Changing To Lower Patches?

[nsd_user663_43130]

I'm Due to move to lower strength patches in a few days. Bit worried about this. Can anyone give me any idea of what to expect? I'm on the full strength 24hr ones now, don't feel like smoking but scared I will when I'm on the lower ones. Quit on 8th Jan, this is the longest I've ever quit for!!!

[nsd_user663_3282]

Hi Laineylou,

Patches wasn't my chosen quit method so I've only got a limited knowledge. In guessing I'd imagine that if you are lowering the strength of the patches then you'll find some degree of withdrawal effect kicking in.

Of course it's been a few days since you posted so I'd imagine that you'll already be aware of the effect of cutting strength levels of patches. Whatever your experience has been I hope that you're sustaining your quit.

[nsd_user663_24115]

I too was a bit aprehensive when stepping down but it was fine my fears of leaving my comfort zone were gradually replaced with eventually leaving it behind. i did the whole 12 wks it wasnt easy but it wasnt hard either, it was just me quitting smoking . a big deal for me but inconsequential to most of the world apart from a few comrades on this forum. you do notice a difference when stepping down but its harmless. you kind of know your getting better and aiming for a nicer place to be where you can stand on your own two feet. once off the patches your cold turkey and very used to saying no a lot.

mash x

[nsd_user663_38091]

I too was a bit aprehensive when stepping down but it was fine my fears of leaving my comfort zone were gradually replaced with eventually leaving it behind. i did the whole 12 wks it wasnt easy but it wasnt hard either, it was just me quitting smoking . a big deal for me but inconsequential to most of the world apart from a few comrades on this forum. you do notice a difference when stepping down but its harmless. you kind of know your getting better and aiming for a nicer place to be where you can stand on your own two feet. once off the patches your cold turkey and very used to saying no a lot.

mash x

nicely put mash.... and a sentiment I echo...... I came off patches a little early and used the mini lozengers as my 'crutch'...... there's no right way or wrong way just YOUR WAY

[nsd_user663_43283]

As abouve there enough to stop the cravings, i only ever have problems when i leave the house forgeting to put one on in the morning

if your unsure maybe before you go down a step, start taking your 24hr patch before you go to sleep. personly I cant do the 24hr patches so I'm on the 16hr ones the strange dreams do my head in, I'm about to go to step 3 (7mg)

Good Luck, stick at it!!

[nsd_user663_43130]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I changed to the lower patches and hardly noticed any difference. I went on a short break to the Lake District and did loads of walking, I'm not sure if this helped! Now and then I got the feeling I wanted to smoke but think this was more to do with facing new situations.

[nsd_user663_43130]

I too was a bit aprehensive when stepping down but it was fine my fears of leaving my comfort zone were gradually replaced with eventually leaving it behind. i did the whole 12 wks it wasnt easy but it wasnt hard either, it was just me quitting smoking . a big deal for me but inconsequential to most of the world apart from a few comrades on this forum. you do notice a difference when stepping down but its harmless. you kind of know your getting better and aiming for a nicer place to be where you can stand on your own two feet. once off the patches your cold turkey and very used to saying no a lot.

mash x

You are so right!!! What you also made me realise is that the patches are my comfort! So far so good. It'll be 8 weeks for me on Sunday woohoo