Nicotine and Itching: What Users Say

• Smo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2015

Nicotine 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!"

• Ban...
• January 19, 2016

Nicotine 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!"

• ski...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2015

Nicotine 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."

• Esc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2015

Nicotine 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."

• LON...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2017

Nicotine for Smoking Cessation "The Nicoderm CQ patch, in my opinion, worked great. I've been smoking for over 19 years. I've tried before (cold turkey) & (pregnancy), but always went back. I smoked up to 1.5 packs a day. I made the most life-changing choice in Dec 2016 to stop smoking. I researched the patches and was very leery because of my withdrawal symptoms. I decided to try Nicoderm CQ patches. I completed the whole 3-step, 10-week program without 1 slip!!! I'm very proud of myself. Now, be aware that you will experience a slight burning, itching sensation when you first apply the patch (lasts about 1 min). Also, sometimes the patch will not stay on, just simply apply a Band-Aid over it. That's about it. I would recommend this product. Works GREAT!!"

• Tri...
• February 25, 2009

Nicotine for Smoking Cessation "I smoked for a long time and tried quitting so many times, but really did not have much luck on my own. I could tell some tales about trying to quit. My husband bought the patch for me to try, and I was really impressed by the fact that I really did not feel the need to smoke a cigarette. That went on for about 17 days. I then noticed that my eyes were very red all day, so much so that I could see the small vessels in my eyes distended. Then one evening, where I put the patch on my upper thigh (was running out of available spots), I began itching more than usual. When the patch was removed, the spot was swollen and very red, and it stung and was painful. My doctor has stopped me from any further use and diagnosed that I may be allergic to the adhesive."

• Dev...
• December 15, 2015

Nicotine for Smoking Cessation "Love the product. The only problem is it does not stick if I put it on an area that flexes a lot, like my side or upper arm. Sticks fine to shoulder blades, no falling off, and the itching subsides after about 20-30 mins."

• Rel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2015

Nicotine for Smoking Cessation "I quit cold turkey for 6 years and then had a slip. I went on Habitrol, and it made quitting amazingly easy by comparison. I had another slip and went on Nicoderm, the itching sensation literally drove me mad, and I ripped it off and threw it in the garbage. Habitrol had some very mild itching as well, but it was easily manageable and dissipated shortly. My mom was told she was having an 'allergic reaction' to Nicoderm because the itching was very severe, and I've known a handful of people personally who experienced the exact same thing: a maddening itch, sometimes even an actual rash from Nicoderm patches. Habitrol was way better for me, and I would without a second thought recommend it over Nicoderm."

• Lon...
• May 17, 2016

Nicotine for Smoking Cessation "I have smoked for about 11 years. Quit cold turkey with each of my 3 pregnancies and had no issue. For some reason, about 3-4 weeks after giving birth, I was back to a pack a day. I tried the gum but didn't have success. It doesn't last in my system long enough, and when a craving struck, I couldn't pick up the gum, I picked up the car keys to get to the nearest gas station for a pack of smokes! So I decided to try the patch since it is a continuous stream of nicotine. I thought maybe this would work better. I have zero physical symptoms. I still get that 'oh, I need a smoke now' feeling but am better able to say no to it. I honestly didn't think it would work, but it does! And the itching is unbearable! But only lasted about an hour for me."

• Cig...
• January 12, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "Used step 1, 14 patches, and today is the 1st day on step 2. Haven't had 1 cig. It does itch a bit for 20 min after applying and messes with your sleeping, but small price to pay. Also, you get crazy dreams. I've been enjoying those."

• ohi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2017

Nicotine for Smoking Cessation "The patches work great. No itching or other side effects to my skin. Only downfall to the product is the patches are not waterproof and come off after being exposed to water. Plus, even after washing my skin with alcohol, I still need to put tape over the patch to keep it on for the day. Great product otherwise."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I've been using the patch for almost a week now, and normally I would smoke 10-12 cigarettes a day. During this past week, I've only had 4 or 5. I don't feel the need to smoke like I used to. However, I notice that after about 15 minutes of putting the patch on, the area gets very itchy for about 30 minutes. There have been days where I feel very weak and tired, and sometimes nauseous and dizzy. My biggest complaint is having a hard time falling asleep. But I'd rather lose a little sleep than to keep smoking. These patches really do work."