The Science Behind NicoDerm: How it Helps Smokers Quit

Every day, millions of people around the world struggle with the challenge of quitting smoking. For those grappling with nicotine addiction, the path to a smoke-free life can often seem overwhelming and unattainable.

However, scientific advancements in addiction therapy have provided effective tools to help smokers overcome their dependency on nicotine. One such powerful tool is NicoDerm, a clinically proven nicotine replacement therapy.

But how exactly does NicoDerm work? What’s the science behind its efficacy?

In this post, we’re going to delve deep into the mechanics of NicoDerm, shedding light on its innovative design, how it interacts with your body, and most importantly, how it aids smokers in their journey towards quitting.

So, if you’ve ever wondered about the effectiveness of NicoDerm or are considering using it as part of your quit plan, this article will provide the insights you need.

Let’s embark on this exploration of the science behind NicoDerm and its role in helping smokers quit.

Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Nicotine Patches: Ease Your Way Out of Nicotine Addiction

Contents

The Science Behind NicoDerm

NicoDerm works on the principle of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). The active ingredient in NicoDerm, nicotine, acts by stimulating neural nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (NAChRs) in the ventral tegmental area of the brain.

This causes the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.

The nicotine in NicoDerm is delivered transdermally, meaning it’s absorbed through the skin. The patch releases small, but continuous amounts of medicinal nicotine, which helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms while quitting smoking.

When nicotine reaches the brain, it binds to nicotinic receptors which release neurotransmitters, like dopamine. Dopamine release is critical to reinforcing behaviors and creating the cycle of addiction.

In addition to this, if a person using a NicoDerm patch smokes, the nicotine coming from the patch blocks the extra nicotine from the cigarette acting in the brain. This can make the act of smoking less pleasurable and thus help in the process of quitting.

Also read: Nicotine Addiction: Why Do We Enjoy Smoking So Much? (EXPLAINED)

What is the use of Nicoderm?

Nicoderm is typically used as a tool to help people quit smoking. It works by replacing the nicotine found in cigarettes, which is a crucial part of cigarette addiction.

The patch delivers therapeutic nicotine through the skin for 16 or 24 hours, and it can even be worn when showering or bathing. This medication can help reduce withdrawal symptoms that occur when a person stops smoking.

Nicoderm has a three-step program designed to gradually wean the user off their dependence on nicotine.

NicoDerm 3-step program

Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Step 1: This step typically begins with a higher dosage of nicotine (usually around 21 mg) and is intended for those who smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day. The patches in this stage are designed to help control the intense initial cravings that can occur when someone stops smoking.
Step 2: After completing Step 1, which usually lasts for six weeks, the user moves on to Step 2. In this stage, the nicotine dosage is reduced to around 14 mg. This is a transitional phase that allows the body to adjust to receiving less nicotine.
Step 3: The final step in the program lowers the nicotine dosage even further, to around 7 mg. This stage is meant to wean the user off nicotine entirely. After completing this step, which typically lasts for two weeks, the individual should be able to stop using NicoDerm patches.

Also read: Nicotine Benefits: Can Nicotine Itself Be Good For Us? (PROS & CONS)

What are the side effects of Nicoderm?

These side effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone who uses Nicoderm will experience them.

Mild and common side effects include:

Mild side effects are relatively common. These can include:

Skin irritation at the application site, such as redness or itching.
Dizziness.
Headaches.
Euphoria, increased alertness, and feelings of relaxation.
Joint pain.
Sleep disturbances, including vivid dreams or insomnia.

These side effects are generally mild and go away after a few days. If they persist or become bothersome, consult your healthcare provider.

Less common or more severe side effects include:

Severe side effects are less common but can occur. These include:

Racing heartbeat.
Nausea or vomiting.
Heartburn.
Hiccups.
Increased irritability, tension, frustration, anxiety, and restlessness, which are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Bad headaches, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, weakness, fainting, drooling, hearing problems, upset stomach.

If you experience any of these, remove the patch and seek immediate medical attention.

Potential Interactions

Nicotine patches may interact with certain medications, including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and asthma medications. Consult your doctor before starting nicotine patches if you take any medications regularly.

Also read: Nicorette: Navigating the Future of Nicotine Replacement Therapy

How many cigarettes does a 21 mg patch equal?

