Nicotine patches are among the most accepted nicotine replacement therapies in the market today. It is known to help smokers give up smoking. From the day patches were introduced in the market, different studies have been conducted to test its effectiveness, and it proved that nicotine patches have helped a quarter of smokers quit. However, like any other things, patches have both advantages and disadvantages. This article will try to look on the cons of nicotine patches compared to other smoking cessation products.
Below are the top 9 disadvantages of patches:
1. Patches create another face of addiction. Some smokers after successfully giving up cigarettes with the help of nicotine patches, find themselves addicted and cannot do without it. Their nicotine addiction was still there, only that they are now dependent to nicotine patches.
2. Patches are successful in reducing the urge of smokers to light a cigarette. However it fails to address the cravings a smoker has to go through during his smoking cessation treatment. Tobacco smoke has different mental and physical effects on the smoker. The problem is, nicotine patches cannot handle some of these effects.
3. Nicotine patches do well in reducing the smoker’s nicotine cravings. However, it cannot do anything to counter the withdrawal symptoms like mood swings, agitation, depression, insomnia, and bad temper. These withdrawal symptoms may vary from one smoker to another depending on how long they have been smoking. It is essential to deal with these symptoms especially during the early days of the withdrawal, to help the person to stay away from smoking or lessen the chance of a relapse.
4. Smokers below 18 years old cannot use nicotine patches.
5. Nicotine patches are not effective to anyone. There are reported cases where nicotine patches have no effects on some female smokers. While it’s true that further study is needed before this becomes conclusive, however, if after ten weeks the nicotine patches haven’t helped you ease your urges to smoke or your condition hasn’t improved, then this treatment is not for you.
6. Patches leave redness on the area which it’s placed and in some cases, it
Nicotine patches may have a contradictory effect with your prescription drugs. Some drugs may have an adverse reaction with nicotine patches. This is the reason why you have to consult or seek the advice of your family doctor or a physician to find out if you can use patches to help you quit smoking.
causes irritations. You may want to see your doctor to find out if you have any allergies that might be causing any redness or irritation on your skin.
7. Nicotine patches shouldn’t be used by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
8. If a smoker is experiencing chest pains, ulcers, skipped heart beats, or has heart disease, or liver and kidney diseases, he may be advised not to use nicotine patches as a smoking cessation alternative. You may want to discuss with your physician any health issues you might be experiencing before using any nicotine cessation aids.
9. Nicotine patches may have a contradictory effect with your prescription drugs. Some drugs may have an adverse reaction with nicotine patches. This is the reason why you have to consult or seek the advice of your family doctor or a physician to find out if you can use patches to help you quit smoking.
