they are successful.

Are nicotine patches safe?

Patches are safe because they contain nicotine ingested in the body through the skin and then the bloodstream. Users do not consume their nicotine through cigarette smoke, and people have rarely experienced severe, life-threatening events from using nicotine patches. People may experience an allergic reaction or another rare occurrence, but a doctor should screen for those factors before prescribing them.

Can nicotine patches cause cancer?

No, nicotine patches do not cause cancer. They contain no cancer-causing chemicals, and there is no evidence suggesting that they cause cancer. Smoking, on the other hand, does cause cancer.

Does nicotine patch raise blood pressure?

According to several studies, using nicotine patches has not been found to have any significant effect on blood pressure or heart rate.

How many cigarettes is a 14 mg patch?

The 14mg patch is ideal for those who smoke between 5-10 cigarettes daily.

What if the nicotine patch is too strong?

If the nicotine patch is too strong, you’ll suffer nicotine patch side effects. These may include restlessness and inability to sleep.

Is it normal to feel sick with a nicotine patch?

The purpose of wearing a nicotine patch is to reduce smoking. So you may feel a little different. But falling sick may be a sign of an underlying problem.

Should I use nicotine patches when pregnant?

They are safe for pregnant women who want to stop smoking if they have no other option. Pregnant women should avoid smoking medications as they could experience several adverse effects if taken. But nicotine patches remain safe for women who want to quit smoking during pregnancy.

Where to apply a transdermal nicotine patch?

Users should apply patches to a clean, dry part of skin located anywhere from their upper torso, chest, back, shoulders, inner and outer arm.

Conclusion

Nicotine patches remain a safe and effective nicotine replacement therapy for millions of users worldwide. They are recommended for people who want to quit smoking on their first try and should be used in conjunction with other types of therapy like counseling. These products can also be used with stop smoking medications like Zyban or Chantix, but a doctor should be the one to make that decision.

Nicotine patches remain a safe and effective nicotine replacement therapy for millions of users worldwide. They are recommended for people who want to quit smoking on their first try and should be used in conjunction with other types of therapy like counseling. These products can also be used with stop smoking medications like Zyban or Chantix, but a doctor should be the one to make that decision.

Published: October 11, 2017 Updated: November 3, 2022


avatar

Comments

Leave a comment

44 comments on “Nicotine Patch: Everything You Need to Know About How to Use It

  • vickie

    August 21, 2022 at 8:25 am

    I want to quit but I can’t afford the patch and the cirg. I need help to stop how can I stop and get help to get the patches

  • candice cummings

    February 1, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    I need help with quit smoking

  • Bill

    October 30, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    Says behavioural issues easier than fighting nicotine addiction but I heard nicotine addiction is only 5% of the problem the mental emotional behavioural is the other 95%

  • Gavin

    October 4, 2019 at 10:09 pm

    I used the N***** patches but have not tried any other brands so I have no comment on which to choose. I have stopped and started smoking at least 3 times and find the patches are much better than cold-turkey. Here are some tips that I found useful:
    – put your first patch on before bed and it will absolutely remove your 1st-day craving – Day 1 is hard but the first week is even harder and for me, it’s day 3 that is the hardest – weeks 2-3 and on is much easier
    – place the patch on top of some fat – chest, and butt are good places – I tried my arm and they fall off
    – avoid parties or situations where others are smoking for 1-2 weeks
    – I experienced some dizziness and headaches especially during the first 3 days
    – I walk a lot and sweat so have used surgical and even a piece of duct tape sometimes to keep the patch on
    – get a squish ball or something to occupy your fingers
    – if you break down and have a smoke then restart immediately the next day – don’t give up

    I have also heard first-hand advice from ex-smokers that the pain of cold-turkey quitting is a powerful motivation not to start again. As with everything in life we are responsible for our education and if you are reading this site you are well on the way to a brighter future.

  • Kelly Burgess-Gomez

    August 1, 2019 at 2:10 pm

    I’ve used other patches, estrogen, fentanyl. I also took care of my father an put nitro patches on him. I’ve NEVER had a problem till now. These things constantly fall off. After putting 3 on I gave up. PLEASE don’t waste your $$$ on these buy nicoderm they stay on GREAT!

