Nicotine Patch - How to Use and What is Side Effects

A nicotine patch is a transdermal patch that releases nicotine into the body through the skin. It is used as an aid in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), a process for smoking cessation. This medication can help you quit smoking by replacing the nicotine in cigarettes. The nicotine in tobacco is an important part of cigarette addiction. When you stop smoking, your nicotine levels drop quickly. This drop can cause withdrawal symptoms such as craving tobacco, nervousness, irritability, headache, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.Stopping smoking is hard and your chance of success is best when you are ready and have made a commitment to quit. Nicotine replacement products are part of a total stop-smoking program that includes behavior change, counseling, and support. Smoking causes lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and live longer.

Do NOT use Nicotine Patch if

You are allergic to any ingredient in Nicotine Patch • you have had a recent heart attack • you have severe or worsening chest pain or a severely irregular heartbeat • you continue to smoke, chew tobacco, use snuff, or any other nicotine-containing products (eg, nicotine gum) Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

 

Nicotine Patch Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of the nicotine patch include sleep problems, skin irritation, and nausea. In most cases, reactions to this medicine tend to be minor and easily treated. However, there are also some problems that are potentially serious and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, and severe skin irritation. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. You may experience some or none of the nicotine patch side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have problems with a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while using the patch or if something "just does not seem right." While it may not be related to the medication, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem of nicotine patch.