Quit Smoking With The Nicotine Patch

One method that smokers are using to help them to quit smoking is the use of the nicotine patch. These patches are made specifically to help a smoker lower their craving for nicotine by delivering a dose steadily all day long. Most nicotine patches are not an over the counter answer to stopping smoking. They must be prescribed by a smoker’s health care provider and are worn all day long. Since the average cigarette contains only one milligram of nicotine the prescription will base the dose on the number of cigarettes normally smoked in a day. It is important that the smoker tell their health care provider the truth about their smoking habits when beginning on the patch. There is one brand at least that can be bought over the counter. It is a fifteen milligram dose and is worn only during the day then it is thrown out when you go to bed. No matter which brand you use, in the morning you will put on a fresh one. Tyr to do it at the same time every day so that is becomes an easy to remember part of your day plan.

The patch works because it delivers a regulated amount of nicotine to the body through the skin into the bloodstream. This way it keeps the nicotine levels in the smoker’s body at an even level. This level is not likely what it would be if the person was still smoking, but it will be enough to eliminate the withdrawal symptoms, especially the cravings.

You can bathe in your nicotine patch or you can take it off before you bathe in the morning and put a new on when you are getting dressed. When you put a new patch on be sure to put it somewhere where there is no hair and not in the same place you just took one off of. It is recommended that you let each place it is put on go without a patch for at least seven days before using the same spot. You can swim or even enjoy the hot tub while wearing your patch. You can wear it on your arms, back, or any other place that it will stay where it is hairless and clean.

The initial patch program goes on for about six weeks. This is the most difficult period and when the dosage will be highest. After this period the patch prescribed will be of a lower dosage for two weeks and then a still lower dosage for the last two weeks. At this point the smoker should be smoke free.

There can be some side effects for those using the patch to quit smoking. This can include a rash or irritation. Itching or burning around the patch itself. Sometimes they cause nausea or dizziness. As in all nicotine replacement treatment programs it is essential to let your doctor know of any medical problems that you have. This allows them better monitoring as you progress through the treatment program. Refrain from smoking when using the patch as this can cause a nicotine overdose.

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