Nicotine patches: a steady background dose

Nicotine patches provide a steady nicotine level through the day. They suit people who have smoked regularly and want a background dose without having to think about each individual craving.

Patches come in different strengths, and the right one is chosen based on previous nicotine use and withdrawal symptoms. It helps to treat the patch as part of a plan, where tapering is considered in advance instead of letting it become an automatic habit.

The patch should be placed according to the instructions, and the application site should be changed so the same skin area does not get irritated over and over. Some people notice skin irritation or sleep changes, and the routine can then be adjusted.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, use several medicines, have heart disease, or react strongly on the skin, the right quitting method should be checked with healthcare.