Is the Nicotine Patch a Good Way to Stop Smoking?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksEffectivenessHow to Use ItHealth RisksDosageSide EffectsSmoking With the PatchOther Types of NRT

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How It Works

Effectiveness

How to Use It

Health Risks

Dosage

Side Effects

Smoking With the Patch

Other Types of NRT

Due to the health risks of consuming nicotine-containing products, and the high potential for addiction, many people are searching for ways to decrease their use of these products. Nicotine replacement therapy products are a popular choice for decreasing nicotine dependence. Due to its ease of use and efficacy, the nicotine patch has become one of the most popular NRTs.

This article discusses the efficacy of nicotine patch use and some of its benefits. It also covers some of the side effects you might experience and other things to consider when using the nicotine patch.

How Does the Nicotine Patch Work?

What Does the Nicotine Patch Do to Your Body?Just like the nicotine in cigarettes, the nicotine in the patch will trigger the release of dopamine (the “feel good” hormone) in the brain—this release of dopamine is what makes cigarette smoking so addictive.

What Does the Nicotine Patch Do to Your Body?

Just like the nicotine in cigarettes, the nicotine in the patch will trigger the release of dopamine (the “feel good” hormone) in the brain—this release of dopamine is what makes cigarette smoking so addictive.

The goal of nicotine patch use is to wean the body off of nicotine gradually (without exposing it to the other harmful ingredients in cigarettes).

This often lessens the difficulty of quitting nicotine “cold turkey.” Someone who is addicted to nicotine may also find that the patch makes the physicalnicotine withdrawalsymptoms more tolerable.

Is the Nicotine Patch Effective?

There are seven first-line medications and NRTs that consistently have been found to increase long-term abstinence rates:

Research suggests that the most effective way to quit smoking is to combine a long-acting nicotine patch with another short-acting type of nicotine replacement therapy such as a lozenge, gum, or nasal spray.Such methods, when used for 12 weeks or longer, significantly increase your chances of quitting nicotine successfully.

A word of caution:E-cigarettescome with a higher risk of lung injury and vaping products should be avoided as a smoking cessation product.

RecapResearch suggests that nicotine patches and other types of nicotine replacement therapy are safe and effective when used correctly; however, vaping should not be used as a form of NRT.The combination of counseling and medication/NRT is also more effective than any NRT alone.

Recap

Research suggests that nicotine patches and other types of nicotine replacement therapy are safe and effective when used correctly; however, vaping should not be used as a form of NRT.The combination of counseling and medication/NRT is also more effective than any NRT alone.

Research suggests that nicotine patches and other types of nicotine replacement therapy are safe and effective when used correctly; however, vaping should not be used as a form of NRT.

The combination of counseling and medication/NRT is also more effective than any NRT alone.

How to Use the Nicotine Patch

The following steps explain how to use the nicotine patch; however, each person is unique. It’s best to consult with a doctor to be sure you’re using the patch in the best and safest way for you.

How to Stop Using the Nicotine PatchIt’s advised that you wean yourself off of the nicotine patch over a period of 8 to 12 weeks. You can lower the dose you’re using over that period, as well as reduce the time you spend wearing the patch each day until you’re no longer using it.

How to Stop Using the Nicotine Patch

It’s advised that you wean yourself off of the nicotine patch over a period of 8 to 12 weeks. You can lower the dose you’re using over that period, as well as reduce the time you spend wearing the patch each day until you’re no longer using it.

Talk to a doctor or healthcare professional to develop a plan for you to stop using the nicotine patch.

Health Risks of Nicotine Use

Nicotine useis linked to health risks including increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and narrowing of the arteries.

It is also highly addictive, which is why quitting cigarettes leads to withdrawal symptoms. The use of NRTs such as the patch can help you gradually decrease your nicotine use and minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

What Nicotine Does to Your Body

Nicotine Patch Dosage

Nicotine patches typically come in three different dosage strengths: 21 mg, 14 mg, and 7 mg. These numbers refer to the amount of nicotine in the product.

