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Nicoderm CQ User Reviews & Ratings

Nicoderm CQ has an average rating of 8.8 out of 10 from a total of 62 reviews on Drugs.com. 84% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 5% reported a negative experience.

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Smoking Cessation  
8.8
62 reviews for Smoking Cessation 15 medications
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Reviews for Nicoderm CQ

  • Its...
  • March 4, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I used to smoke for more than 20 years. My daughter showed me a book that had pictures of a smoker's lungs. She then asked, 'Daddy, do you want your lungs to look like this?' This made me realize what is important to me. Immediately the following day, I went to the store, asked for a garbage can, and I threw my last pack away. I bought a two-week supply of Nicoderm CQ, and that was the last time I have smoked a cigarette, which was 6 years ago. Thank you for the extra assistance in working towards a better way of life."

10 / 10
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95 Report
  • Smoke...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 23, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I have no idea why I started smoking again after my son was born. But, alas, I did and here we go again! I tried the gum (nasty!), e-cigs (still felt like I was smoking), and even Chantix (super crazy dreams and still massive withdrawal symptoms). I decided to give the patch a try. LOVE THEM! I got the off-brand of NicoDerm CQ and have had an amazing experience! Yes, it is a bit itchy when you first put it on, but that goes away after a little bit. I'd rather deal with light itching than a massive craving strike! I have NO interest to go out and smoke and have so much more time to do everything else! I do have a weird dream now and then, but NOTHING like with Chantix. I am 110% confident I am done for good!"

10 / 10
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78 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 21, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I'm amazed at how successful this patch was for me to quit smoking! I've tried several times but failed after 3 days on each attempt. I swore I would quit when I turned 50, and I'm proud to say that I have! Been smoking since I was 17, had a terrible cough, high blood pressure, and smelled terrible. I feel so much better, breathing better, and the cough is gone! High blood pressure is down to normal, and I can socialize with my non-smoking friends without guilt of having that stench! I started Step 1 for two weeks and Step 2 for two weeks. Currently, I'm on Step 3 with absolutely no desire for a cigarette! I'm telling everyone I know that smokes to try Nicoderm because it works!"

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68 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Banan...
  • January 19, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "This medication, when used properly, is a life-saver when you are trying to quit smoking! I say 'when used properly' because I did not use it properly at first. In addition to Step 1 patch, I would also smoke a pack a day - NOT how you want to quit! Once I put down the cigarettes, this patch works! I used the 21mg patches for a week, then went down to Step 2 (14mg) because the 1st step caused itching, redness, and swelling on my arm. It has now been 2 and 1/2 weeks, and I haven't smoked at all! From 20 years of a pack a day to nothing is truly amazing. I am hoping to be free from the bondage of smoking. Good luck on your journey to quit! It is worth it; YOU are worth it!"

10 / 10
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68 Report
  • BUY...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 3, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "100% effective with zero physical withdrawal, but some desires! I was a 2-3 pack a day smoker for 25 years! I had tried everything, but nothing worked for me. This was a last resort that I thank God I tried! This isn't magic, you will have the want to smoke feeling, but nothing physical because you are getting nicotine! They do not stick well at all, so save yourself some trouble by purchasing white 'paper' tape in any first aid section of any store or pharmacy! Secure it to the patch as soon as you apply the patch, and you will be great all day! I also recommend getting some mints! Whenever I decided I would like a butt, I popped a mint in! On week 5 now, with an easy transition to step 2! You have nothing to lose! My coughing has stopped 100%! Xo"

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Crissy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 6, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I asked my doctor if I could use the patch with my other medications before starting step 1. I am doing great with it and have no longer cravings. It's triggers of driving or after eating and first thing in the morning. I keep lollipops in my car and purse and changed up my routine in the morning and after eating. I smoked for 35 years and now have two small grandsons that I want to spoil and see graduate. If this Grandma can do it with Nicoderm CQ, anyone can."

10 / 10
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41 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 19, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "After years, without success, of trying to quit smoking, I used Nicoderm CQ step 1 (it worked) for the recommended time. After going to step 2, I ended up starting to smoke again. Several years later, in the summer of 2016, I started over again with Nicoderm step 1, except this time I continued to use the step 1 patch only. I was going to quit even if I had to use the step 1 patch for the rest of my life. After approximately 6 months, I stopped using the patch and have been smoke-free for almost two years. Every now and then, I have a craving for a cigarette, but the craving only lasts for a few minutes. I had smoked two to three packs a day for fifty years."

10 / 10
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43 Report

More FAQ

  • former...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 12, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I made it to the other side. I have been smoke-free for two years. I tried again and again to quit, probably took about 10 times before it stuck. I did use the patch each time I quit, but I would always go to the bar, take the patch off, and start my pack-a-day habit again. Smoke for a week, then buy more patches. You have to really want to quit to do it. I think the patch is great at keeping your nicotine cravings at bay while you learn to deal with the mental addiction of quitting. Do whatever it takes, and don't listen to those harpies who say that using an NRT is not really quitting."

