Morning

Many surprise themselves in their ability to quit smoking once reading and learning about their addiction, how it started and how the process of quitting can be made much easier with the mindset. Many of us advocate for that frame of mind and understanding rather than sheer willpower.

Keep hoping, miracles do happen....and if at first you don't succeed try try again. It is such a wonderful thing to finally be free. Look forward to and embrace the day.

Many surprise themselves in their ability to quit smoking once reading and learning about their addiction, how it started and how the process of quitting can be made much easier with the mindset. Many of us advocate for that frame of mind and understanding rather than sheer willpower.

Keep hoping, miracles do happen....and if at first you don't succeed try try again. It is such a wonderful thing to finally be free. Look forward to and embrace the day.

URMC / Wilmot Cancer Institute / News & Events / Dialogue Blog / November 2018 / Trying to Quit Smoking? Here’s What You Should Know about the Nicotine Patch

Dialogue Blog

Trying to Quit Smoking? Here’s What You Should Know about the Nicotine Patch

Nicotine. We’ve all heard this word in relation to tobacco use, but did you know that nicotine is even more powerful than morphine? Learn more about how to safely use nicotine in a positive way to give up cigarettes, which has many benefits for your health. Patricia Mallaber, M.S., R.N., A.N.P.-B.C., C.T.T.S., nurse practitioner with Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Tobacco Dependence Treatment program, answers some common questions about nicotine.

What is nicotine?

Nicotine is a chemical that’s found in the tobacco plant itself. It’s what makes smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products addictive. While other chemicals in the cigarette are carcinogenic, nicotine in and of itself is not what puts you at risk of health problems like cancer. It’s just what keeps you going back to light up despite knowing the harms of continuing to smoke.

Lack of nicotine is what causes the withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit smoking. The most common symptoms are anxiety, irritability, trouble focusing/concentrating and cravings to smoke. Nicotine replacement therapy – including the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler and nasal spray – are designed to deliver controlled amounts of nicotine to help make withdrawal easier and to help improve patient success. The goal is to taper off over time and eventually stop nicotine all together. There is strong evidence over the years that nicotine patches are safe, effective and increase patient success.

What should I know about using the nicotine patch?

Nicotine patches come in three different doses. Dosage should be chosen based on how much you currently smoke. Check package instructions regarding appropriate dosing or ask your health care provider about what dose is appropriate for you. If you experience dizziness, rapid heartbeat or nausea, this may mean you are getting too much nicotine and you may need to reduce the nicotine patch dose.

When should I use the nicotine patch?

Place the nicotine patch on in the morning and remove at bedtime. Some people sleep with it on as well. If you have trouble remembering to put it on, try setting an alarm on your phone or put the nicotine patch near your toothbrush or car keys.

Where on my body should I put the nicotine patch?

Apply the patch to clean, dry skin — not skin that has oil, lotion or creams on it. Also, avoid putting the patch in a location that has a lot of hair. Ouch! Upper chest, upper arm and shoulder are common places on the body to put the patch.

What if the patch bothers my skin?

The nicotine patch can cause skin irritation. You may be able to reduce this by moving the nicotine patch to a different location each day. If you have trouble getting the patch to stick, try to reinforce with fabric bandage (like Coban or other stretchy bandage material), medical tape or tegaderm. However, avoid cutting the nicotine patch. If you have a known latex allergy, many brands of the nicotine patch are latex-free. Just check the packaging to see if it’s latex-free before you purchase.

The nicotine patch gave me bad dreams. Help!

The nicotine patch can in fact disrupt sleep and cause bad dreams. If you experience this, try taking it off at bedtime to reduce chances of this happening. Use a new patch the following morning.

Can I smoke with the patch on?

No, and this is important! Smoking while wearing the nicotine patch can not only increase your addiction and tolerance to nicotine, but it also puts you at risk for nicotine toxicity. Having too much nicotine in the body can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems that could be fatal.

I'm sorry i can't just sit by and encourage you to continue to do something that I know will not help you but even be harmful to you.

I only meant to post the following excerpt from the article, but since it copied the entire thing, I hope you learn something from it. I beg of you not to ignore the manufacturers warnings.

Can I smoke with the patch on?

No, and this is important! Smoking while wearing the nicotine patch can not only increase your addiction and tolerance to nicotine, but it also puts you at risk for nicotine toxicity. Having too much nicotine in the body can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems that could be fatal.

The morning cig is my biggest hurdle I'm yet to conquer and you knocked this one out of the park! Nice work. I envy you.

Why would you encourage her/him to continue doing something so harmful.....just because myg got up and didn't light up within the first half hour does not deserve envy..... not when 18 more will follow with a patch and other variety of NRT. Personally , I fear major consequences.