The 21 mg patch is usually recommended as a starting point for people who smoke a pack of 20 cigarettes or more daily. From there, the person steps down to lower dose patches following package instructions until the final step down to no patch (i.e., no nicotine) at all.

The nicotine patch resembles a square beige or clear bandage. The size depends on the dose and brand but generally is between 1 and 2 inches square.

The nicotine patch should be applied once a day. Manufacturers usually recommend wearing the patch between 16 and 24 hours a day, depending on what you’re comfortable with.

RecapWhen using the patch, people typically begin with a higher dose and then gradually switch to a lower dose over time until they no longer need to use a patch.

When using the patch, people typically begin with a higher dose and then gradually switch to a lower dose over time until they no longer need to use a patch.

Nicotine Patch Side Effects

There are a few potential side effects when using the nicotine patch.

Be sure to consult a doctor before using the nicotine patch and if any of the above symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Is It Possible to Overdose on the Nicotine Patch?While it’s possible to experience nicotine overdose as a result of using any product containing nicotine, overdoses are more common with vapes and liquid nicotine.Additionally, there are reports of fatalities when young children have accidentally consumed too many nicotine lozenges or consumed liquid nicotine. It is important not to exceed the recommended dosage of the nicotine patch and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Is It Possible to Overdose on the Nicotine Patch?

While it’s possible to experience nicotine overdose as a result of using any product containing nicotine, overdoses are more common with vapes and liquid nicotine.Additionally, there are reports of fatalities when young children have accidentally consumed too many nicotine lozenges or consumed liquid nicotine. It is important not to exceed the recommended dosage of the nicotine patch and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

While it’s possible to experience nicotine overdose as a result of using any product containing nicotine, overdoses are more common with vapes and liquid nicotine.

Additionally, there are reports of fatalities when young children have accidentally consumed too many nicotine lozenges or consumed liquid nicotine. It is important not to exceed the recommended dosage of the nicotine patch and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Contraindications

You should always talk to a healthcare provider before using the nicotine patch. Be sure to mention if you have any illness or medical conditions since you should not use the patch if you have certain conditions. Some of these include:

RecapIf you take any other medications or have any health conditions, be sure to check with a doctor before starting the patch, as it can change the way some medicines work.

If you take any other medications or have any health conditions, be sure to check with a doctor before starting the patch, as it can change the way some medicines work.

Smoking While Using the Nicotine Patch

Do not smoke or vape when using nicotine patches as you run the risk of overdosing on nicotine. Some of the signs of a nicotine overdose may include:

If you suspect an overdose, take the patch off and seek medical attention immediately. Nicotine overdose is rare but can be fatal.

Other Nicotine Replacement Therapies

Other types of NRT include gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal spray.

Nicotine Gum or Lozenges

Like nicotine patches, nicotine gum or lozenges can be bought without a prescription. The gum comes in lower dosages than the patches (2mg and 4mg strengths). What you eat and drink affects how the gum works, so don’t eat or drink 15 minutes before or during use.

Unlike the patch, you use nicotine gum on an as-needed basis (chewing it when you feel a craving, for instance, without exceeding 24 pieces per day).

Similar to the nicotine patch, you wean off of nicotine gum after a period of time—generally, six to 12 weeks, though you may use it longer.

Nicotine gum may cause side effects that the patch doesn’t, such as mouth sores, throat irritation, and jaw discomfort.

Nicotine Inhaler

You must have a prescription for a nicotine inhaler. The inhaler delivers the nicotine to the nose and throat, and from there, nicotine enters the bloodstream. Some people prefer inhalers because it involves inhaling vapor, which is similar to inhaling cigarette smoke. Inhalers are the most expensive form of NRT.

The recommended dose with nicotine inhalers is between 4 to 20 cartridges a day. Use is not recommended beyond six months.

This form of NRT should be used carefully around children and/or pets as the form of nicotine it contains is very dangerous.

Side effects may include coughing, throat irritation, runny nose, and upset stomach.

Nicotine Nasal Spray

You must have a prescription for nicotine nasal spray. One dose is considered two sprays, one in each nostril. Some people use eight doses per day initially, but it’s important to note that you can’t exceed 40 doses per day. It is generally prescribed for periods of three months but should be used no longer than six.