  • Kristy

    June 27, 2019 at 10:05 am

    I was on 14 mgs in the hospital for two days but wasn’t holding my cravings. So yesterday when I got home and it was time to change my patch, I put on a 21 mg patch and got a bad headache about 3 hours after. This morning my heart rate is higher and having shortness of breath, (probably anxiety), and getting the headache again. Should I try going down to 14 mgs patches? Am I getting too much nicotine?

  • Lupita

    May 26, 2019 at 11:43 pm

    Hi! Just started the 14mg patch last week, I was smoking 12 cigarettes a day before and now have been smoking 1-3 a day… hopefully stopping completely in one week and just using the patch. My lungs were hurting sooo much all day and now feel 90% better in only one week!! ( I am 33 and have been smoking for 12 years)

    I loved this page and all the comments… I feel very understood and not alone!!

  • Rita Casas

    March 24, 2019 at 10:25 am

    They give me a lot of headaches, is that normal?

  • Missy

    October 28, 2018 at 8:47 pm

    Hope everyone is hanging in since my last visit here. My doctors advised I take all the time I want with the patch and not rush it. I started July 9 on 14 mg, because I had already cut my cigs in half first. I am now wrapping things up with the 7 mg, as I don’t put one on till I start feeling it, which is now not till noon or so, then I take it off at bedtime. I think I will be able to drop them completely very soon without too much trouble.
    Take your time and stick it out!
    I will note that as I have gotten this low, I suddenly put on 8 lbs. in like the last 2 weeks, eating no more than usual, so the metabolism has clearly slowed a lot. I will just hang in there and work on that later. One thing at a time!

  • Lynn Kennedy

    October 11, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    11 days on the 21mg. Walmart brand…I really have no urges, I’m proud of myself..34 year smoker, almost 2 packs a day…so glad I final tried the patch. This week I’m gonna try to go to step 2, hoping I can stay strong…been wanting this for so long, it feels good….good luck everyone

  • Mary Davis

    September 15, 2018 at 8:58 am

    Can you smoke weed while on the patch

  • ashley

    September 13, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    Today is my second day with no cigarettes, I am on the 14 mg patch at most times i am fine but i have noticed toward the end of my 24 hour patch i get a little antsy. I have a stress ball some gum and alot of will power. Determined to stop for good.

  • Marsha

    September 11, 2018 at 10:33 am

    It really does make you sick feeling if you smoke too much while wearing a patch. I forgot I had one on (I’m just starting) and smoked 4-5 cigarettes then I began to feel queasy and just not right. Then it hit me- the patch plus medium strength cigarettes = too much nicotine at once. I immediately took the patch off to clear my system of nicotine for a while.

  • Deborah Riebot

    August 11, 2018 at 8:59 am

    On my 3rd week of having quit smoking. I use the nicotine inhaler and 1st step nicotine patch as I am overweight and was a 38 year 2 pack a day smoker.
    The inhaler helps a great deal with the repetition of bringing hand to mouth.
    I have tried many different ways of quitting. Pills. E-cigarettes. Etc.
    The combination of patch and inhaler is working great. Although I do have tiny areas of rash and an overall itch on arms and legs. My patch is on either upper arm. I do use a sports tape to hold them on as I am doing this in summer and have been sweating.
    Having been diagnosed with COPD years ago. It has crept up and I now have issues breathing.
    I wish everyone trying to quit great success. This is how I deal. I am a smoker. I just choose not to smoke this day.

  • Wilma xx

    July 24, 2018 at 8:48 am

    Hi I’ve been on patches for 8 days now. Feeling extremely tired and really sick. Could this be patches or just maybe coincidence? No appetite at all~ not normal for me as I’m always eating great food and exercise. I’m not giving up I shall fight through side affects ??‍♀️??‍♀️??

