One very common method for quitting smoking is using nicotine patches. We wanted to cover some of the simple questions you may have about them and talk side effects, benefits and just simple user tips.
Using Nicotine Patches to Quit Smoking
What are nicotine patches?
Nicotine Patches are one of the many forms of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products, which are designed with a certain amount of nicotine to feed your need for nicotine, to some extent.
The nicotine patch is a sticky transdermal object with a small appearance; you need to apply it on a hairless area of your skin so that the patch can slowly and steadily release nicotine into your body.
Who should be using nicotine patches?
NRT products like this, are designed for those people who are addicted to smoking and would prefer to break the bond with the hand to mouth fixation. Ie: they would prefer not to use vaping to quit smoking. Another option for inhalation free NRT is nicotine gum.
If you are attempting to quit smoking them using any NRT product is a measurably positive step. With nicotine patches the products won’t replace the physical aspect of the smoking habit, but they will ensure your nicotine levels are maintained.
Nicotine patches are more helpful for those who tend to suffer from withdrawal symptoms much more than others. They should start using the patches the very day they stopped smoking.
How Do Nicotine Patches Work?
Generally, one is required to use one patch a day. This patch provides control and a steady dose of nicotine for the whole day; does it reduce the effects caused by nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine patches or any other NRT products release nicotine at a significantly slower and lower rate than cigarettes.
As the day passes, the strength of the patch reduces, and the user can gradually destruct them from the nicotine.
What are the benefits of using nicotine patches?
According to some studies, the main benefit of using nicotine patches is, people use this one much more correctly than any other NRT products. So eventually, nicotine patches are more effective than the other products.
But as they say, when overdosed, things are no longer useful; they become harmful. You can wear the patch as long as you want it, but even if you are awake. Wearing these while sleeping at night can cause discomfort if your sleep can be disrupted, and you may suffer from vivid dreams.
Nicotine replacement therapy products are not designed as a long term solution. Sometimes using this for a long time can cause skin problems like itching, tingling, or burning. This happens because the nicotine is contacting your skin directly. So you see, no matter how harmless a product is, you always need to take appropriate measures.
Unlike any other NRT products, using a nicotine patch is much easier and comfortable. The people who do not feel like chewing gums all the time can gracefully wear a nicotine patch beneath their clothes. Other than that, there is no hassle in using a nicotine patch. All you need to do is apply one patch to the hairless area of your skin and done! You don’t have to worry about carrying them around, or any other things.
Thus the usage becomes more regular, and eventually, it can work faster.
Side effects of the nicotine patch
Nicotine patches are certainly harmless products, but you must remember that they are not entirely nicotine free. So there is always some risk.
As mentioned before, nicotine patch users may suffer from specific skin problems, but if you wear the patch on your chest, then probably you will suffer from heart diseases, chest pains, or sometimes heart attack.
Other than people with weak hearts, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid diseases, kidney or liver diseases should stay away from patches.
If you are breastfeeding right now or pregnant, think twice before using patches or any other NRTs.
So ask your doctor and use a nicotine patch as per your doctor’s prescription. The following are some side effects observed among patch users:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Thyroid Diseases
- Skin Rashes
- Difficulty Breathing
- Irregular Heartbeats
Generally, the above symptoms are usually mild; severe reaction cases are almost none. Still, if you feel that the situation is worsening from the day, you have started, immediately seek medical advice.
The nicotine patch can also react with your existing medication. So don’t forget about your medical history while choosing a nicotine patch.
Conclusion
Suppose you are confident about your decision about quitting smoking. In that case, this is the best time to choose nicotine replacement therapy so that your suffering can somehow be reduced, and your journey can be easy to tackle. Nicotine patches may not be able to tackle your “quit smoking” phase thoroughly, but it can play a significant role in the transaction between “nicotine addiction” and “nicotine-free life.”
But still and no NRT products are entirely risk-free. So what type of quit smoking aid you will choose, entirely e dependent on your preferences and health requirements. Do not take your food away from your decision, take your time, do as much research as you need, and then decide.