“How do nicotine patches work?”
I want to quit smoking. I tried doing it cold turkey, using gum, and snapping a rubber band around my wrist, but none of it is working. I want to try the patch, but I'm not sure about it. How does it work?
1 Answer
Yes, they work about 66% of the time over a 3-4 month continuous use. The patch will assist in gradual tapering of nicotine. When paired with the gum the success rate for sustained abstinence goes up to nearly 80%. The patches deliver continuous nicotine while adhered to your skin, There are several brands and generic patches available. The patches come in 3 different strengths. I usually suggest the patient taper to a pack of cigarettes or less per day prior to using the patch or patch/gum combo. Do not get frustrated if the first time of use you feel the continued craving to smoke. There are two components to cigarette smoking- nicotine and the behavioral ritual. Early in treat teen with the patch being used, you may find you miss holding or touching the cigarette. There is no restriction to only using one patch, Try to find the dosage that allows you to manage the day without “needing” a cigarette. It might take two patches, The patch strength is 21, 14, and 7 micrograms. Suggest you start with the 21. Put on in the morning and take off before bed. I have had several patients tell me the generic is just as effective but can be more variable in regards to labeled strength and actual strength.
