NRT Patches

[nsd_user663_61170]

Hi all,

I'm coming to the end of my first stage of patches, just wanted to know if you feel any different when you drop from 25mg to 15mg.

[nsd_user663_54332]

Hiya It's meant to be the bigger jump (I felt it last time) but it's nothing to worry about!!

If you feel wobbly, use the step 1s but snip bits off 'cos the step twos you buy are only cut down step ones.

[nsd_user663_61170]

Hiya It's meant to be the bigger jump (I felt it last time) but it's nothing to worry about!!

If you feel wobbly, use the step 1s but snip bits off 'cos the step twos you buy are only cut down step ones.

Hi Gemma,

Ok so are they half the size of stage 1s then.

[nsd_user663_61170]

Hello Beer. Personally I don't agree with cutting NRT patches. There has been a lot of discussion generally about the effects that cutting a patch can have on it's nicotine delivery and you can find some of that discussion on the net. I think it's all "safe" but there is a danger you can reduce their effect.

I went through the patch stages and kept to the instructions on the box which worked fine for me. I did gradually shorten the length of time each day I wore a patch and I found that helped ween me off nicotine too. No drama in switching from step 1 to step 2 for me.

Your quit seems to be going really well and you always seem calm and in control of it, well done indeed and keep it up.

Hi John,

I appreciate that info, I will do what it says on the tin I think cheers.

[nsd_user663_54332]

Hi Gemma,

Ok so are they half the size of stage 1s then.

They're 2/3 I think.

Several people on here have reduced by cutting them and it's worked for them

Give the Step 2s a go but if you find it a struggle it's better (psychologically if nothing else) to have the slightly smaller step 1s than risk smoking!!

[nsd_user663_52535]

Hi Beer

I stayed on the whole patches malarkey for longer that the usual 12 weeks. It was perfectly fine with my Pharmacist. If I recollect I was on 1st stage for a few months before I stepped down and did the same with them too. I so wanted this quit to be 'the one' Only you will know what's best to do regarding decreasing strength. Worked for me

You're doing fab

Fi x

[nsd_user663_61170]

Hi Beer

I stayed on the whole patches malarkey for longer that the usual 12 weeks. It was perfectly fine with my Pharmacist. If I recollect I was on 1st stage for a few months before I stepped down and did the same with them too. I so wanted this quit to be 'the one' Only you will know what's best to do regarding decreasing strength. Worked for me

You're doing fab

Fi x

Hi,

Thanks for your advice.

[nsd_user663_52101]

Iv always cut patches in half with no probs at all.

This quit I started on the lowest 10 mg for 2 wks then cut 14 mg in half.....on the theory I'm getting 7 mg...hopefully And I did feel a difference...even just that small drop,but it's all part of the quitting so just roll with it and. Don't be afraid,else the patches will have as much hold over us than the fags.....

Iv done it many times before and I don't think I failed because of it....it's always stress makes me smoke again.

I also don't want to be taking in more nicotine than I was when smoking,to me it's a quick means to an end and I hate wearing them.....they make me jittery and itchy.

[nsd_user663_61170]

Beer I completely agree with john.

I have used the patches twice. I was very ill the first time and last time I ended up in A&E. I was told I must have an allergy to the patch and not to use them again.

Under further investigation it has been found that the reason was likely to be because I cut the nicorette 25mg patches down. It is to do with them being transdermal and when you cut them the nicotine doesn't necessarily go through at the flow it should.

I have always gone with the cutting down theory but I found it can be dangerous for some. I know lots of people do this here without any problem but I did feel it important to share what happened to me.

Hi karri,

Thanks for your post, I think I will be just do what they recommend.

[nsd_user663_61170]

Iv always cut patches in half with no probs at all.

This quit I started on the lowest 10 mg for 2 wks then cut 14 mg in half.....on the theory I'm getting 7 mg...hopefully And I did feel a difference...even just that small drop,but it's all part of the quitting so just roll with it and. Don't be afraid,else the patches will have as much hold over us than the fags.....

Iv done it many times before and I don't think I failed because of it....it's always stress makes me smoke again.

I also don't want to be taking in more nicotine than I was when smoking,to me it's a quick means to an end and I hate wearing them.....they make me jittery and itchy.

I hate wearing them too, it's annoying just being on your body:mad:

[nsd_user663_48218]

Hi beer,

I quit cold turkey but did try the patches before so I understand what you mean. Now, if I'm correct you are moving from 25 to 15? This is causing you some worry which most people who have used a patch before will understand. Chances are you won't even notice a change but I have two ossicle solutions for you.

