How to use nicotine patches: Depending on body size and smoking habits, most people who smoke should start using a full-strength patch (15-22 mg of nicotine) daily for 4 weeks, and then use a weaker patch (5-14 mg of nicotine) for another 4 weeks.
What step nicotine patch should I use?
Use NicoDerm CQ Step 1 (21 mg) for 6 weeks, NicoDerm CQ Step 2 (14 mg) for 2 weeks and NicoDerm CQ Step 3 (7 mg) for 2 weeks. If you smoke 10 or fewer cigarettes a day, follow the 8-week plan. Use Step 2 (14 mg) for 6 weeks and Step 3 (7 mg) for 2 weeks.
How many cigarettes does a 21 mg patch equal?
Determining the patch dose
For most people who smoke one pack per day or less, the following is a reasonable starting point: more than 15 cigarettes per day: 21 mg patch (Step 1) seven to 15 cigarettes per day: 14 mg patch (Step 2)
How do you start a nicotine patch?
Apply the patch to a clean, dry, hairless area of skin on the upper chest, upper arm, or hip as directed by the package directions. Avoid areas of irritated, oily, scarred, or broken skin. Remove the patch from the package, peel off the protective strip, and immediately apply the patch to your skin.
When do you put on first nicotine patch?
Put on a patch first thing in the morning, and keep the patch on until the next morning. Put the patch on a clean, dry part of your upper body that is not hairy. The outside of the upper arm is often the easiest place. Press the patch firmly to your skin for 10–20 seconds so that it stays on.
How long does it take for the nicotine patch to start working?
It starts to release nicotine quickly, and flows steadily all day long. Apply the patch to a clean, dry area of skin. It gets to work quickly and delivers therapeutic nicotine throughout the day. A steady flow of therapeutic nicotine is delivered through your skin for 16 or 24 hours, depending on how long you wear it.
Can you shower with nicotine patch?
You can wear your patch when you bathe, shower, swim or soak in a hot tub. Water will not harm the patch as long as it is firmly in place.
What happens if you smoke while wearing a nicotine patch?
Smoking while wearing the nicotine patch can not only increase your addiction and tolerance to nicotine, but it also puts you at risk for nicotine toxicity. Having too much nicotine in the body can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems that could be fatal.
Can I wear 2 nicotine patches at once?
Patches emit a lot less nicotine than cigarettes and it is perfectly safe to use more than one patch at a time to properly control your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Where is the best place on your body to put a nicotine patch?
You’ll put it on in the morning, on a clean, dry, and relatively hairless part of the body between the neck and the waist — for example, on the upper arm or the chest. The patch should be changed daily, and when you apply a new one, be sure to choose a different location to avoid any related skin irritation.
How long does it take for your body to stop craving nicotine?
While it will take your brain chemistry up to three months to return to normal, cravings usually begin to lessen in strength and frequency after the first week, and are usually gone completely in one to three months.
Do Nicotine patches give you a buzz?
When the nicotine unlocks the receptor, a feel-good chemical called dopamine is released, giving you a little hit or buzz.
What is the success rate of nicotine patches?
Yes, you read that correctly; the success rate of the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, sprays and lozenges is less than 10%. It’s near impossible to get a recent accurate figure from Google, but an independent scientific study* conducted shows a success rate of 3.4% for cold turkey and 6.2% for the nicotine patch.
Can I start the nicotine patch at night?
It will not work as well after 24 hours and may irritate your skin. If you have vivid dreams or sleep problems, remove the patch at bedtime and apply a new one in the morning. Water will not harm the patch.
Can I use nicotine patches forever?
Current guidelines FDA recommend that the patch be used for just eight to 12 weeks before consulting a healthcare provider. “Provider monitoring of longer-term treatment isn’t needed,” Hitsman said. “We know that it’s safe and effective up to six months; people should be able to stay on it on their own.”
What’s the best nicotine patch?
Here are the best nicotine patches on the market.
- NicoDerm CQ Step 1 Nicotine Patches. …
- NiQuitin Clear Step 1 Nicotine Patches. …
- Rite Aid Step 1 Nicotine Transdermal Patches. …
- NicoDerm CQ Step 2 Nicotine Patches. …
- Rite Aid Step 2 Nicotine Transdermal Patches. …
- Habitrol Step 3 Nicotine Transdermal System Patches.