Stop Smoking Patch - Reasons To Use A Patch

By Denzil De Vries

When smokers attempt to quit the unhealthy smoking habit, headaches, anxiety, nervousness and cravings oftentimes surface as symptoms of their withdrawal. As a result, many smokes decide to utilize nicotine medications in an effort to ease their quitting attempts. For example, a stop smoking patch is one available method for many smokers attempting to quit for good. A stop smoking patch allows smokers to fight withdrawal symptoms.

A stop smoking nicotine patch is used by many smokers as a temporary aid to help them stop smoking. This patch helps smokers control symptoms of withdrawal. For example, a nicotine patch can help smokers avoid the irritability, insomnia, fatigue, and headaches that often result from nicotine withdrawal. By using a nicotine patch, smokers can avoid these withdrawal symptoms and instead focus on what is more important. Smokers can instead overcome their ingrained behaviors which have led them to smoke as well as the psychological factors that make it difficult to stop smoking.

When an individual starts using nicotine patches, they must immediately stop smoking. Those people who choose to smoke and use nicotine patches at the same time are only doing themselves harm as they increase the amount of nicotine they take in. They could even overdose from nicotine and/or experience side effects. In order to use a nicotine patch safely, individuals must apply them every day to a hairless, clean spot on their upper body. They must not place the patch on a wet area. Suggested sites include the chest back, stomach or upper arm. Individuals can use the patch for about 16 to 24 hours, after which they should take off the used patch and replace it with a new patch.

Only a doctor can help you decide whether or not to use a nicotine patch as part of your effort to stop smoking. If you do use the patch, you need to apply a fresh patch each day, so get into a daily routine so that you don't forget. This is important as you may need to use a patch for up to 12 weeks depending on how long it takes for you to stop smoking and stop craving cigarettes.

There are many side effects associated with stop smoking patches. Difficulty sleeping, , dry mouth, burning or itching at the patch site, swelling at the patch site, sweating or skin rash are some of the minor side effects that may be experienced.

Significant side effects of the stop smoking patch are cold sweats, breathing difficulties, bad dreams, skin irritations and seizures. If you have serious side effects you should go to the doctor right away. This could be the result of absorbing excess nicotine through the stop smoking patch.

You must also tell your doctor if you have recently had heart trouble, such as heart palpitations, heart disease, or an irregular heartbeat. Also inform your doctor about diabetes, high blood pressure, or stomach ulcers. This will aid your doctor in deciding whether or not you will benefit in using nicotine patches. Do not use stop smoking patches if you are pregnant or are nursing.

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