Nicotine Patches - how have YOU found them?

Question

I have just started using patches in a sort of unofficial attempt to quit smoking, and have found them to be very very effective.
For me, they are very good at taking away the need for a cig, and so far, I haven't had any problems with the "habit" side of things either. Plus, I've also cut down on the amount of weed that I smoke, as a direct, yet unintentional result - I just don't fancy it really. Wish I'd known that a few weeks back when I was having some serious problems (see earlier questions, if you want).

I was curious as to how other people have found them?

Answer 1

The patches never worked with me, but the chewing gum was brilliant. I would recommend it to anyone.

Answer 2

I found that the patches eased my cravings.

I could not wear 24hr patches as they caused insomnia so I had to take them off 1hr before bed. My husband on the other hand needed 24 hr patches as he was waking during the night craving a cigarette.

They bought me out in a terrible rash though. My husband had the same problem. This was over a year ago and I still have trouble with the skin on my thigh where I was recommended to try the patch.

Unfortuantely My husband and I both went back to smoking but we are going to try again using the gum.

I wish you every success and good on you for having a go at quitting.

Answer 3

I used the 24 hour patches and found they worked best for me.

Previously I had tried the gum (became addicted to these), the 16 hr patches (smoked before putting them on in the morning, and after taking them off in the evening), and the inhaler (did not like this at all).

However, the most effective method was will power and a true desire to quit.

Answer 4

It's interesting to see the amount of respondents who admit to having used nicotine patches and returning to smoking. I gave up cold turkey and once saw a documentary which stated that the most successful way to quit for good is 'cold turkey' as the alternative is patches and you are still absorbing nicotine into your system so you aren't really giving up. You have a higher chance of taking it back up on the patches.

Answer 5

The patches are great if you are on the 24 hour ones be careful you can get some really bad dreams on them i had to go on the 16 hour patch you take off at night and they are great carry on with the good work good luck

Answer 6

I'm back on the cigs now but stopped a couple of years ago on the patches and anything else I could lay my hands on,gum,lozenges,inhalator,worked but obviously not well enough!Found the patches ok,the hardest thing is deciding your sick of smoking and setting the day your going to quit.Good luck.

Answer 7

I found them really good (12 hour nicquitin) when i quit a few months back but only on my arm, they didnt seem to affect me if i used them on my hip (if i was wearing sleeveless tops)
Unfortunatly i have started smoking again but thats just my poor willpower.

My friend hated the patched as they made him hallucinate and have really bad nightmares!!

Answer 8

i stopped on the 23Nov05,i also used the patches,i also used the nicotine inhalator using the two aids together .the patches for the addiction and the inhalator for the hand to mouth thing.I am so happy that i am now a non smoker and very proud at my achievement.hope that you are able to do the same

Answer 9

i thought they were great i followed the recommended course but going from even the lowest patch to nothing was too much for me i tried other replacements such as the gum but they didn't work for me and now i'm back to 20 a day ,next time maybe will stay on lowest patch for longer . p.s used to stick them down with elastoplast even resorted to sellotape one day so my willpower was not in question! it did take several months for my skin to repair however!

Answer 10

I found them in the Chemist

(they are differcult to light)