Any tips for patch users??

[nsd_user663_38486]

I quit 3 weeks ago using Niquitin patches 14mg, I've found it relatively smooth going but I am worried about stepping down to 7mg patches next week, any advice? I'm terrified I'll end up craving more when I start on a lower dose.

Thanks in advance

[nsd_user663_34380]

Hey tezbo,

What I have heard is to drop but when you do get a craving, suppliment with gum or lozenges...that way its a boost of nicotine to help you get through a rough patch.

Hey....congrats though for the quit!!!

Steve

[nsd_user663_34855]

Hi Tezbo

Good advice from Steve, can't add much more advice than that tbh

[nsd_user663_20978]

the inhalator is a good option a quick hit if u get a crave also i have read people actually cut strips off there stronger patch before going down to the next step

[nsd_user663_38486]

Thanks everyone! I was given some lozenges that remain untouched so maybe I'll keep them handy for the day I step down a level....

[nsd_user663_5920]

As Boo touched on, please see link below for details on cutting down patches without the jump between sizes if it gives cause for concern.

forum.nosmokingday.org.uk/s...

I used patches for a while but found they irritated both my skin and my sense of smell so stopped taking them after just a couple of weeks. Craves increased a little for a day or so but, for me, worth it to finish early.

As you'll see from the links plenty of folk have found this reduction method with patches very helpful.

All the best to you in your quit

[nsd_user663_38486]

Thanks for the link Pol

[nsd_user663_4026]

I used Bible Blacks method. It worked massively well. Much easier than stepping down a level.

[nsd_user663_6426]

A surgeon, you having a vasectomy as well as dropping down on the patches? LOL!

[nsd_user663_45875]

Simple cheap tip!

dunno if this will help but if you get a normal drinking straw and cut it in half - use it when you feel the urge to smoke

granted i'm only on day 1 of my quit attempt but its helping me loads

A box of straws is a lot cheaper than a packet of fags too!!!!

[nsd_user663_24115]

I used patches for 12 wks and as i stepped down i just became more vigilant that day. i was waiting for the discomfort that never came. i also used an empty inhalator .a drinking straw is a good sub, just as a bit of a prop. just be more vigilant and really get into the expeience ,its good practice for when u completely say adios to nicotine and smoking. Smoking was only ever a prop and nowadays any old prop will do. For me.

Mashx:cool:

[Hidden]

I use them and think they're great :o) Cut down from step 2 to 3 (5 mg) pretty quickly and some days I forget to put them on until lunchtime but try to make sure I do to cover my worst time of day (teatime). lol I'll cross the bridge of stressful teatime without a patch when I come to it.

Forgot to take it off last night and had a very colourful dream .. only problem was I woke up at the interesting bit (if you get my drift) and couldn't get back into the dream!

Much better having a personal programme in place to stop all nicotine products completely than choosing a substitute. Wake up MWHS!

[Hidden]

and I beg to differ with you

[Hidden]

the difference is that out of all the people on this forum, you are alone in your opinion.

[nsd_user663_24115]

its like a wasp has got in somehow. always ready with a bitchy quip it just pops in ,throws us a swastika. and hides in the sugar..... waiting......baiting..

its aproper bee in a bonnet...GGrrrrrrrr

[nsd_user663_44633]

don't worry

When I stopped smoking at the end of Feb my MAIN fear was dropping down the patches, craving again and starting to smoke. I used 21mg patches for 4 weeks and was surprised at how few cravings I had (and how quickly they went away again) (I smoked 20 a day for over 20 years and cold turkey has never worked for me, I am too weak-willed!). I stepped down to 14mg last week, have been on them a week and I have to say that I have felt no different at all as far as cravings go (the other symptoms, bloatedness etc have worsened). I'm almost looking forward to reducing them again, and then getting rid of them!! Don't worry, and stay strong, and remind yourself every second that you are a non-smoker.