Nicotine patch
Nicotine patch is one of the most used Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs). Nicotine Replacement Therapies are nicotine products that can be used as a nicotine substitute when quitting smoking. When using a nicotine patch, nicotine will be absorbed through your skin and released into your bloodstream. This will decrease the experienced cravings during a quit smoking attempt. Research has shown that this increases your chance of success with 50%.
How to use nicotine patch
A new nicotine patch is applied to a clean, dry and hairless area of your skin every morning and removed in the evening before going to bed. Nicotine patches come in different strengths depending on the amount of cigarettes you smoke pr day. Read the package instructions or visit the manufacturer's website to determine which dosage is correct for you.
Nicotine patch side effects
The skin can become itchy, red or irritated around the area where the nicotine patch is applied. Other nicotine patch side effects that can also be caused by smoking are: headache, dizziness, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting.
In rare cases breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, seizures and swelling may occur. In these cases your doctor should be contacted immediately. It is important that you stop smoking before you start using nicotine patches, as smoking with a nicotine patch can increase the chance of experiencing side effects or a nicotine overdose.
Combining nicotine patch with other quit smoking aids
Many people wonder if they can combine using nicotine patches with other quit smoking aids such as zyban (bupropion) and chantix. Pfizer, the makers of chantix advice against combining chantix with nicotine replacement products because no public studies have been conducted to test the safety of combining the two quit smoking aids. Zyban and nicotine patches can be combined, however the combination may increase your blood pressure, so consult your doctor before combining them.