1. If you are ok with changing brands, why not try a week on 21mgs to help over the transition period. I'm not sure if my measures are correct but I hope you understand what I mean.

2. Go straight to the 15's. As a back up, buy some lozenges or spray (or some other form of 'instant' NRT delivery) and keep them with you in case you encounter a really unbearable crave.

Or you could just do it. Most of the cravings are in your mind and are as harmless as a butterfly.

Hope I have given you something to think about

[nsd_user663_2681]

Hi beer

Are you worried about stepping down? How long have you been on the step one patches? I am personally saying on step 1 for 8 weeks despite it saying 4 weeks on the box, my doctor has okayed this as I struggle to quit so will do step 1 for 8 weeks step 2 for 4 weeks and step 3 for 2 weeks a total of 14 weeks on the patches, I did ask about cutting bits off of the step 1 but he advised against it as the patch is then split and doesn't work properly, hope this helps xxx

[nsd_user663_2681]

Hi beer

Are you worried about stepping down? How long have you been on the step one patches? I am personally saying on step 1 for 8 weeks despite it saying 4 weeks on the box, my doctor has okayed this as I struggle to quit so will do step 1 for 8 weeks step 2 for 4 weeks and step 3 for 2 weeks a total of 14 weeks on the patches, I did ask about cutting bits off of the step 1 but he advised against it as the patch is then split and doesn't work properly, there is no right or wrong way but there is no rush to go down to step 2 if you need the stronger ones for a bit longer then so be it hope this helps xxx

[nsd_user663_61170]

Hi beer,

I quit cold turkey but did try the patches before so I understand what you mean. Now, if I'm correct you are moving from 25 to 15? This is causing you some worry which most people who have used a patch before will understand. Chances are you won't even notice a change but I have two ossicle solutions for you.

1. If you are ok with changing brands, why not try a week on 21mgs to help over the transition period. I'm not sure if my measures are correct but I hope you understand what I mean.

2. Go straight to the 15's. As a back up, buy some lozenges or spray (or some other form of 'instant' NRT delivery) and keep them with you in case you encounter a really unbearable crave.

Or you could just do it. Most of the cravings are in your mind and are as harmless as a butterfly.

Hope I have given you something to think about

Hi, thanks for your post it is very helpful cheers.

[nsd_user663_61170]

Hi Donna,

I didn't realise it was an option to stay on 25mg untill now thanks.

[nsd_user663_59041]

Hi iv only just came off patches the other week and I'm nearly at 7months. My GP Nurse told me to cut my last ones 7mg in half as I was concerned and it worked for me, made the last jump to go patch free so much easier.

The whole NRT replacement thing is individual my GP Nurse said yes there are guidelines but she works with people for longer as she would rather it be this way than people smoking again.

I found moving patches hard and yes I could tell the difference. Good luck it gets better

[nsd_user663_54332]

Hi iv only just came off patches the other week and I'm nearly at 7months. My GP Nurse told me to cut my last ones 7mg in half as I was concerned and it worked for me, made the last jump to go patch free so much easier.

The whole NRT replacement thing is individual my GP Nurse said yes there are guidelines but she works with people for longer as she would rather it be this way than people smoking again.

I found moving patches hard and yes I could tell the difference. Good luck it gets better

That's it really, it's all an individual thing - some people need the NRT for longer some people find CT a breeze but what matters is we don't smoke

[__steve__]

Hello Keith mate

Hope you're doing well.

Timely post you've made...I'm supposedly on my last box of "Stage 1" patches...but have been considering staying on them for a few more weeks.

I'll make up my mind next weekend!

Have you decided what you're gonna do yet?

Cheers, Steve

[nsd_user663_1719]

Hi

I quit using patches - I did 3 weeks on each strength, as I found them uncomfortable and itchy (but stuck with it as I figured something horrible would be easy to give up!).

Each time I moved down a strength, I kept one of the higher ones with me in case I needed it, but honestly did not feel any different and only had to use my back-up emergency patch once - and it was because the one I was meant to be wearing had fallen off not because it wasn't strong enough (Now that I DID notice! )

[nsd_user663_61170]

Hello Keith mate

Hope you're doing well.

Timely post you've made...I'm supposedly on my last box of "Stage 1" patches...but have been considering staying on them for a few more weeks.

I'll make up my mind next weekend!

Have you decided what you're gonna do yet?

Cheers, Steve

Hi Steve,

I've decided to do it the way they recommend, im on my second day of stage 2.

Yesterday I could tell the nicotine had been reduced, a lot more thoughts and

craving about fags.

Im not going to be beaten by nicotine, nor are you mate

Otherwise we have Max to deal with, he looks a scary guy