The patch and other nicotine-replacement products can help you overcome your addiction and ease you into a tobacco-free life. Although nicotine-replacement products are available without a prescription, consult a health-care professional beforehand to find out the right dosing and for how long you should use these products, if at all.
Some people wear a daily nicotine patch and then use gums or lozenges to curb cravings as they arise, but using multiple nicotine products generally requires a lower-dose patch than using the patch alone. The patch may cause itching, tingling or redness at the application site. Tell your doctor if you experience nausea, dizziness, severe headache, cold sweats, blurred vision or confusion, all of which may be signs that you’re getting too much nicotine from the patch. These more severe side effects are more likely to occur if you continue to smoke while using the patch.
Use any smoking-cessation product in conjunction with counseling or other behavioral support. Stay in smoke-free environments, and find activities to distract you from situations or emotions that normally prompt you to reach for tobacco.
