I’m a young woman and smoke about half a pack each day. Could the nicotine patch help me quit? How does it work and do I need a prescription?
If you are 18 or older, you do not need a prescription to obtain the nicotine patch. Several different manufacturers offer patches geared specifically toward your needs and coming in varying strengths from 7 through 21 mgs. Check packaging to determine which strength is right for you, based usually on how much you now smoke.
The nicotine patch works by releasing over a period of 24 hours a specific amount of nicotine into your bloodstream, thereby quieting the body’s urge to smoke. It is important that you do not smoke at all while on the patch, as the additional nicotine going into your bloodstream can prove harmful.
As you continue using the patch, you can “step down” your dosage until you’re finally free of the habit once and for all.
Depending on where you buy your nicotine patches, they can usually be purchased for about $25 to $50 per box, slightly less in some stores and for generic brands; it pays to shop around and ask for your pharmacist’s recommendation.
The cost is not completely negligible, but considering what most smokers spend on their habit already, it’s almost always less than the cost of cigarettes. Best of all, when you’ve run the course of your cessation program, chances are you’ll never again have to throw away a dime on cigarettes!
No, you no longer need a prescription. If you only smoke a half a pack a day, you should be able to get by easily on the 14mg patch. It works by slowly releasing nicotine throughout the day via the transmucosal barrier through the skin and underlying membranes.
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The patch simply induces nicotine into you, which gives you the satisfaction you get if you smoke a cigarette. For all you smoke, the least Mg’s patch you can get, over the counter, would be best for you. Lets just call that the smallest dose. If you still are having the craving, then move up to say the middle dose Patch. I wouldn’t go any higher than the middle one. And while you are on the patch, don’t smoke at the same time. That will cause you problems. I know a man who was on the strongest Patch and smoked as usual, and he almost got pneumonia. I couldn’t tell you what they cost, but you can get them at your local Pharmacy without a prescription.. Just call the Pharmacy and ask them about the Patch and its cost. I wish for you sir to be a total success.
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My experience and opinion.
hi I used them n all I only had mine on for 5days 2days when still smokin and 3 days of no smokin n I’ve quit for 6months now, it just puts good nicotine in ur body to help u get off the bad nicotine, mine cost about £10, if u get them probably stick it on ur stomach so it doesnt fall off, and remember to take it off before bed or u might overdose!
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I think mr. icustat has it right.. or is it Dr.??
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Yes they have patches with 7 mg, 14 mg and 21 mg strengths. At about half a pack a day you could probably start on a 14 mg patch. (it says on the box which one to start depending on what you smoke). They go on your skin and time release a certain amount of nicotine into your system for almost 24 hours. This helps you regulate the amount you take in and helps you step down to smaller doses to wean yourself. You should not smoke at all while using them. They also cost about 25- 50 dollars depending on the quantity and brand name of the box. (they usually come in 7 or 14 count packages) Some generics at wal-mart can be $20 for a 7 count box (1 week supply) and work just as well. It can add up if you take a while to quit. You don’t need a prescription for it though. You just have to be 18. My major recommendation is the prescription Chantix. I’ve heard so many great things from my customers who tried everything else first. You can smoke the first week you are on it and it comes in a months supply starter kit and a month supply maintenence kit. Some light smokers can quit with the starter pack only. It’s not suggested for people to go longer than 3 months to use it to quit. At that point the pill should no longer be needed. It’s about $100 for a months supply and some insurance companies will cover it in full or a percentage. I definately think it works the best and plan to use it myself soon. I would suggest not drinking alcohol with it though since it seems to enhance the side effect of dreaming.
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Pharmacy technician