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Though an estimated 68 p.c of people who smoke wish to stop, based on the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, the signs of nicotine withdrawal, stress, and related weight achieve can all thwart their means to kick the behavior. (Nicotine is a very addictive drug that’s an ingredient in cigarettes; withdrawal signs embrace complications and nervousness.) The excellent news is that there are lots of instruments at your disposal to provide help to stop and keep that manner — and while you mix them, they could be much more efficient.
One in all these instruments is the nicotine patch, a kind of nicotine alternative remedy. A nicotine patch works by releasing a measured dose of nicotine into the pores and skin, serving to to wean people who smoke off their nicotine habit and reduce the results of nicotine withdrawal. Right here’s what it is advisable to find out about making an attempt a nicotine patch for your self.
The place Can I Discover a Nicotine Patch?
Earlier than the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration authorized the over-the-counter sale of nicotine patches in 1996, they had been out there solely by prescription. Nicotine patches are actually out there at all kinds of shops, for about $4 a day or much less should you use a generic model.
Most nicotine patches are made for 24-hour use, says Humberto Choi, MD, a pulmonologist on the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. However some folks could resolve to take the patch off earlier than they go to mattress, in order that they put on it solely round 16 hours a day.
Leaving the patch on for the complete 24 hours can assist offer you a gentle dose of nicotine, however you is likely to be extra more likely to expertise a aspect impact like pores and skin irritation, too. The trade-off is that some individuals who don’t put on the patch in a single day could expertise extra cigarette cravings within the morning.
The Proper Method to Apply a Nicotine Patch
A nicotine patch appears very similar to an adhesive bandage and is available in a wide range of sizes. You’ll put it on within the morning, on a clear, dry, and comparatively hairless a part of the physique between the neck and the waist — for instance, on the higher arm or the chest. Don’t put the patch on areas of burned, lower, or irritated pores and skin. Change the patch day by day. If you apply a brand new one, make sure to select a distinct location to keep away from any associated pores and skin irritation.
When you apply a nicotine patch, you’ll put on it repeatedly all through the dosage interval. As a result of it takes a number of hours for the nicotine within the patch to seep into the bloodstream, you may wish to fight any rapid cravings with a bit of nicotine gum or a nicotine lozenge, Dr. Choi says.
Whereas the fitting nicotine patch dose for you depends upon what number of cigarettes you smoke day by day, the patches are typically used as a part of a smoking cessation program that lasts between 8 and 10 weeks, which can observe this sample:
- Weeks 1–4 You’ll put on a nicotine patch that delivers a powerful dose of nicotine — for instance, 14 to 21 milligrams (mg) per day.
- Weeks 5–8 You’ll swap to a weaker patch, one which will ship 7 to 14 mg per day.
- Weeks 9–10 Whereas some folks could also be able to cease sporting a nicotine patch after eight weeks, others could wish to proceed for an additional week, two weeks, or longer, notes UpToDate. The hot button is to proceed sporting it till you are feeling stabilized with out smoking.
Aspect Results of the Nicotine Patch
Most people who smoke get actual reduction from the nicotine patch — however they’ll additionally expertise some unwanted effects. These could embrace:
- Pores and skin Irritation Some folks’s pores and skin could turn out to be irritated beneath the patch. Selecting a brand new pores and skin web site every day often helps alleviate this drawback; if it continues, you may contemplate switching to a different model of patch. Should you develop a rash, redness, or swelling that doesn’t go away in a number of days, cease utilizing the patch and inform your physician.
- Sleep Disturbances Some folks utilizing the patch report disruptions to their sleep, comparable to vivid goals, insomnia, and different disturbances. In case your sleep remains to be affected after three or 4 days of utilizing a nicotine patch, strive taking the patch off at bedtime. Then, substitute it with a brand new patch within the morning.
- Racing Heartbeat and Dizziness If this happens, cease utilizing the patch instantly and speak to your physician about switching to a lower-dose patch. In response to a analysis evaluate, nicotine alternative remedy doesn’t improve a smoker’s danger of getting coronary heart issues if they’ve a historical past of coronary heart illness. Nonetheless, should you do have a historical past of coronary heart illness, make sure to use a nicotine patch beneath your physician’s steerage.
- Ache and Nausea This contains complications, muscle aches, and vomiting.
Choi cautions, although, that a few of these signs is probably not as a result of nicotine alternative remedy however to nicotine withdrawal itself. So make sure to speak to your physician in regards to the signs you’re experiencing; they can assist you pinpoint the trigger.
Extra reporting by Maria Masters.
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