Nicotine Patch

[Roxie-1-16-2014]

I am looking for information from others who have used the nicotine patch. I know using it slowly weans us off the nicotine but after reading different articles on how the nicotine addiction really is I'm questioning my choice on the patch. As long as I am putting nicotine into my body am I just prolonging things? Do you get to feeling better sooner doing the cold turkey method vs the patch? 

[bellringer40]

I've been using the Nicoderm CQ 21 mg and it seems to be doing the trick for me.  You are getting the constant dose of nicotine to ease the cravings but you aren't getting the tar in your lungs according to my Doc and there in lies the difference.  I started using them Friday on my quit day and have done quite well with them.  The only problem I've had is my brain telling me it's time to smoke and I just redirect myself to something.  I will give the stop smoking credit one big thing, my house is spottless.   Time to smoke?  Nope, I think I'll go scrub the toilet!  Good luck, you can do it!

[ShawnP]

Everybodys quit can be different. I was on the patch  for a few days. I kept forgetting to take it and just decided to leave it off and continue. When using the patch, you are unlearnin the motions of holding a cigarette but you are still getting the nicotine and will have to go through the withdrawal part of it but eventually. I was so busy with my mom and the hospital at the time I quit that I didn't experience the withdrawal so much. Like I said, everybody is different. You don't know until you try 😉

[ShawnP]

oops...no but= lack of caffeine LOL

[lordpooky]

This is my 9th day, and I used the patch to quit. I used the patch for the first 4 days to break the habit of pulling out a cigarette and putting it to my lips for 5-7 minutes an hour. When I was no longer reaching into my pocket for smokes, I stopped using the patch and dealt with the nicotine addiction. I tried many times to go "cold turkey" and never got more than a day or 2. This way I kicked the 2 things at different times to divide and conquer. The important thing is to know yourself well enough to give yourself small enough bites to succeed.

Oh and I agree with bellringer, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! All you have to do is put your mind to it and you will succeed sooner or later.

Lord Pooky

[nauticalnut2011]

I've used the patch and though it did help calm my nerves, you are still putting nicotine into your body, just by a different means.  I started this, my forever quit, on the patch but after three weeks gave them up and came the rest of the way totally nicotine free with the help of this wonderful site.

Keep reading, do the deep breathing, drink plenty of water, exercise, reach out to your fellow EXers, make an honest committment to yourself to never, ever smoke again and stand by it.  You're a quitter and quitters don't smoke...EVER!!! NOPE!!!

[mary242]

everyone is different. I used the patch, unsuccessfully, I did hypnosis, unsuccessfully, and I used chantix, unsuccessfully. I quit with knowledge from the EX site, and all the support here and was successful! I hope you are successful!!

[Billy_8-3-2013]

I used the patch for three weeks and I think it made it easier for me.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

I used the patch.

I used 10 patches over 11 days.

I forgot my 4th day but I felt I needed it the next morning so I put one on.

The following week, I forgot two days in a row and figured that was my body telling me I didn't need it anymore so I stopped

That was 7+ years sgo.

[YoungAtHeart]

If you use the patches as directed, you will gradually reduce the amount of nicotine you are getting, so the final supply of them contains a lesser amount to withdraw from, making it easier....at least that's what they say.

If you think you can go "smart turkey," then go for it!   The  nicotine will be out of your body in three days.

Of all the NRT's - we here think the patch is the best option since the addict does not control the dose like the gum and the lozenges.....

When all is said and done, it is YOUR quit and you probably know what is best for you.  Whatever works for you is the best way!

Nancy

[newlife5]

it is true that you are putting a smaller dose of nicotine into your body...but this smaller dose treats the physical symptoms you are having from withdrawal...some people get very ill from the withdrawal.. these are the one tha benefit from using the patch..it helps with the caancer sores in the mouth, the bronchial spasms in you chest and ,the anxiety attacks that affect your nervous system... i smoked 43 years so my body reacted violently to my quitting smoking....the patch was a godsend....

in any case... quitting smoking is a conscious decision.. and one of the best things you can do for yourself...so if you need help to acheive that goal the patch is there to help you,,

just remember it wont quit the urge to smoke it will only treat the withdraws you will have to make the decision to quit yourself

[moody_9-18-13]

People are all different and this is a public forum, so you will get a lot of differing opinions. Do what you feel good about doing and always listen to your doctor.

One thing that's a fact no matter who you are, as Izzy says...remember the patch only treats withdrawal, you have to make the decision to quit yourself. And, I might just add, once you make the decision, honor yourself and your decision. Keep your promise to not allow youself to smoke, otherwise you'll never quit forever.

You're doint the right thing, come here and discuss, blog, reach out for support!! This site is filled with wonderful people!

[Sootie]

I quit cold turkey......not sure what "feeling better" means. We all have to beat this addiction one way or another. The "seller" for me with cold turkey was two-fold:

1. As crazy as it sounds....I was afraid of using rthe patch or gum or lozenges.....yeah, I know :  ) CRAZY since I WAS putting nicotine, tar and God knows what else in my body......but that was just my illogical self.

2. One of the best rewards of quitting is how much money you save. I just felt that with the patch and gum etc.etc....I was still putting out money towards the addiction---albeit to quit. Thoses patches etc can be expensive!

But---as has been said above.....everyone is different. The important thing is DO NOT SMOKE!

[freeneasy]

I used it for months. I know it helped take the edge off. My doctor told it was OK . Do what you have to do to stop smoking.

[OldBones-Larry]

I went turkey, but was in and out for the first 3 1/2 days. By that time, the nicotine was gone from my system.