Nicotine patches are a type of nicotine replacement therapy NRT that can be used to help you stop smoking. Nicotine patches help to reduce cravings and feelings of withdrawal by replacing some of the nicotine you would normally get from smoking.
A nicotine patch is often used together with a faster-acting type of NRT such as nicotine lozenges, gum, inhalator, or mouth spray to help you quit. Watch the video and read the information below to learn about nicotine patches and how to use them to help you stop smoking. A nicotine patch is applied by sticking it onto your skin, much like you would a band-aid.
The nicotine in the patch is slowly absorbed into your body through your skin. Here are two simple steps to use nicotine patches correctly:. Step one: Press the patch onto a dry hairless area of skin for about 20 seconds. You can put it on your chest, arm, or back. Use a different area of your skin each day. If you applied the patch correctly, you can shower, bathe, or swim without worrying about it coming off. This will help to prevent skin irritation. Creams can help to reduce skin irritation if it does occur and changing brands can also help.
Some people can experience vivid dreams whilst using patches. Be reassured that most vivid dreams go away after several days of using NRT. Some simple things can help prevent this dreaming:. The nicotine patch helps by replacing some of the nicotine you would normally get from smoking; it can help to manage cravings. Using the nicotine patch can also help to manage some of the other symptoms of nicotine withdrawal when you quit such as difficulty concentrating, frustration, restlessness and anxiety.
After putting the patch on, it can take hours to absorb the nicotine and get to a comfortable level. Patches come in two types, hour day patches and hour day and night patches. The patches also come in different strengths. The right type and strength depend on when you have your first cigarette in the morning and the number of cigarettes that you smoke each day — talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the right option for you.
If you're using the hour day patch, remove it before bed. If you're using the hour day and night patch, remove and replace first thing in the morning.
Use the patch for at least eight weeks. You can stay with the same strength of patch for the whole time or reduce the strength of patch if you like. The nicotine nasal spray delivers a solution into your nostrils that contains a small dose of nicotine. The nicotine enters your body by being absorbed through the lining of your nose.
The recommended dose is one to two sprays in each nostril once or twice an hour. Bupropion is a prescription medication classified as a type of antidepressant. An extended-release form of bupropion is approved to help people stop smoking. Bupropion is thought to decrease tobacco cravings and withdrawal symptoms by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals. It takes several days for bupropion to achieve effective levels in the blood.
You typically should start taking bupropion a week or two before you quit smoking. Varenicline is a prescription medication that can help reduce cravings for tobacco and control nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
It also blocks nicotine receptors in your brain, which decreases the pleasurable effects of smoking. It takes several days for varenicline to reach effective levels in the blood. You typically should start taking varenicline a week or two before you quit smoking. The most effective strategy to quit smoking for good is to combine a quit-smoking product with a program that includes support from professionals trained to treat tobacco dependence.
Consider joining a community stop-smoking group or starting in-person or telephone counseling. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Quit smoking. Products and services. Quit-smoking products: Boost your chance of success Quitting smoking is hard, but quit-smoking aids can boost your chance of success. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Open pop-up dialog box Nicotine patch Close. Nicotine patch Nicotine patches are small, self-adhesive patches that release a slow, steady amount of nicotine into your body. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. How to Use Nicotine Patches.
The nicotine patch is an FDA-approved medicine that can help people quit smoking. It can be used daily by itself to control withdrawal symptoms, or it may be used with nicotine gum or lozenge which are taken as needed for strong cravings. This video offers step-by-step instructions on how to use the nicotine patch by itself. Quick patch tips. No product endorsement implied.
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