How to use nicotine patches and nicotine gum

Nicotine patches

One quick note before we jump in. Nicotine partly cancels out the effects of caffeine. So as you lower the amount of nicotine you take in, drinks with caffeine can have a stronger impact on you. They might even cause sleep issues. To avoid problems, try to cut your caffeine intake by at least half.

Where to put the patch

• Place it on your upper body, like your chest, shoulder, or upper arm
• Choose a clean, dry, hairless area
• Use a different location every day to avoid bothering your skin

How to put it on

1. Remove the patch from the foil package

2. Peel off the backing and press the patch to your skin

3. Hold it there for 10 seconds

4. Wash your hands (they may have nicotine on them)

How long to wear the patch

Generally, you wear the patch for 24 hours and put a new one on each morning. But if you start having vivid dreams or other sleep issues, remove the patch at bedtime and apply a new one in the morning.

How to remove it

1. Slowly peel the patch off your skin

2. Fold it in half with the sticky sides touching

3. Put the patch in the trash

4. Wash your hands

Things to avoid

• Don’t cut the patch — it won’t work like it’s supposed to
• Don’t wear more than 1 patch at a time
• Don’t wear the patch for more than 24 hours because it may bother your skin

Nicotine gum

Nicotine gum doesn’t work like typical chewing gum. For the best results, you’ll need to chew and park:

1. Chew the gum until a nicotine taste appears

2. Park the gum against the inside of your lip until the taste disappears (about a minute)

3. Repeat the first two steps for 30 minutes, then discard the gum

Stop drinking acidic beverages like coffee, fizzy drinks (seltzer, soda), or juice about 15 minutes before you use the gum. And don’t eat or drink while the gum is in your mouth. That can lower the amount of nicotine you absorb so the gum won’t work as well.