Question 1

are the nicotine patches suggested?

Accepted Answer

Yes?: Recent study evaluated benefits of medications and or nicotine replacement for quitting smoking. Use of these products showed a 4-5 times increase change of being cigarette free at six months versus trying to quit "cold turkey", especially if patients have  severe nicotine dependence.   Talk to doctor, but some patients benefit from use of all the above, though this needs doctor supervision.

Question 2

what benefit nicotine patches have?

Accepted Answer

Addictions involve: People, places, things. The patch transfers your nicotine source from dip/snuff or smokes to a transdermal blood level, and attempts to taper the amount over the course of weeks. You remain an addict. Your threshold for craving is lowered.  You must have the strong desire and will to quit.

Question 3

can i use expired nicotine patches?

Accepted Answer

No: Companies do not test expired samples so it may make you sick, lose their potency, or just  not work at all.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Question 4

can nicotine patches be cut in half?

Accepted Answer

No: Cutting in half will destroy the prolonged activity.

Question 5

are nicotine patches safe and effective?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Although high dose nicotine use may need more than twenty-one mgs.

Question 6

are nicotine patches harmful to nonsmokers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, potentially: Smokers are tolerant to the toxic effects of nicotine - application of even low-dose nicotine patches is the equivalent of smoking 6-8 cigarettes per day; in people not tolerant, this can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms.  Higher dose patches can cause even worse symptoms.  They are being studied for the treatment of schizophrenics, though, where nicotine does seem to help.

Question 7

can you smoke while using nicotine patches?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely NOT!!!: Smoking while on a nicotine patch can lead to a nicotine overdose which could result in death!!! Do not smoke while using the patch. Try hypnosis instead.

Question 8

why are nicotine patches leaving marks on me?

Accepted Answer

Nicotine patch: If no swelling or rash, try next application on different spot on skin.

Question 9

are there different types of nicotine patches?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The patches come in different dosages: 21, 14  and 7 mg.  Also consider mutual support such as nicotine anonymous.

Question 10

what are the pros and cons of nicotine patches?

Accepted Answer

See below: The pros are that they work with or without other short acting nicotine agents and they may help to avoid short term nicotine agents that maintain addictive behavior.  One may have to combine patches in highly tolerant smokers to add up to more than 21 mgs.  Cons include lack of consistent effectiveness and skin irritation.

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Doctor answers about:

Nicotine patches

A member asked:

Are the nicotine patches suggested?

A member asked:

What benefit nicotine patches have?

A member asked:

Can i use expired nicotine patches?

A member asked:

Can nicotine patches be cut in half?

A member asked:

Are nicotine patches safe and effective?

A member asked:

Are nicotine patches harmful to nonsmokers?

A member asked:

Can you smoke while using nicotine patches?

A member asked:

Why are nicotine patches leaving marks on me?

A member asked:

Are there different types of nicotine patches?

A member asked:

What are the pros and cons of nicotine patches?

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