9 / 10
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46 Report
  • very...
  • February 8, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 32 years and tried different times and products to help me stop, but always failed. My doctor and I agreed for me to try the Nicoderm CQ patch, and it's really helping me. I have no urges to smoke and am now on Day 8. The only thing I found out is that I have red, swollen, itchy skin where the patches were worn. Need to talk to the doctor, but the office is closed on the weekends. I'm thinking I could be allergic to them, but don't want to stop them because they are working for me."

8 / 10
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56 Report
  • Sixkr...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 12, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Using this product completely changed my life. I used Nicoderm CQ exactly how it stated in the directions. I haven't smoked in 7 weeks. I knew I couldn't quit without help, and after reading all the reviews, I decided on the patch. I started by cutting back each week the amount of cigarettes I smoked. Finally, I was down to one a day. I smoked one a day for 10 days, on the 11th day, I put on Stage 1 of Nicoderm CQ. I didn't like the patch on my arms, so I put them on my thigh, alternating each day. The cravings were less and less each day. I found that drinking ice water through a straw every time I had a craving helped so much. It kept me hydrated (which eases the amount of cravings), and the straw acted like a cigarette with the sucking."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • skinn...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 16, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "After being smoke-free for almost 16 years, I started to smoke again. Six years went by, and I was miserable most of the time being a smoker again. I have been using the patch for four days now, and it is working. I am really amazed, no cravings or major urges. If I get the urge, it just lasts for a couple of minutes, then I am good again. I smoked about 14 cigs a day and decided to start with Step 2. I will probably do Step 2 for about 4 weeks, then go to Step 3. I do not sleep with the patch, but take it off right before I am ready to go to sleep, then just reapply in the am. It takes about 10 minutes to start working. It feels a little funny at first, like burning or itching, then that goes away. Other than that, I have had no other side effects."

10 / 10
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50 Report
  • Esco
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 5, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I'm a young male, 26 years old. Was a casual smoker for 7 years. Started very young, at 16. Became a pack-a-day smoker for 3 years. So, more than 10 years of smoking. Other reviewers are spot on about insane irritation/itching when the patch is first applied to the skin. This lasts for the first 20 minutes. Do not let this deter you, try not to think about it. I'm on the 21 mg patch. This is recommended for smokers who smoke at least a pack a day or more. I can honestly say you really have to be determined to stop smoking altogether. Side note: was a very heavy cannabis smoker as well, and remarkably, the patch has also gotten rid of all cravings for cannabis as well. If you're serious about kicking this filthy habit, this patch works wonders."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • StephJ
  • February 7, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for over 12 years and about 12-15 cigarettes a day and have attempted to stop many times. The only time I had truly stopped in the past was 7 years ago when I found out I was pregnant. After having the baby, I picked up right where I left off and began smoking again. I finally decided that I wanted to quit, and I have tried many avenues to include cold turkey and Chantix, and all didn't work. I finally picked up the box and read the instructions, and so far today it has been three weeks, and I have not once craved a cigarette. Many of my friends and coworkers smoke, and I am around this daily. I thought that seeing them smoke or being around them while they smoke would get me to crave one, but no. Very satisfied, thank you!!"

10 / 10
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44 Report
  • beanc...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 21, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 40 years, finally decided it was time to quit. I followed the instructions, exactly, stepping down to a lighter patch as time went on. I had a really bad headache the first few days, but I powered through anyway. It's now been six months since I quit. This product works !"

10 / 10
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24 Report
  • In Him
  • August 20, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I started smoking when I was 10 and started drinking when I was 15. I continued to smoke and drink and dope until I was 27, at which time I became a Christian and quit all three vices cold turkey. I believe I was able to do that because of my faith in the Lord. Due to a lot of pressures in my life, at age 34, I returned to all three vices once again. At age 44, I returned to my faith and wanted to quit again, I was coughing and easily became short of breath. I was able to quit for short periods of time, smoking more than not. At 49, I relapsed again and was doing all three. Then on 11-11-11, I quit drinking and doping, and shortly thereafter, I quit smoking with the help of nicotine patches, and I've been sober and smoke-free ever since. 8-17"

10 / 10
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32 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 25, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Day 6 today using Nicoderm CQ, and I have to say I am very pleased. Since the first day, I don't feel the urge to smoke... now don't get me wrong, the 'want' is still there, but the 'need' is gone. I don't feel irritated or anxious, and I can make it through the day without a headache. I have been smoking for a little over 12 years and have tried and failed at quitting before. This patch has been (so far) the best quitting tool I've used. I highly recommend this product if you're serious about quitting. I feel amazing, and I am very happy with how this has been working for me so far. You got this!!!"

