Nicotine patches, commonly known as tobacco patches are one way to overcome the nicotine craving when you plan to quit smoking. The reason behind partially replacing nicotine with the use of nicotine replacement therapy is that you might experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly quit smoking. However, the use of nicotine patches allows the body to adapt to having less nicotine and hence, you might experience the urge to smoke less often. And over time, you can gradually (over the course of a 8 or 10 week) wean off nicotine. Here's what our expert Dr Prasanta Acharjee, Consultant, ENT Head and Neck, Fortis Memorial Research Institute has to say about using nicotine patches. Also read about 5 Ds to start you on the path to quit smoking.
Nicotine patches - how to use?
Nicotine patches are applied directly to the skin, once a day and usually at the same time every day. Make sure that you use these patches on a clean, dry and hairless area like the upper chest, upper arm or hip. After removing the used patch, apply the next one to a different skin area as using it in the same area might cause skin irritation. Also, carefully follow the instructions listed on the patch as most of the patches can be used for six to 20 weeks. Here are some tips from an ex-smoker to stick to your no-smoking resolution.
How do they work?
The nicotine patches are self-adhesives and look like a band aid. It has two rings -- the outer ring sticks to the skin, while the inner portion presses against the skin and slowly releases nicotine into the skin. Unlike smoke, which passes almost instantaneously into blood through the linings of the lung, nicotine in the patch takes up to three hours to make its way through the layers of the skin and enter the bloodstream. Read to know about 25 things that happen inside your body when you smoke.
They work by reducing the craving for smoking by delivering a constant amount of nicotine in the blood. A switch to a lower strength patch may be considered after the first two weeks on the medication. Gradually, lower the strength of the patches to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. In most cases, 24hr patches are recommended as they prevent early morning withdrawal symptoms. Here's more on the first 72 hours Dealing with the toughest phase of quitting smoking.
Are there any side effects of a nicotine patch?
Yes, there are few side-effects of using nicotine patches that vary from person to person. The common side-effects of a nicotine patch are dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, redness or swelling at the patch site. In some cases, even serious side effects like difficulty in breathing, severe rash or swelling, abnormal heart rate or rhythm and seizures are reported.
Here are few points to keep in the mind, if you are using nicotine patches.
1. Avoid using nicotine patches if you have a history of a heart attack, irregular heart rate, angina (chest pain), ulcers, uncontrolled high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, pheochromocytoma or a skin condition or disorder.
2. If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding, then stay away from nicotine patches as it might harm the fetus. If you are already using it, consult a doctor immediately.
3. Say no to using nicotine patches if you are taking medications like acetaminophen, caffeine, diuretics, imipramine, insulin, medications for high blood pressure, oxazepam, pentazocine, propoxyphene,propranolol, theophylline and vitamins.
4. Lastly, do not smoke cigarettes or use other nicotine products while using nicotine skin patches as it might lead to nicotine overdose. You may like to read about 7 thoughts that can make quitting smoking tough.
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