Patches question

[nsd_user663_60964]

I'm sure this has been asked before but hope no-one minds if I pose a quesion?

I'm using patches via one of the local NHS services. I was on the stage 1 16 hour patches but this week, the delivery hadn't come so my lovely nurse lady gave me the 24 hour patches instead (and recommended I remove them at night).

However, for whatever reason, I just can't make the b****ers stick and both yesterday and today said patch has fallen off without me noticing within the first couple of hours. I've honestly not noticed any difference without the patch- no sudden cravings or withdrawal symptoms or anything- and I'm beginning to wonder if I should dispense with the patches altogether? I have the lozenges at hand at all times should things get desperate (I do tend to take one of an evening). On the other hand, I'm aware that I could be trying to run before I can walk and the last thing I want to do is to risk losing my quit.

So- anyone have any personal experiences or advice they could share with me?

Thanks as always

[hellerscatch]

I'm sure this has been asked before but hope no-one minds if I pose a quesion?

I'm using patches via one of the local NHS services. I was on the stage 1 16 hour patches but this week, the delivery hadn't come so my lovely nurse lady gave me the 24 hour patches instead (and recommended I remove them at night).

However, for whatever reason, I just can't make the b****ers stick and both yesterday and today said patch has fallen off without me noticing within the first couple of hours. I've honestly not noticed any difference without the patch- no sudden cravings or withdrawal symptoms or anything- and I'm beginning to wonder if I should dispense with the patches altogether? I have the lozenges at hand at all times should things get desperate (I do tend to take one of an evening). On the other hand, I'm aware that I could be trying to run before I can walk and the last thing I want to do is to risk losing my quit.

So- anyone have any personal experiences or advice they could share with me?

Thanks as always

I used patches for a good few months, at first I had the 24 hour ones, but had to take them off at night as the dreams were ridiculous :eek:

Then moved onto the 16 hour ones, they were much better. Never had a problem with them sticking, they were fine. When I eventually stopped using them it was like going back to day one, but as I was 4 months into my quit, there was no way I was going to smoke :rolleyes:

Personally I would stick with them as long as you can

Good luck

[nsd_user663_29008]

Hi Skiddaw

I used patches at the start of my quit and had the same problem - are they clear and quite ridgid because I found them to be rubbish so decided to carry one in my bag should I need it (never used one since). With your mindset I should think your ok to go it alone - try putting one in your pocket as a safety blanket

[nsd_user663_60964]

Thanks both- very much appreciated

I think I shall play it by ear for the next few days and see how I go. I'm due to see lovely nurse again on Monday so can get a further supply of the 16 hour patches at that point if needs be. In the meantime I will keep the patches (and the lozenges) to hand at all times and keep a watching brief.

[nsd_user663_54332]

I'm sure this has been asked before but hope no-one minds if I pose a quesion?

I'm using patches via one of the local NHS services. I was on the stage 1 16 hour patches but this week, the delivery hadn't come so my lovely nurse lady gave me the 24 hour patches instead (and recommended I remove them at night).

However, for whatever reason, I just can't make the b****ers stick and both yesterday and today said patch has fallen off without me noticing within the first couple of hours. I've honestly not noticed any difference without the patch- no sudden cravings or withdrawal symptoms or anything- and I'm beginning to wonder if I should dispense with the patches altogether? I have the lozenges at hand at all times should things get desperate (I do tend to take one of an evening). On the other hand, I'm aware that I could be trying to run before I can walk and the last thing I want to do is to risk losing my quit.

So- anyone have any personal experiences or advice they could share with me?

Thanks as always

Hiya Skiddaw

Am guessing you were given the Nicorette ones at first, then got Niquitin?

I used Niquitin ones, and stuck them on my ribs and just under where my bra band goes because sticking them anywhere else made them peel off like yours - definitely take them off at night 'cos like Hellerscatch said the dreams were properly freaky!!

