Is It Possible to Quit Smoking with Nicotine Patches?
Types of Nicotine Patches
From the moment we extinguish the last cigarette we smoked, the nicotine level in our body starts to drop rapidly. When the nicotine level drops to a certain point, we feel the urge to smoke again. After quitting smoking, we experience nicotine withdrawal because we can no longer smoke. Nicotine withdrawal is what makes quitting smoking most difficult for us. The effects of this withdrawal include headaches, nausea, irritability, sleep disturbances, and lack of concentration. To prevent symptoms caused by nicotine withdrawal during the smoking cessation process, doctors have developed a treatment called replacement therapy. As the most important tool in this therapy, they have developed patches called nicotine patches, which adhere to our body and allow us to absorb the nicotine our body needs in harmless ways. With these patches, our nicotine level will be maintained when we quit smoking, and the aim is to prevent us from craving cigarettes again. This way, people who want to quit smoking will find it easier to cope with the psychological dependence of smoking, such as the habit of hand and mouth.
How to Use Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches are divided into 3 types according to the nicotine content they contain. Based on our smoking habits, we should use nicotine patches that are suitable for us according to the number of cigarettes we smoke daily.
No. 1 Patches: Should be used by people who smoke 1 pack or more per day. Contains 21 mg of nicotine.
No. 2 Patches: Should be used by people who smoke half a pack or more per day. Contains 14 mg of nicotine.
No. 3 Patches: Should be used by people who smoke less than half a pack per day. Contains 7 mg of nicotine. Consult your doctor to choose the right nicotine patch. Nicotine patches are medications sold in pharmacies. Incorrect use can lead to serious health problems.
First, you can start by calling the 171 smoking cessation hotline and making an appointment at one of the smoking cessation centers. It is beneficial to use all smoking cessation products such as nicotine patches and nicotine gum under medical supervision. You can start the treatment by purchasing a type of nicotine patch recommended by your doctor. Nicotine patches should be applied to the upper parts of the body and to a hairless area. Inner arms are usually preferred. However, if you do not want it to be visible during the day, you can apply it to various areas such as shoulders and under the chest. Generally, there are 16-24 hour patches. It is recommended to apply the patch when you wake up in the morning and remove it before going to bed in the evening. We must be careful not to have the patch on our body while sleeping. The nicotine we absorb into our body while sleeping can cause us to have nightmares. In addition, it can also have effects such as heart palpitations and high blood pressure. We should not use the patch for more than one day. This is perhaps one of the most burning questions for those who want to quit smoking. Yes, nicotine patch therapy is a treatment that really works.
What are the Side Effects of Nicotine Patches?
âў It can cause an allergic reaction at the site where the nicotine patch is applied. (Swelling, blistering, itching, etc.)
âў It can cause itching, numbness, weakness, drowsiness, and headaches throughout the body.
âў In case of overdose: heart palpitations and nausea may occur.
âў Rarely: dreaming, arthritis, anxiety, emotional changes, constipation, or diarrhea, joint and back pain may occur.
Apart from their side effects, nicotine patches have no other harm. There is no harm in using them under doctor's supervision. Nicotine patches are not addictive like cigarettes. They are generally used for 15 days to 1 month, and you can stop using them after you have completely quit smoking.
