Patch therapy ? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

jc001 · 02-24-2004, 09:49 AM

Hi!

I've smoked for about 8 or 9 years a pack a day. I've read the complete patch therapy takes 10 weeks where 6 weeks require "Stage #1 - 21mg" patches. Did all the ones who managed to quit by using the patch go through the full 6 weeks Stage1 patches or did you use them less time ?

I was thinking of using 21mg patches for 2 weeks and then drop down to 14mg ... is this advisable ?

badbackdavid · 02-24-2004, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc001

Hi!

I've smoked for about 8 or 9 years a pack a day. I've read the complete patch therapy takes 10 weeks where 6 weeks require "Stage #1 - 21mg" patches. Did all the ones who managed to quit by using the patch go through the full 6 weeks Stage1 patches or did you use them less time ?

I was thinking of using 21mg patches for 2 weeks and then drop down to 14mg ... is this advisable ?

I would not do it. Beware of short-cutting these patches. I did and I paid the price. I would advise you to go the full 6 weeks. In the case where the person is a severe user and/or has been doing it for a long time, they recommend 8 weeks at the 21 mg. level. But the fact that you've done a pack a day for 8-9 years is enough to warrant going the recommended distance.

Best of luck to you,

Dave

jc001 · 02-24-2004, 01:31 PM

Hi Dave,

Quote:

Originally Posted by badbackdavid

IBeware of short-cutting these patches. I did and I paid the price.

I assume you mean getting a 21mg patch and cutting it in half so that in theory you get 10.5mg / day correct ?

If so, can you please explain in more detail what you mean when you say you paid the price ?

Deda · 02-24-2004, 11:51 PM

jc001--I think what David means is that if you smoked for a long time, that you should go through the full course with the patches, such as the full 8 weeks on the 21 MG patch, then the full run on the 14 MG, then 7 mg at the the suggested length of time.

Good luck,
DEDA

badbackdavid · 02-25-2004, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc001

Hi Dave,

I assume you mean getting a 21mg patch and cutting it in half so that in theory you get 10.5mg / day correct ?

If so, can you please explain in more detail what you mean when you say you paid the price ?

Good morning jc,

Deda is right - no cutting of any patches was involved. Just be sure to go the full prescribed length of time. When I said paying the price - boy did I! (See my post titled "Severe Withdrawals" a few pages back.) In a nutshell, I went 5 full days last month wearing the 21 mg. patch. That Saturday I woke up and felt pretty good and confident. As a matter of fact I got cocky and told myself that I don't need these silly patches anymore and can lick this habit myself from here on out. I ripped off the patch, threw it in the trash and went on with my day. Bad idea! Shortly afterward, I started having horrible withdrawals and paid a awefully high price for getting cocky and under estimating these patches. I was just telling you this so that you don't do the same.

Take care and let me know if I can help in anyway,

Dave