The Habitrol patch provides a steady supply of nicotine through your skin to help counteract the effects of nicotine withdrawal. If you have resolved to begin the New Year as a non-smoker, the prescription Habitrol patch can help you ensure that you meet your goal with a minimal amount of discomfort.
Identification
The Habitrol patch is applied to your skin every day for eight weeks, providing your body with the nicotine that you normally obtain from smoking cigarettes. Using the patch helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, insomnia, increase in appetite, trouble concentrating and intense craving for cigarettes. The way you use the patch is determined by how many cigarettes you normally smoke each day.
Using the Patch
Habitrol.com recommends applying the patch to a dry, clean area of your upper body or arm. The area you choose should be free of hair to allow the patch to adhere firmly to your skin. When you remove the patch from the package, you will notice that one side of the patch is covered with a shiny liner. This liner covers the adhesive part of the patch. After you remove the liner, place the patch on your body, pressing gently against the patch to ensure that is sticks to your skin. The Habitrol patch must be removed after 24 hours and replaced with a new patch. If you leave a patch on longer than 24 hours, it may weaken and lose its effectiveness. Wash your hands with soap and water after placing the patch on your skin.
Determining Dosages
The patch dosage you must use will depend on the number of cigarettes you normally smoke. If you smoke 10 or more cigarettes each day, you will use the 21 milligram patch for four weeks, followed by the 14 milligram patch for two weeks, then the 7 milligram patch for two weeks. If you smoke 10 cigarettes or less, you will begin the program by using the 14 milligram patch for six weeks, followed by the 7 milligram patch for the remaining two weeks.
Considerations
While using the Habitrol patch will help relieve the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, using a nicotine patch should not be the only method you use to stop smoking, according to the American Cancer Society. Participating in a smoking cessation program and developing a strong support system can help you resist the urge to begin smoking again. Talking to supportive friends and family members may help if you are feeling particularly tempted, as can discussing your frustrations with other people who are also trying to quit smoking. You can interact with others trying to stop smoking on the LIVESTRONG.com Dare to Quit Smoking forum (see Resources).
Warning
The Habitrol patch should not be used if you plan to continue to smoke, use nicotine gum or snuff, chew tobacco or use other nicotine products, according to Habitrol.com. You should avoid smoking even when you take the patch off, as nicotine will continue to circulate through your body several hours after removing the patch. Nicotine patches should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before you begin to use the patch if you have asthma or take medication for depression symptoms. Medication dosages may need to be adjusted if you have either of these conditions. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure or a heart condition before you start using the patch, as the nicotine in the patch can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
