Nicotine patch
The nicotine patch is an aid that can be used in a smoking cessation program. The patches are designed to deliver small amounts of nicotine into the bloodstream during the day. The nicotine patch was introduced in the early 1990’s and has been successfully used by millions of people to help them stop smoking. Nicotine patches are designed to help people who have smoked for a length of time. These patches can deliver nicotine through the skin. This is designed to reduce or alleviate the withdrawal symptoms that people experience when they try to stop smoking. Nicotine addiction is very hard to get past. It has been likened in the past to being as addictive as heroin or cocaine.
The small tan patches are applied to the skin once a day. They are loaded with a certain amount of nicotine per patch. Patches come in three different strengths. These strengths are 21mg, 14mg, and 7mg. The amounts of nicotine should be reduced gradually. The makers of the patches recommend reducing the amount of nicotine in the patches after using them a week. There has been research that has shown that using the nicotine patches can greatly increase the success rate of the persons who are attempting a smoking cessation program. However these are not made to be a replacement for cigarettes. These are designed to be used as an aid in a stop smoking program. Other methods and incentives should be used to give the person the best chance possible for success.
These patches are designed to be applied once a day. They are to be worn between 16 to 24 hours a day. The patches should be worn on the arms or the trunk of the body. The patches should be placed on a different area each day to reduce the chance of skin irritation. The patches should not be used while a person continues to smoke. This can lead to side effects and even some health problems.
Some people have experienced side effects while wearing the patches. Some makers recommend that they not be worn while sleeping. They have been known to cause vivid nightmares. They have also been reported to have disturbed sleeping patterns in people who have used them during the nocturnal hours. There are some medications that the nicotine patches can interact with. If a person takes insulin or beta blockers for high blood pressure they should consult with their physician prior to using the nicotine patches. Other side effects that have been reported while using the patch are dizziness, headaches, fast, irregular heart beat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There have been reports of burning, tingling, itching and irritation of the skin where the patch was placed.
People using the nicotine patches should stop using the patch and notify their physician immediately if they experience the following problems while using the nicotine patches. These problems include chest pain, intense swelling, rashes, seizures, problems with breathing, and irregular heart beats.
People who have a history of cardiac or heart disease should not use the patch prior to consulting their physician first. Those who have diabetes, thyroid disease, peptic ulcers, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease or any other chronic illness should consult with their physician before using these patches as well.
These nicotine patches can be a very useful tool for anyone who wants to stop smoking. It should be remembered that they are to be used as an aid in the program and not the whole program itself. Other methods such as mental preparation, practicing a healthy diet and exercise and removing any smoking materials from the environment can help. Support groups are available to help anyone who wants to stop smoking as well.
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