Last week i plucked up the nerve to stop smoking, after 9 years on the ciggies i figured it was about time. I went to a Smoke-Free clinic, where you speak to a someone about why you want to quit and what are the options available. I nearly cried when the women gave me a sheet of paper that listed all the chemicals that are in cigarettes, so although its hard i am on my way. Being quite a heavy smoker i opted for the Nicotinell TTS30 24 hours patch.
Nicotinell 24 hour patches cost around £16 for a pack of 7. They also come in packs of 21. They come in three steps:
Step 1 - TTS30 (Large) contains 52.5mg of nicotine. Average absorption 21mg/24 hours.
Step 2 - TTS20 (Medium) contains 35mg of nicotine. Average absorption 14mg/24 hours.
Step 3 -TTS10 (Small) contains 17.5mg of nicotine. Average absorption 7mg/24 hours.
If
you are a heavy smoker you start with step 1 and use them for 3-4 weeks, then you move onto step 2 for 3-4 weeks and finally step 3 for 3-4 weeks, after that it seems you should be able to go without.
WARNINGS Have you ever suffered from heart disease? Have you recently had a stroke? Have you had an allergic reaction to Nicotine? Do you have a skin disease? Are you diabetic? Do you have high blood pressure? Do you suffer from liver or kidney disease? Hve you got or had a stomach ulcer? Do you have an overactive thyroid? Are you taking any other medication?
If you have any of the above do not use the patches unless you have spoken to your doctor.
OTHER WARNINGS Do not smoke while using the patches. Do not use any other nicotine product while using these patches (although i was told i could use gum as well). Do not use if you are a non-smoker or occasional smoker. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you are advised to stop smoking without the help of nicotine products. Do not use if you are under 18.
BIT MORE INFO If you smoke more than 20 a day start with TTS30 If you smoke less than 20 a day start with TTS20 Do not start with TTS10 Do not use patches for more than 3 months. You must keep the patch on all day and night, more so if you have to get over the first cig of the day problem. (I was advised that the 24 hour patch can disturb your sleep and should i find it hard i could take it off before going to bed).
USING THE PATCHES Only apply one patch at a time. Choose a hairless area of skin to make sure it doesnt come off. (They advise you to put the patches on you upper arms,chest or back). If you find your patch does not stay on you should try a different area of your body, such as thighs or bum.
Make sure the area is clean and dry before applying the patch.
All you do is cut the packet open containing your patch (careful not to cut the patch) take the patch out and remove the silver coloured backing. Remove the larger section of silver backing and try not to touch the sticky part of the patch as well as you can. Then just stick it where you want it. Press on it firmly making sure that is completely sealed on your chosen body part.
It is important to remember to use a different area of skin each time you apply a new patch (which you should aim to do in the morning). To dispose of your used patch, fold it it half so that it is stuck together and then just bin it. If you should forget to change the patch, do so as soon as you realise.
WHEN USING THE PATCHES The patches cause a few unwanted side effects. To start with you may get some redness and itchiness where the patch is placed but this should last no more that 2 or 3 days. If it gets worse or lasts longer then you should go and see your doctor. You may get headaches and slight dizziness, Mild stomach upset, Muscle discomfort and trouble sleeping. These dont last more than a few days.
Inside the box of patches i got a small card with a free number you can ring if you feel yourself reverting back to old ways. They offer you advice and help, so you can just ring them up whenever you choose.
I also got a handy little book with some fantastic info on stopping and staying stopped. it is full of advice on the best way to stop smoking, how you can help yourself by giving up and little tips on how to cope with cravings.
There is also a day by day calendar that shows you how well you are doing you just tick it off a day at a time and there are little comments to support you.
I have found it extremely hard i wont lie and say that these patches solve your problems because they dont. They only make the cravings manageable. You need will power and a huge amount of effort if you want to succeed. I struggled with mornings as i badly craved that first cigarette of the day but the patches do help take the edge of and i found it easier than i first imagined. I have a lot of respect for those people out ther who have successfully managed to quit. I knew it would be a huge hurdle but with the help of patches and willpower i believe i can do it.
I would definitly recommend these patches, i wouldnt have stopped without them. I know its only a week but still its the longest ive been without a fag...
GOOD LUCK TO ALL YOU WOULD-BE QUITTERS.
Pictures of Nicotinell TTS 30 Patch Programme
Nicotinell
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Mar 7th, 2007
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