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34 Report
  • Antwan
  • January 1, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "The only thing I've tried that works. These patches are GREAT! I have no sensations at all. If you're a heavy smoker and really want to stop smoking, I recommend you use these. I will NEVER smoke again because of these patches. I also use the Nicotine Gum."

10 / 10
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36 Report
  • huck
  • January 24, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I am 65 years old and have smoked since I was 16. I've been on the patch for two weeks. I have cravings daily, but jeez, I smoked for 49 years. I am committed to quitting smoking and have no intentions of failing. The cravings I have are easy to work through, I find something to occupy my mind for a few minutes. My plan is to use the patch for one month, and after that, my doctor and I have worked it out for me to go on Chantix for however long necessary. I have also cut back on my consumption of beer and coffee, and it has helped a lot. Good luck to all and stay strong."

10 / 10
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32 Report
  • Dano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 6, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "This was the best investment I ever spent $45.00 step 1 14 patches .32years of smoking now 10 days non smoking and I feel great food. Oh my goodness food taste amazing. If you want to quit this is the best product on the market Thanks Nicoderm CQ....."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • jaype...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 23, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Quit smoking for almost 6 years and one day out of no where, and for no reason, i was CRAVING a cigarette and wasn't long until I was back up to a pack a day :( every pack I bought, every cigarette I smoked made me feel so gross, yet my mind kept telling me I needed it. Opted to try the patch, free with my health insurance. Just finished my first day and it was pretty smooth, stressful at work and hung out with a co worker on lunch while she smoked and I was almost gagging! Icky icky icky! But not once did I want to smoke! I'm confident it is working, its the CVS brand and it sticks pretty well. Took it off to shower and popped it right back on, after reading reviews and going through the information insert, I'm worried about sleeping and having weird dreams lol hopefully it wont be too bad, small price to pay as opposed to continuing to smoke. I do have moments where I go into auto pilot and I reach for a pack that isn't there and I think "oh yea I don't smoke" and I just go back to what I was doing. Last time I quit, I went through a few weeks of really bad anxiety and I haven't had any episodes or any feelings of anxiety. Just waiting for time to pass. :) will be on step 1 for 6 weeks and down to step 2 for 4 weeks, and step 3 for 1 week I think. Tomorrow I need to spray my car down cuz the smell makes me sick to my stomach! Excited to smell good again!"

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33 Report
  • Cathe...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 9, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "Four years ago, I decided to quit smoking. I bought the patch, step 1. The first week on the patch, I smoked maybe two cigarettes. After that, I was done. My only issue now (four years later) is that I'm still on the patch. I'm addicted to the patch. I cut it in half and put it on every morning. It's an expense I can live without, but if I don't use it, I'm a mess. I feel unfocused, tired, hungry. I guess it's a healthier addiction than smoking, but not sure what I'm doing to my body."

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • warp
  • June 18, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "Just finished my 10 weeks on the Nicoderm CQ program and am proud to say I have not slipped up once. I have to admit that it was one of the hardest things I have done, but it was all worth it. Everything tastes and smells so much better, that in itself is worth quitting for. I smoked and used smokeless tobacco for about 13 years. If I can do it, anyone can."

9 / 10
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51 Report
  • Joi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 12, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 20 years and decided to quit. As these are relatively pricey I did not purchase the entire program up front (I think it is 8 or 10 weeks?) Rather, I bought one box of Step 1 and one box of Step 2. Well I'm so glad because I ended up only using the step one box and half of Step 2. (Used total of 11 days) It was just that easy to quit. I just had to find something to do with my hands the first few days. I got busy at work and realized after several days that I hadn't been remembering to put a patch on in the morning....and IT DIDN'T MATTER! I was FREE after 20 years and never got a craving again (5 years smoke free) I delayed quitting due to all the horror stories people tell about quitting. DON'T LISTEN! YOU CAN DO IT!"

10 / 10
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27 Report
  • Bless...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 4, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I'm 26 years old. I've been smoking since I was 18. I don't know why or how, I just picked it up to look cool. Now, at 26, after many chest pains, anxiety attacks, and stomach aches, I know 100,000% it was me smoking that was causing me all those things! It's been one full week, and after many nicotine gums, hookah pens, all of that, I can honestly say this patch is a blessing! I have not had anxiety from not smoking, not one chest pain. This patch is amazing!! Works wonders. I started on step 2! I highly recommend this to anybody who wants to stop smoking! It's also willpower, everybody! Good luck, save your body while you can!"

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • Bcurl
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 14, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "On day six now and didn't smoke but was a can-a-day dipper for over 20 years. Don't worry that people are talking about it falling off, I'm in construction in the heat in Florida all day, and it sticks. I know it helps. Weird dream thing going on, yes, get a taste of nicotine all day, and the initial itch, yep, got that too. But what I haven't had is a dip of Copenhagen. Thanks, Nicoderm."

9 / 10
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33 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.