Smoking is a habit that could prove to be difficult to quit. Due to the nicotine addiction and the resulting psychological dependency, it could be difficult for a regular smoker to quit smoking suddenly. If one is on the path to quitting, they and their loved ones should know that it is going to be a gradual process. There are certain nicotine replacement methods that smokers can use to reduce their dependency on nicotine, of these, stop smoking patches are one effective method.

Stop smoking patches
Stop smoking patches help in controlling the nicotine requirement from cigarettes. Nicotine patches can be stuck to the body so that the nicotine can be absorbed into the skin through the bloodstream. This method is known as transdermal that releases nicotine into the body as a replacement to smoking. The strength of the nicotine in these patches varies and one must use them based on their smoking habits and change the dose over a period of time as deemed fit.

Listed below are some of the popular stop smoking patches one can choose from:
NicoDerm CQ –  This patch launched by GSK has been a popular choice in the market for around two decades. It is still a leader in the market. This barely visible patch remains stuck to the body delivering an instant and steady stream of nicotine. This is one of the best products in the market because it knows just how much nicotine is needed by the body at a particular point in time and it functions accordingly. Each patch is meant to last for around 24 hours, but depending on the smoking habit, it may not last more than 16 hours.

Habitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patches – This is another great product that helps quit smoking. Each patch is meant to last for around 15–17 hours. The Habitrol patches release nicotine in a smooth and sustained manner into the skin that is eventually absorbed into the bloodstream. This is available in three potency levels. Thus, one can decrease their nicotine intake gradually and ultimately stop its usage and quit smoking in the process.

Equate Nicotine Transdermal System – This is also a popular transdermal nicotine patch, which comes in two strengths. One is for those who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes in a day and the other for those people who smoke more cigarettes.

Side effects
These nicotine patches result in some side-effects such as burning sensation, tingling sensation, mild itching, headache, sleep disorder, vivid dreams, etc. However, irrespective of the side-effects, it is better to use this than to smoke cigarettes. Moreover, with the constant use of nicotine patches, one can ultimately quit smoking as well.

Other uses
Nicotine patches have other uses as well. They can be used to treat early symptoms of dementia and relieve post-surgical pain as well. Mental or neurological conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, Tourette’s syndrome, and Alzheimer’s can also be treated using nicotine patches. Nicotine patches help with ulcerative colitis symptoms but are extremely dangerous for people suffering from Crohn’s disease. Since both these diseases feel similar; one should not try using nicotine patches as a self-medication method. Always ensure to consult a doctor.