Nicotine patches - Smoking Cessation Message Board

Laaroussi · 09-18-2002, 02:57 PM

Just wanted to let you know that I have just started using these patches and I think they are absolutely brilliant.

3 days into the course and so far, the thought of a cigarette turns my stomach. When I first put it on I immediately felt like I'd smoked 50 fags one after the other. I was aware that my breath stank, as well as my clothes and hair, and it wasn't pleasant. After being a 20-a-day smoker for 10 years it was like I'd always been a non-smoker.

Anyway, I suppose it's early days yet, but so far I'm impressed and I just hoped I've kicked the habit for good.

Good luck to everyone out there - try the patches, they really work (and no I'm not on commission!!!)

nicomurk · 09-23-2002, 09:10 AM

I have just started using the patch today, and this morning I find that I am feeling a little jittery, having some trouble concentrating, and am a little dizzy. Does this go away, or should I switch to a lower-dosage patch? I have been smoking almost a pack a day for about a year now, but do most of my smoking in the evenings and on the weekend. Maybe I should put the patch on later in the day? I feel like I have a cigarette buzz going on all the time, and it's pretty unpleasant.

Laaroussi · 09-26-2002, 04:06 AM

Well, I have to say my enthusiasm has waned slightly, and although I still think the patches are an excellent way to start stopping, I now find that I'm having cravings again. I lit up a cigarette this morning (my husband smokes and I found a pack lying around - it was just too much temptation!) but the taste was really disgusting so after 2 puffs I put it out. But I still seemed to have the urge to light one even though I knew I didn't really want it.

As far as using a lower dosage - I'm not sure, I'm on 21mg and have been for almost 2 weeks. I think you're supposed to lower the dose to about 14mg after about 4 weeks, then to 7mg for another 4 weeks. My course of patches are from Boots the Chemist in the UK and they seem to be different from the Nicorette ones.

I have a friend who experienced the same thing as you, said she felt dizzy almost like she was stoned and couldn't concentrate on anything. I suppose it really depends on how many, how often and what strength cigarettes you are used to smoking. For me, I smoked Stuyvesant extra lights (25 per pack / 0.4mg nicotine) one pack a day, sometimes 2 if I was going out in the evening, for almost 10 years.

Don't know if this has helped in any way, but I'm really trying to stick it out. Only problem is I've stocked my fridge with mini Mars bars and Snickers for when I fancy a *** . Before long I'll be posting messages on the Overweight site!!!!

Good luck

nicomurk · 09-26-2002, 08:16 AM

Thanks, I have found that I seem to have gotten used to the patch now and it's working well...my boyfriend, who was using the gum, went and bought a pack last night and I was not even tempted to smoke one although he smoked about 4 right in front of me. I have never been a long-term heavy smoker, but it seems to always be on and off with me and I would like to just get rid of the habit for good, it's affecting me when I exercise now and I am shocked at how much better I feel (and smell!) after a few days of not smoking at all, as opposed to just one or two cigarettes here and there. I think one of the things that has helped is knowing that I CAN'T smoke with the patch on...so I am not even tempted. This weekend we are going away and I know I will probably be drinking, so I have to be very vigilant about wearing the patch and not giving in if I have a temptation. I am very disappointed that my BF has gone back to smoking after only a few days, but I am feeling very good that I did not cave in along with him.

Thanks again for your response, I read this board every day to give myself a little boost in my resolve to stay quit!

Laaroussi · 09-29-2002, 09:50 AM

I know what you mean about temptation!
I realise now that the main reason I've been doing so well is that I haven't been out much recently and not really been in contact with other smokers. Last Friday I went to a friends party....
I was doing very well and even had to walk out of the room at one point because the smoke was bothering me! Until of course, after several more glasses of wine, I ripped the patch off and smoked two cigarettes. I felt dreadful the next day and even today I still have a bad taste in my mouth. This has certainly been a lesson for me, no matter how strong the temptation is, think about how you feel the day after. My hubby has now also admitted that he should give them a go too - yippee!!! Now we'll both be grouchy together!