Quitting smoking is no easy task. Smoking is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the United States, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has given many smokers the ability to transition between cigarette smoking and being entirely nicotine-free (and smoking-free). One of the most popular NRTs is the nicotine patch.
Nicotine patches, approved by the FDA in 1991, are a go-to product for those looking to quit cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes. According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, nicotine patches have the highest compliance rate of any other NRT.
“Nicotine patches are what I would call the smoothest delivery,” said Quinn Pack, MD, a preventive cardiologist and adjunct associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. “They cause a slow and sustained rise of nicotine in the blood, but to be most effective, they should be combined with an ad-lib nicotine replacement product to deal with the acute cravings like gum, nasal spray, or lozenges.”
So, how do they work? The patches provide a controlled dose of nicotine that's absorbed through the skin during the day; this reduces the effects of withdrawal. Over time, users apply patches in decreasing strengths, allowing them to gradually wean themselves off of nicotine. Patches can be worn up to 24 hours, and daily doses range primarily from to 21mg to 14mg to 7mg over the course of 8 to 12 weeks.
According to Dr. Pack, it takes on average about 7 to 10 seconds for a puff of smoke to deliver nicotine to the brain, and that rapid rise in nicotine contributes to how addictive it is. Nicotine patches are much slower, typically taking 2 to 3 hours.
Whether you’re smoking or vaping, choosing a reliable nicotine patch product is vital when you’re looking to take this big step. So, if you’re looking to ditch the cigarettes or Juuls, here are some nicotine patches on the market to try out and some to steer clear of.
NicoDerm CQ
Good for: Heavy smokers.
NicoDerm CQ patch is great for those who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day because they offer the highest dose of nicotine approved by the FDA. Dr. Pack says those who smoke multiple packs of cigarettes each day should always start with the highest dose to combat cravings. He's even found benefits with patients who used 43mg patches. NicoDerm CQ patches are made with Extended Release SmartControl Technology that helps provide an immediate steady flow of nicotine throughout the day. Once the step 1 pack is completed, you can switch to the next two steps, which provide smaller daily doses. The packages come with 14 patches and are sold for $40, or $118 for all three steps.
Habitrol
Good for: Smokers who also want a hotline and other support.
Habitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patch is similar to NicoDerm with packs that progressively lower the provided dose. The system not only uses a time-release technology in its patches to reduce cravings, it also offers a behavioral support program to increase your chances of quitting. The program offers a call-in hotline and self-help guide, helpful for those who find themselves slipping up during their journey. Two weeks' worth of Habitrol patches are $27; all three steps with 8 weeks' worth of patches are $85. These patches are the most prescribed by physicians and pharmacists.
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Herbal Patches
Not recommended
"Natural" patches, like KONGDY Anti-Smoke and Fullthrottle on Demand Zero Nicotine patches are made with herbal ingredients. They claim to help alleviate the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal in a natural way. Some ingredients include oats, skullcap, and licorice root, which companies claim help calm the nervous system and ease stress and anxiety.
Unlike other brands, these patches contain no nicotine. The natural ingredients are advertised to decompose existing nicotine in the body and cleanse the body of smoking-related toxins. Dr. Pack, however, says there is no real evidence to support those ideas. (Of course, quitting smoking, by itself, will help rid the body of smoke-related toxins. Here's how your body repairs itself after quitting.)
The journey toward quitting smoking can be tough, but supplementing with nicotine replacement can help.
Vanessa Etienne
Vanessa Etienne is the Editorial Fellow at Men’s Health. She has covered health and entertainment for The New York Times, Everyday Health and BET.
