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A nicotine patch is a transdermal patch that releases nicotine into the body through the skin. It is usually used as a method to quit smoking.
General Information on Use
Nicotine patches come in several steps so that users can phase out nicotine use; for example, 21, 14, and 7 mg. A cigarette delivers roughly 1 mg of nicotine, so someone who used to smoke a pack (20 cigarettes) per day or more could start with the "step 1" 21mg patch, while someone who smoked less could start with "step 2." After several weeks (6 is recommended) at step 1, new non-smokers move on to step 2 (usually 2 weeks) and step 3 (2 weeks).
For most users, there are few or no short-term health problems associated with using the patch, so users should not rush themselves through the steps; rather, users can phase out nicotine use on their own schedules.
Cost
In the U.S., the nicotine patch costs roughly $2 to $3 per day, although some municipalities, schools or health plans offer subsidized or free nicotine patches. Depending on local tax rates, the cash cost of the patch compares favorably to the cost of cigarettes, and very favorably compared to the long-term costs of smoking.
Issues
There are a few recorded cases in which nicotine addicts, against doctor's orders, died from heart failure after applying multiple patches and then smoking and consuming alcohol at the same time. Lawsuits by survivors of such decedents against the decedent's physician and the manufacturers of nicotine patches, cigarettes, and alcohol have all been generally unsuccessful.
Patches are intended to be worn for twenty-four hours at a time, and then be replaced at the same time every day. However, some individuals wearing the patch while they sleep experience abnormally vivid and possibly violent dreams or nightmares. Within this group, some people become acclimated and are not bothered; others find them completely intolerable. Other people actually enjoy the intense vivid dreaming, experiencing no nightmares or unpleasant dreams, just pleasant dreams of unusual intensity.
For some smokers the solution is simply to wear the patch for approximately seventeen hours only, and remove it before bed. There are also several brands which offer sixteen hour patches. However, because the patches take between 2 and 4 hours to achieve peak concentration in the body, this can leave the wearer vulnerable to cravings in the morning, particulary if they don't put on the patch immediately when they wake up. For heavier smokers, or smokers whose prior smoking habits included a smoke first thing in the morning or when getting home from work, the twenty-four hour patches can help avoid times of the day where the patch is not delivering enough nicotine and cravings start.
The nicotine and the adhesive can cause swelling, itching and discomfort in the area covered by the patch. Instructions for using the patch indicate it should be placed at a different location every day. Usually the feeling of itching and mild burning subsides in 30-60 minutes, and is only slightly uncomfortable.
See also
"Nicotine patch"