Nicotine nasal spray works the fastest of all forms of NRT because the nasal spray gets into the bloodstream the most rapidly.

Side effects may include irritation of the nasal passages, runny nose, watery eyes, throat irritation, and coughing.

Final Thoughts

Nicotine is highly addictive and quitting can be hard. If you are thinking about quitting smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products, nicotine patches are a great tool to help you decrease nicotine cravings and minimize withdrawal symptoms. Success rates are much higher with the use of NRT, and even better in combination with some form of counseling.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

11 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hartmann-Boyce J, Chepkin SC, Ye W, Bullen C, Lancaster T.Nicotine replacement therapy versus control for smoking cessation.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;5(5):CD000146. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000146.pub5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Use of FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments for tobacco dependence – United States, 1984-1998.Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2000;49(29);665-668.Wadgave U, Nagesh L.Nicotine replacement therapy: An overview.Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2016;10(3):425-435.American Cancer Society.Nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit tobacco.Rigotti NA.Strategies to help a smoker who is struggling to quit.JAMA. 2012;308(15):1573-1580. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.13043Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips from former smokers: How to use nicotine patches.American Heart Association.How smoking and nicotine damage your body.MedlinePlus.Nicotine transdermal patch.American Lung Association.What it means to be “nic-sick”.American Academy of Family Physicians.Nicotine patch.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Case definition: Nicotine poisoning.

11 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hartmann-Boyce J, Chepkin SC, Ye W, Bullen C, Lancaster T.Nicotine replacement therapy versus control for smoking cessation.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;5(5):CD000146. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000146.pub5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Use of FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments for tobacco dependence – United States, 1984-1998.Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2000;49(29);665-668.Wadgave U, Nagesh L.Nicotine replacement therapy: An overview.Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2016;10(3):425-435.American Cancer Society.Nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit tobacco.Rigotti NA.Strategies to help a smoker who is struggling to quit.JAMA. 2012;308(15):1573-1580. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.13043Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips from former smokers: How to use nicotine patches.American Heart Association.How smoking and nicotine damage your body.MedlinePlus.Nicotine transdermal patch.American Lung Association.What it means to be “nic-sick”.American Academy of Family Physicians.Nicotine patch.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Case definition: Nicotine poisoning.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Hartmann-Boyce J, Chepkin SC, Ye W, Bullen C, Lancaster T.Nicotine replacement therapy versus control for smoking cessation.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;5(5):CD000146. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000146.pub5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Use of FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments for tobacco dependence – United States, 1984-1998.Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2000;49(29);665-668.Wadgave U, Nagesh L.Nicotine replacement therapy: An overview.Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2016;10(3):425-435.American Cancer Society.Nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit tobacco.Rigotti NA.Strategies to help a smoker who is struggling to quit.JAMA. 2012;308(15):1573-1580. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.13043Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips from former smokers: How to use nicotine patches.American Heart Association.How smoking and nicotine damage your body.MedlinePlus.Nicotine transdermal patch.American Lung Association.What it means to be “nic-sick”.American Academy of Family Physicians.Nicotine patch.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Case definition: Nicotine poisoning.

Hartmann-Boyce J, Chepkin SC, Ye W, Bullen C, Lancaster T.Nicotine replacement therapy versus control for smoking cessation.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;5(5):CD000146. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000146.pub5

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Use of FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments for tobacco dependence – United States, 1984-1998.Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2000;49(29);665-668.

Wadgave U, Nagesh L.Nicotine replacement therapy: An overview.Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2016;10(3):425-435.

American Cancer Society.Nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit tobacco.

Rigotti NA.Strategies to help a smoker who is struggling to quit.JAMA. 2012;308(15):1573-1580. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.13043

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips from former smokers: How to use nicotine patches.

American Heart Association.How smoking and nicotine damage your body.

MedlinePlus.Nicotine transdermal patch.

American Lung Association.What it means to be “nic-sick”.

American Academy of Family Physicians.Nicotine patch.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Case definition: Nicotine poisoning.

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