Really trying to give up the cigs, does anybody know if they work?Appreciate your answers.. Created by Mr-Kay. health-en - health-well-being-en - other-general-health-care-en

Do nicotine patches work?

Verified answer

I just asked a question like this - I've been using them for 6 weeks - haven't smoked, haven't found it anything like as hard as I thought it would be BUT didn't put the patch on today and don't feel any more of an urge to smoke so I don't know if they've really been working or not.

Maybe they are best for the first few weeks, I'm considering leaving them off now though the NHS scheme recommends using them for 3 months.

Do give up though, I am frankly astounded by how much better I feel and look after just 6 weeks without smoking.

JAMES P

Depending on how much you smoke determines the dosage of those patches. But whatever you do, don't smoke and wear them at the same time. The only thing you need to quit is the will power. If you truly, honestly want to quit you will, if not you won't, no matter what you do like with the patches or gum. Just quit cold turkey, stay away from your friends that smoke, true friends will not smoke in front of you if they know you are trying to quit, and you won't have to ask them not to. They will encourage you and help you accomplish your goal. Being around others that smoke is like sitting a beer in front of an alcoholic trying to quit drinking. It will take quite a while to conquer your goal, and you will still have that want for a cigarette years down the road. But by then you should be able to shake it off. You don't say how long you've smoked or how many a day, so it's hard to say how long it will take you. If you don't smoke that much, and for very long, and you enjoy one every now and then, hey go for it. Don't let the cigarettes control you, you control them. The Bible says do everything in moderation, which simply means, don't over indulge. Ten cigarettes is no worse that ten donuts, or ten beers. I smoke, but I smoke when I want to not out of habit. They cost to much to waste, so I control them. Best to you sir in whatever you choose to do and good luck.

Paramedic Girl

Yes, for most people they do.

Make darn sure you stick to the directions on the box as you can get a nicotine overdose and they are not safe to get.

If you do use it and find you have insomnia (which people get when they quit anyway) cut the patch in half a couple of hours before bed time. Also, if you are not a heavy smoker, use the 16 hour patches versus the 24 hour ones.

Lastly, I used this site when I quit (its free) and I found it to be of huge help. It has forums to ask questions, support and nurses you can ask questions. Its a wealth of information and has great support. It was the biggest help to me when I quit. Take the time to check it out... and good luck!

http://www.quitnet.com/