If you're ready to quit smoking, you might be ready to use the patch. The nicotine patch slowly releases nicotine through the skin into your bloodstream over a period of 24 hours. The patch is designed to help reduce nicotine cravings associated with smoking cessation.
Step 1
Prepare yourself to quit smoking. Mark a quit date on your calender. Tell your family and close friends that you are quitting smoking, and let them know how they can support you. Join a support group to help you learn tools to deal with cravings.
Step 2
Choose the right dose patch to use. Generally, if you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, start with the 21-mg patch. If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day, start with the 14-mg patch.
Step 3
Hold the patch by the one of the edges, and peel off the film backing to expose the adhesive. Avoid touching the adhesive side of the patch to prevent nicotine from getting on your hands. Discard the film backing securely in a trash receptacle away from the reach of young children and animals.
Step 4
Apply the patch to a clean, dry and hair-free area of skin on the upper body (below the neck and above the waist). Choose a healthy area of skin that is free of irritation or injury. To apply the patch, place the adhesive side against the skin. Firmly press down on the patch with your hand for 10 seconds to ensure that it sticks to the skin.
Step 5
Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any nicotine that may have accidentally gotten on your hands.
Step 6
Remove the patch after 24 hours. Fold it in half so the adhesive is not exposed. Discard the patch in a trash can away from young children and animals. Place a new patch on a different area of skin to reduce skin irritation. It is best to not reuse an area of skin for one week.
Step 7
Gradually lower your nicotine patch dose. After six weeks you should start using the next lowest dose patch. If you started with the 14-mg patch, step down to the lowest dose patch, which is 7 mg, for the last six weeks of your nicotine patch program. If you started with the 21-mg patch, step down to the 14-mg patch for the second six-week step of the program. After the second six-week period, heavy smokers should move to the 7-mg patch and wear it for a third six-week period.
Tips and Warnings
- A nicotine patch is normally worn for 24 hours. It can be worn for only 16 hours, if it causes sleep disturbances. To wear the patch for 16 hours, the patch should be removed right before bedtime and a new one put on in the morning upon waking. If over-the-counter nicotine patches are not enough to control your cravings, talk to your doctor about a prescription-strength nicotine patch. If your cravings are still strong after you have completed the program, ask your doctor for approval to continue wearing the patch for an extended amount of time. The nicotine patch can be worn in the shower or during swimming. If the patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new one to a different area of skin. If you have trouble getting the nicotine patch to adhere to the skin, clean the skin with isopropyl alcohol to remove body oils before applying the patch.
- Do not wear more than one patch at a time. Do not use other tobacco products, including cigarettes, while using the nicotine patch. Remove the patch and call your doctor if you experience nausea, become dizzy, experience a bad headache, are vomiting, have cold sweats, have blurry vision, become confused, get cold sweats, are drooling, have trouble hearing or pass out. These symptoms can be signs of a nicotine overdose. Some people experience a minor burning sensation or irritation at the site the nicotine patch is applied to. Normally the skin irritation and burning disappears within a few days after the patch is removed.