  • Missy

    July 9, 2018 at 6:24 pm

    I got major anxiety from putting the patch on my arm but seem fine with it on my thigh. I have skinny arms and am thinking maybe too much nicotine was flooding into my system? Anyone have that happen?

    • Alli

      July 24, 2018 at 1:28 pm

      I felt the same way when I tried the patch a long time ago. I was very thin with skinny arms and it when I put a patch on my arm, it ached terribly every few minutes. Try an area with more fat. This time around, I am on the 21 mg habitrol patch and I’m 25 lbs heavier and the aching feeling is very mild almost non existent so I think from my experience, weight does have something to do with it.

      • Missy

        October 28, 2018 at 8:21 pm

        Thanks, glad it wasn’t just me. It makes sense, though.
        I am still on 7 mg about half a day only, so I am about to wrap it up. Lots of allergic spots, but I have decided just to put up with it till this is over.

  • GOKHAN OZTEL

    June 28, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    Any best nicotine patch brand recomendations please?
    Thanks

  • CeCe

    June 19, 2018 at 3:32 pm

    Hi guys and gals, today is my first day! I’m currently using the 2nd step patch and for the moment I feel fine although I did smoke like 5-8 cigarettes today. I do notice a little itch and it’s hot where I am at so the patch isn’t sticking all the way. I’m hoping that in 14 days I can be completely smoke free! The smell is horrible plus I was told I was too cute to be smoking and I agree 🙂 wish me luck!

    • Rita Casas

      March 24, 2019 at 10:40 am

      I smoke 5 to 8 a day with a 14mg patch on! Do you smoke with your patch on??? please help
      I wish you a lot of luck!!!!

  • Chema

    June 4, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    Its been 14 days for me since my last cigarettes . I’m on the patch, its safe to say that it works but at times I’m become all bent out of shape, angry, easily angered, it’s when i rather be totally alone I pace a lot.. I also understand the science behind the nicotine patch and how it works,. I wear stage 1, 21ml, I’ve had urges to put 2 patches on to see if it really satisfied that craving but I never did though. i have cheated but by one box but haven’t bought anymore. i noticed im hungry at any given moment. mental state also plays a key emotional status. .. Bottom line is it is hard for me..

    • Stevie

      June 16, 2018 at 7:07 am

      Chema I’m right there with you. It’s been 13 days for me. I’m using Step 1, 21mg patches. They really do help. I slipped a few days ago as well for a few hours at least, due to overwhelming stress…but had no problems getting back on track bc the cigarettes tasted so nasty- it basically told me I need to get over the habitual part of it, the hand to mouth and all that. I went out and bought a vape so I also use that maybe 3 times a day so not much, just when I miss the hand to mouth part, and I might chew 1-2 pieces of nicotine gum a day as well. They have nicotine inhalers by RX only, they also really help but for some reason my PCP wouldn’t prescribe them for me, which is why I bought the vape instead. Hey, whatever it takes ya know. I’d much rather have nicotine in my body for an additional 3 months to my 20 year habit than the other 4000 chemicals that are in the smokes. Congrats on your 14 days, keep it up.

  • Linda

    May 25, 2018 at 5:23 pm

    I too received blistering swollen rashes from the patches I have used, I only left one on for a few hours and removed it as soon as the redness appeared and only then replaced a new patch in a different location. They work great to ease the craving for nicotine and I am almost 4 weeks without smoking now but also covered in some nasty rashes.

    I read many suggestions for help on the rashes, I tried the commonly recommended cortizone cream with no relief or effect, but the best help I experienced was when I realized this is an allergy, one that goes deep under the skin, so I found my solution came from a Diphenhydramine Hydrchloride gel that took the swelling down immediately and lessened the redness and itching over the course of a few days.

    That said, because of the patch’s ill effects I am now more desperate to quit using the patches than I ever was to quit smoking but now thanks to an allergy gel I manage to go days without using a patch too so on the bright side I am closer to becoming nicotine free

  • Janay Bozeman

    May 15, 2018 at 1:39 am

    I found the information very informal thank you and wish me luck luck …

  • Trying to Stop

    May 14, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    The gum makes me puke.
    Hoping patches help.

