Quitting smoking is a very good idea, but it can also be very difficult. Smokers who quit face withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, headaches, and cravings. The withdrawal is triggered by the body’s addiction to nicotine, the main drug in tobacco products.

Nicotine patches are an FDA-approved smoking cessation aid that releases small doses of nicotine and helps mitigate the cravings and symptoms that a person trying to quit smoking initially experiences. They adhere to skin like adhesive bandages and can be bought over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription.

It is important to read the instructions completely prior to applying the patch. It needs to be applied to a clean, dry, hair-free area of skin, one that is also free from any scars, cuts, or other skin irritations. Upper body areas like the upper arm, chest, stomach, or back are ideal. Press the patch firmly to make sure it is stuck properly, ensuring that it stays in place even following contact with water (i.e., showering or swimming). Remember to rinse hands after application, as any nicotine on the fingers that enters the eyes or nose can cause discomfort. (Should you get nicotine in your eyes or nose, do not use soap while rinsing as this only helps more nicotine enter the skin.)

Depending on the brand of patch being used and the instructions provided, you will remove the patch after 16 or 24 hours, and apply a new patch on a different area of skin. It is advised to wait a week before reapplying a patch to any area. When disposing of a patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides touching together. It is extremely important to keep both new and used nicotine patches out of reach of children, infants, and pets; even used patches contain enough nicotine to cause potentially fatal complications if ingested. It is best to change the patch at the same time each day.

If a person using patches experiences disturbed sleep, like very vivid dreams, when using a 24-hour patch, it can be removed prior to sleeping and a fresh one can be applied the next day.

It can be very dangerous to continue smoking or use other forms of tobacco while wearing a nicotine patch. It can be very easy to overdose on nicotine, which can cause serious side effects and complications.

The overall time frame for wearing a patch to quit smoking is 6 to 20 weeks. On average, smokers will use a full-strength patch (15 to 22 milligrams of nicotine) every day for four weeks, and then a weaker patch (5 to 14 milligrams of nicotine) for another four weeks. The amount, frequency, and timing of smoking will determine what strength of nicotine patch one should begin when trying to quit. In all cases, consult a doctor or pharmacist when any doubt or questions regarding usage of the product arise.

Consult a doctor or pharmacist prior to using a nicotine patch, if any of the following applies:

• Allergies to adhesive tape or drugs

• Taking any other medications

• Heart problems

• Pregnancy

• Diabetes, liver, or kidney disorders

• Existing health problems

Consult a doctor or pharmacist if side effects are experienced including:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea/vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fainting/weakness

• Palpitations and/or chest pain

A mild tingling or burning sensation on the skin for up to an hour is normal. After removing a patch, the skin should not remain red for more than a day. Persistent side effects should be brought to the doctor’s attention to rule out an overdose. Smoking must be completely stopped while using nicotine patches.

A nicotine patch should not be shared. Care should be taken to fold used patches while disposing so that children or pets do not come in contact with them. Store the product appropriately in the package it came in and at room temperature. Do not use the patches for longer than 12 weeks without a doctor’s approval.

Remove the patch while certain medical procedures, like an MRI, are being performed to prevent burning the skin. Children younger than 18 should not use the nicotine patch without a doctor’s approval. While visiting the hospital or getting admitted as a patient, make sure that the doctor is informed you are using nicotine patches.

The decision to stop smoking is one of the most beneficial actions you can take for your health and the health of those living with you. Strong willpower, along with a nicotine replacement product like the nicotine patch, will help you beat this addiction.