Cause of insomnia? Nicoderm patch - Sleep Disorders Message Board

californiasunflower · 10-29-2003, 04:05 PM

My hubby stopped smoking in 1996 by switching to chew. Then in 1998 he used the smoking cessation patches to quit the chew. Since 1998, he has two long term side affects:

1) Can't sleep
2) intense itch on both upper arms. (An unscratchable itch)

Unknown to his GP.

Has anyone else experienced insomnia from the patches?

11/04/03:
I need to clarify that he has had insomnia since after he quit using the patches, and use of any nicotine. It has been five years now since he quit and he still can't sleep and has the upper arm pruritis.

goatofthenever · 10-30-2003, 07:25 PM

nicotine is a stimulant, so theres a good chance it is keeping him awake.

californiasunflower · 11-04-2003, 06:56 PM

thanks for your reply! I need to clarify that he has had insomnia since after he quit using the patches, and any nicotine.

Canyondweller · 11-05-2003, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by californiasunflower

thanks for your reply! I need to clarify that he has had insomnia since after he quit using the patches, and any nicotine.

I had insomnia before I quit smoking but it is much worse since I quit. Nicotine can act as a relaxant and a stimulant that is why it is so addictive. don't know about the itch as that should have gone away by now but you might try a cortisone over the counter cream. I have an unexplained itch on my left shoulder that comes and goes but I only used the patch for two weeks so don't think that is it. I wouldn't want him to get hooked on smoking again but I have heard of people chewing nicotine gum that never smoked for relaxation. Could get expensive and probably not healthy but I don't think taking sleeping pills or anti=anxiety pills is either and that is what I have to take. Otherwise I am awake all night. i just don't seem to be sleepy. It is really the pits, not sleeping

californiasunflower · 11-06-2003, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canyondweller

I had insomnia before I quit smoking but it is much worse since I quit. Nicotine can act as a relaxant and a stimulant that is why it is so addictive. don't know about the itch as that should have gone away by now but you might try a cortisone over the counter cream. I have an unexplained itch on my left shoulder that comes and goes but I only used the patch for two weeks so don't think that is it. I wouldn't want him to get hooked on smoking again but I have heard of people chewing nicotine gum that never smoked for relaxation. Could get expensive and probably not healthy but I don't think taking sleeping pills or anti=anxiety pills is either and that is what I have to take. Otherwise I am awake all night. i just don't seem to be sleepy. It is really the pits, not sleeping

Thanks for replying. I show it to him. He has been using anti-histamines off and on to get to sleep. His sleep is shorterm with intermittent periods of wakefulness. Once he wakes up, it is difficult for him to get back to sleep and then he is restless, tossing and turning. He hasn't approached the doc yet for any RXs. He is so glad he no longer has the nicotine habit--although he kids about how a can of chew still tugs at him!