Habitrol Patches (nicotine) are a nicotine-replacement therapy designed to help smokers quit. The patches replace the nicotine not acquired from smoking, which can often cause withdrawal symptoms. Habitrol Patches work best if used when the smoker really wants to quit.

The official program lasts for 8 weeks, though many patients who still have cravings may continue treatment beyond 8 weeks. Ideally patients will work with a doctor throughout treatment; Habitrol Patches do deliver nicotine to the body and it does effect blood pressure, heart rate, and other systems. A doctor may also suggest variations on the treatment schedule according to patient response as well as other variables, including how long the patient has smoked, how heavily, and other personal factors.

Kicking the Habit with Habitrol

Habitrol Patches come in three strengths: 7 mg, 14 mg, and 21 mg. In most instances users start with the highest 21 mg patch, gradually moving to the mid-range 14 mg patch, and ending with the lowest 7 mg patch. Each patch works for 24 hours, and treatment typically consists of:

• Weeks 1-4: Apply one 21 mg patch once per 24 hours.
• Weeks 5-6: Apply one 14 mg patch once per 24 hours.
• Weeks 7-8: Apply one 7 mg patch once per 24 hours.
• Patients who don't smoke heavily may start with 14 mg patches, rather than 21 mg.

Treatment will ideally begin on the patients quit day, the day when the last cigarette is smoked. However, in practice, many users will still smoke the occasional cigarette. This is fine as long as it is truly just occasional; treatment can continue as normal. Those who are unable to resist smoking as usual should stop using Habitrol Patches; doing both will deliver too much nicotine to the body.

Administering patches is easy once patients understand the process:

• Patches should be applied to clean, dry, hairless skin.
• If needed hair can be clipped; do not shave the area immediately prior to application.
• Remove the patch from its pouch and peel off the backing.
• Apply it to the skin, holding in place for 10 seconds to ensure it sticks.
• After 24 hours, remove the patch and dispose of it.
• Apply the next patch on a different area of skin to prevent irritation.

Some additional tips to ensure treatment goes smoothly:

• Do not apply patches to broken, infected, or irritated skin.
• Do not use more than one patch at a time.
• Most patients can use patches for 24 hours. Some users have very vivid dreams, in which case patches should be removed before bed.
• Dispose of patches in a way that they'll be inaccessible to pets or children.

The idea behind Habitrol patches is to reduce or eliminate nicotine withdrawal, including irritability, anxiety, restlessness, headache, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, appetite increase, and physical cravings. The patch does not directly address psychological components, which is why users must want to quit; each package of Habitrol Patches includes tips on changing behavior to avoid the compulsion to smoke.

Quitting is difficult for most patients, no matter how badly they want to kick the habit. Habitrol Patches can help tremendously, but some determination from the patient is also required. Those who have both are well on their way to quitting cigarettes and living a longer, healthier life.

Warnings & Side Effects

Certain patients are at increased risk of the effects of nicotine or nicotine changes, most notably those who have:

• Heart disease
• Irregular heartbeat
• Recent heart attack
• High blood pressure

The above patients may still be able to use Habitrol Patches, but should do so with the involvement of a doctor who can monitor for developing side effects.

Occasionally Habitrol Patches can cause nicotine overdose, especially if smoking while using the patch. Symptoms include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Heart palpitations

Mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding probably already know about the risks of smoking to babies. However, Habitrol patches also deliver nicotine; while they may be safer than continuing to smoke, they're not risk-free. Speak with a doctor about alternative, nicotine-free options.