The nicotine patch Nicoderm CQ is an over-the-counter medication used to help patients smoking and avoid withdrawal symptoms. It is available in three doses: 21, 14, and 7 mg per patch. The dose is based on the number of cigarettes smoked and treatment lasts eight to ten weeks. The use of the nicotine patch has effects on the health due to side effects and warnings.
Nicotine Withdrawal
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are common when an individual attempts to quit smoking; the nicotine patch is intended to reduce nicotine slowly over a period of time to avoid these symptoms. Mild withdrawal symptoms do occur, however, including nervousness, irritability, hostility, anxiety, increased appetite and nicotine cravings. If these symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are severe the patient may need a higher dose of the patch or may need to be treated for a longer duration of time. Withdrawal symptoms decrease over time, except for cravings which may be present for years.
Skin Reactions
The most frequent side effect of the nicotine patch is skin reactions, such as irritation, itchiness, swelling and pain, at the site of the application. The patient should be instructed to rotate the site of application to avoid these side effects. "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach" explains that the patient may use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or triamcinolone cream to treat any adverse reaction on the skin. Less then 5 percent of individuals discontinued this medication due to skin reactions.
Insomnia
The nicotine patch may produce insomnia, or sleep disturbances. The patient should remove the patch before going to sleep to avoid this undesired side effect. It may be hard to differentiate insomnia as a side effect or withdrawal symptom.
Increased Risk in Heart Disease
The nicotine present in the patch may affect preexisting heart disease. Nicotine patches should not be used in patients who have had a heart attack in the past two weeks, warns the "Drug Information Handbook." Patients with serious or ongoing chest pain and those with serious irregular heartbeats should also use caution.
Increase in Blood Pressure
Nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict, which leads to an increase in the blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Patients with uncontrolled blood pressure should also be careful using the nicotine patch. The blood pressure may increase to a dangerous level and require emergency medical treatment. The patient should consult a health care professional before using the patch to ensure safety. If the patient experiences chest pain, heart palpitations or difficulty breathing, he should seek medical attention.
References
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- University of Marylan Medical Center: High Blood Pressure: Tips to Stop the Silent Killer