As far as completing the course goes, it's entirely up to you - I'd be tempted to keep them handy in case you get a big crave anyway

[nsd_user663_40088]

Alot of the quitting smoking is psychological, Interesting that you did not notice the patch had fallen off after all! I think if you feel ready for the step then come of patches. You have your mints for emergancies so you are 'safe'.

You will find that patches deliver a very low concentration of nicotine vs a cigarette. So the cravings you will get now vs going CT from say 1 will be different, as you have got used to a chronic but low level of nicotine. I dont see why you cant fly solo, Some people need that time some people want to run as soon as they can!

Either way, do what feels right for you xx

[nsd_user663_24115]

The clear ones are pure rubbish they flick off or slide off when u get warm. They do have to be stuck on with pressure for a minute or two though. failing that stick some surgical tape over them . the beige circular ones are best but again they need pressure to activate the glue. I love my patches but sometimes they fall off without me knowing to no ill effect, unless i decide to leave em off for a couple of days, then feel fidgety which i put down to not getting my fix, this also goes away when i take up patching again . patches helped me quit for 2 years once so i can say nothing negative about them, I definitely couldnt have quit or even considered to quit without em. Im sticking with mine for the duration , no point making it easy for that smelly old fart Nic o teen to get his feet under my table. been there done it and he never paid any rent im still fabreezin mi curtains 2 months after he slung his hook. mash x:cool:

[nsd_user663_60839]

im using nicorette ones. They are not falling off with me.

I forgot to put on a patch and found that I didnt crave but I was quite short tempered. I got really moody

They say that you should keep carrying on with the full course because it might be the reason why you are not craving.

I stopped all my NRTs early the previous quits and after a week or so I was back on the fags.

I think its totally up to you if you want to carry on CT but I would keep the patches with me incase I get irritable if I were you

[nsd_user663_60964]

Thanks all,

I can keep the clear patches (Nicorette 16 hour) on (with a certain amount of persuasion!) but not the circular Niquitin ones. No idea why.

I've decided to make sure I have a patch with me (there's one in my bag) as well as the lozenges and see how we go. First day back at work today and took one lozenge this morning and all was fine..

However, if I start to feel twitchy, patch goes back on pronto

[nsd_user663_60839]

Next time you see your nhs nurse, ask for nicorette patches

Im on 16 hour ones and they are nearly clear. They are thinner than the totally clear ones.

The circle ones are rubbish! (In my opinion)

Well done for keeping control skiddy! You are doing fab!

[nsd_user663_4558]

I used patches for a good few months, at first I had the 24 hour ones, but had to take them off at night as the dreams were ridiculous :eek:

Good luck

I used to love those dreams -

[nsd_user663_34264]

I have the invisi patch

Sticks fine most of the time even in the shower. Stick it on the top of arm but not to near the boney part. (find my arm hurts if it's there)

In the past I have tried to step down too fast and think that's why I have not suceeded but this time I am doing it exactly as it says on the instructions. 8 weeks 2 weeks and 2 weeks and if need be I will spend an extra week or 2 cutting the last stage patch down in size.

Like a lot of people if I accidently leave the patch on over night I don't sleep well. ( I have a habit of forgetting I am wearing it)

A little trick is to wake early put one on and go back to bed for a while. That way when you get up you won't be jittery, the patch will already be working.

Good luck with your quit

[hellerscatch]

I used to love those dreams -

I had one dream where Prince William married one the Roley Polies :eek:

None of the dreams were bad, just odd!

[nsd_user663_60964]

It's almost worth leaving a patch on!

Princess, I was on the 16 hour clear patches (which I could generally make stick) but they hadn't had a delivery in when I last visited the lovely nurse, hence she had to give me the 24 hour patches.

So far so good on the lozenges though, so will see how we go over the weekend and speak to lovely nurse on Monday.

Thanks all- your advice and feedback is SO appreciated :)