Articles
Quit-smoking products: Boost your chance of success
Bupropion (Zyban)
Varenicline (Chantix)
Need more help to quit smoking?
Content
Types of quit-smoking products
Nicotine patch
Nicotine gum
Nicotine lozenge
Nicotine inhaler
Nicotine nasal spray
Bupropion
Varenicline
Need more help to quit smoking?
Nicotine patch
Overview
The nicotine patch is a small, self-adhesive patch that releases a slow, steady amount of nicotine into your body through your skin. You apply a new nicotine patch every day on a hairless area of skin between your waist and neck, such as your upper arm or chest.
Pros
The nicotine patch:
- Is available in various doses without a prescription
- Is easy to use
- Can control nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms for 24 hours at a time
- Can be used in combination with other quit-smoking aids
Cons
The nicotine patch:
- Can't quickly adjust the amount of nicotine you receive if you have sudden cravings or withdrawal symptoms
- May cause skin itching, rash or irritation where it's applied
- May cause insomnia or vivid dreams
- Must be replaced every 24 hours