    Stopped vaping bc of hearing about popcorn lung. (?)

  • Shirley

    April 3, 2018 at 7:58 am

    I also have issues with the adhesive, if anyone knows witch patch has the least skin issues, please let me know

  • Vince

    March 27, 2018 at 12:17 pm

    I quit smoking using the patches. Compared to other times I tried to quit, I found it easy. AFTER 13 YEARS I STARTED SMOKING AGAIN! Beware of vacations. I tried the patches again, but I couldn’t quit. I falsely thought a cigarette from time to time was okay. BACK TO TWO PACKS A DAY! I’m back on the patch now for 8 weeks now starting the smallest dosage. This nicotine replacement doesn’t replace willpower, but it gives you a chance. YOU HAVE TO KEEP CIGARETTES OUT OF YOUR MIND. The best thing about this therapy, is you are not left addicted to gum, lozeners, or E-cigs. WISH ME LUCK! YOU CAN QUIT TOO!

  • Mattie

    February 19, 2018 at 8:53 pm

    It seems I am allergic to the glue and end up with a long lasting rash. Is there a patch that doesn’t have that effect on the skin?

  • Dennis Tinney

    January 1, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    Well I started my 21 mg patch from Kroger its all I could afford I just turned 54 12/26/63 and it is time for me to stop wish me luck.Wish there was a vape with no nicotine thanks for listening

    • Neisha M

      January 2, 2018 at 8:46 pm

      Good luck. The patches work for me. Ive slipped up a couple time in the last month, but get back on track. I just bought the lozenges today to use in conjunction with my patch

    • Sarah Cox

      January 7, 2018 at 10:02 am

      There are vape juices with zero nicotine. I get mine from Kind Juice online. I like them because their juices are organic. I also sometimes vape pure vg (food grade specifically for vaping) nothing else. Best of luck for 2018! ?

    • Shannon

      January 9, 2018 at 6:03 am

      Good for you!! Sending you good vibes and extra willpower!!

    • Paula

      March 28, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      Dennis, there ARE a lot of vape juices or e-liquids with NO nicotine!! Go down to your local vape shop and talk to those guys. Most of the time you can even try them b4 u purchase.
      Good luck!!

    • Jennifer

      July 23, 2018 at 6:04 pm

      There are. Vape is available in 0 nicotine also. Just ask your vape shop

    • Barbie J Bender

      August 12, 2018 at 4:07 pm

      There are vaps with no nicotine..i wear a 21 mg patch and use a nicotine free vape..just ask at any smokers store.

  • Nana

    December 29, 2017 at 1:08 am

    Hi
    I quit smoking in August using the vape E Cigarrette liquid #3
    Can I use the patch?
    Thank you

  • huda

    October 25, 2017 at 12:52 am

    i would like to know the date of which this article was published and who was it written by so i can cite this in my article, please reply as soon as possible thank you

    • Daniel May

      January 2, 2018 at 1:04 pm

      Published on: Oct 11, 2017
      Written by Eric. A.

  • carolyn gribben

    October 21, 2017 at 7:09 pm

    wish me luck! let you know how it does.

  • French450

    October 20, 2017 at 4:04 am

    Is smoking a cigarette or two during the use of patches Step 1 dangerous for your health?

    • Danelia Allen

      May 2, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      One is too many and one is never enough.
      A person who quit before 5 years. And a person who is getting ready to quit again on May 13th.

    • Sixela

      July 12, 2018 at 4:24 pm

      Yes very don’t do that

  • Shelly Shell

    October 19, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    Thank you for writing this. Finally, an easy-to-read, get real article that’s helpful for a wanna-quit smoker. I switched to e-cigarettes about three months ago after being a pack-a-day smoker. It helped my energy levels and cigarettes started tasting bad, but about a month into it, my face started breaking out/getting super oily, and has only gotten worse since. I found out that some people have this reaction to the oils in the vape. I’m still addicted to nicotine and needed to know about patch options because cigarettes just don’t taste good to me any more but I still crave them…so crazy. But thank you for this article.