Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Ideas To Giving up Cigarette Smoking Having A Nicotine Patch

Millions of Americans have the desire to quit smoking but many lack the willpower. This is why nicotine replacement therapy products such as the nicotine patch were created. The patch assists those who want to quit by reducing their cravings and minimizing their withdrawal symptoms. There are still steps you can take while using the patch that may increase your chances of quitting for good.


How the Patch Works


The nicotine patch works by gradually releasing nicotine into your body throughout the day. It is a transdermal patch, which means the nicotine is released into the outer layer of your skin and then moves through your body. Though it is an effective method for quitting smoking, it doesn't cure instant cravings like some other nicotine replacement products do.


Choose Your Strength


The patches come in three different doses: 21mg, 14mg and 7mg. The dose you begin with depends on how many cigarettes you smoke daily. If you smoke more than 10, you need to purchase the 21mg patch first and remain on it for six weeks before stepping down to the 14mg patch. If you smoke 10 or less a day, you will purchase the 14mg patch first and remain on it for four weeks before stepping down to 7mg.


Wearing the Patch


You should wear your patch at the same time every day; this makes it easier for you to remember when you need to change it. They can be worn for a period of 16 to 24 hours; however, if you do not feel any cravings as soon as you wake up, take it off before bedtime--it can cause insomnia and strange dreams.


It can be worn anywhere on the body that is free from hair, but the upper arm is a favorite choice for many. It's better to wear your patch in a new spot each day for a week to avoid any skin irritation or rashes from the adhesive.


To Smoke or Not to Smoke


The FDA has placed a warning on the box to stop smoking before you begin wearing the patch, and not to smoke while you have one on. Doing this may cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, dizziness and vomiting. However, the Duke Center for Nicotine and Smoking Cessation conducted a study in which 50 percent of its participants smoked for the first two weeks of using the patch and the other half did not. The findings showed that those who smoked while wearing the patch for two weeks doubled their success rate and quit smoking sooner than the second group, while suffering no ill side effects. Their claim is that setting your quit date for two weeks after wearing the patch may increase your chances of quitting successfully.


Combine With Behavioral Support


The patch helps with the physical side effects suffered while trying to quit smoking, but you still need to get past the psychological effects. The manufacturers of the patch recommend combining your treatment with behavioral support to increase your chances of success. There are a variety of nicotine patch brands, and most offer their own support group for those who have purchased their product.









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