A 21 mg NicoDerm patch is generally recommended for those who smoke a pack of cigarettes per day, which typically contains around 20-25 cigarettes.

However, this doesn’t mean that the patch delivers the same amount of nicotine as 20-25 cigarettes.

An average cigarette delivers 1–3 mg of nicotine, so even a full-strength patch (21 mg/24 hours) provides less nicotine than a heavy smoker would get from cigarettes.

The patch provides a steady, controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

Also read: Nicotine Withdrawal: The True Symptoms of Quitting Smoking (TRUTH)

Do Nicoderm patches really work?

Research suggests that nicotine patches are safe and effective when used correctly. In fact, one study concluded that active patch users were more than twice as likely to quit smoking compared to those not using the patch.

However, it’s also important to note that success rates can vary widely.

One source suggested that the success rate of nicotine patches can be less than 10%. This might be due to various factors including individual differences in addiction severity, usage patterns, and additional support (like behavioural counselling) received during the quitting process.

A nicotine patch is not a magic solution and quitting smoking often requires a comprehensive approach that may include other strategies such as counselling or other forms of nicotine replacement therapy.

Are Nicoderm patches safe to use?

Yes, there is strong evidence that NicoDerm patches are safe and effective when used correctly. However, like all medications, they can have side effects.

Serious side effects are more likely if you continue to smoke while using this product. Small amounts of nicotine can cause serious unwanted effects in children, hence patches should be kept out of reach of children.

One specific precaution is that the NicoDerm® CQ patch may cause skin burns when used during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Therefore, it is advised that the patch should be removed before an MRI procedure.

A study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania found that extending patch treatment beyond the standard eight weeks was safe. Another study confirmed the safety of wearing a nicotine patch for four weeks before quitting.

Despite these precautions and potential side effects, research suggests that nicotine patches are a safe and effective method to quit smoking when used correctly.

How long does it take for Nicoderm to work?

It typically takes a few hours for the nicotine in the patch to seep into the bloodstream. Therefore, you might want to combat any immediate cravings with a piece of nicotine gum or lozenge.

You should start noticing a reduction in your cravings and withdrawal symptoms within a week of using the nicotine patch. However, it’s recommended to give Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at least eight weeks to work effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you sleep with Nicoderm patch?

Whether or not you can sleep with a NicoDerm patch on varies from person to person. Some people do leave the patch on overnight, which can help with morning cravings.

However, the nicotine patch has been known to cause sleep problems for some individuals, including trouble sleeping and unusually vivid dreams. Research has shown that more time awake and more micro-arousals occurred while wearing the nicotine patch compared to not wearing it.

If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s recommended to remove the patch a few hours before you go to sleep. You can then apply a new one in the morning.

2. Is nicotine patches bad for your heart?

The impact of nicotine patches on heart health is nuanced and depends on several factors. Nicotine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and potentially constrict coronary arteries, which can reduce myocardial blood supply. Furthermore, there’s some evidence suggesting that certain forms of nicotine replacement therapy, like nasal or mouth sprays, may increase heart rate more than transdermal patches.

Nevertheless, research has also suggested that nicotine replacement therapy, including patches, can be a safe option even for people with heart disease who are trying to quit smoking.

A study found that the risks of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes were similar between those using varenicline and nicotine patches (source). Moreover, initial concerns about an increased risk of heart attack if a person smoked while wearing a nicotine patch have been largely dispelled.

Despite this, it’s crucial to remember that while nicotine patches can be a tool to help quit smoking, they still deliver nicotine, a substance that can have harmful effects on the heart. Therefore, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

3. Can you smoke a cigarette while wearing a nicotine patch?

It’s not recommended to smoke while using a nicotine patch or any other form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Doing so can potentially lead to nicotine overdose, which can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, cold sweats, disturbance of hearing or vision, dizziness, mental confusion, and in severe cases, seizures.

However, it’s also important to know that if you do slip up and smoke a cigarette while using NRT, it’s unlikely to be harmful. This is because the amount of nicotine obtained from occasional smoking while using NRT is much smaller than the amount from regular smoking.

The goal of NRT, including nicotine patches, is to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms to make it easier to quit smoking. If you’re struggling to quit smoking while using NRT, consider seeking additional support such as counseling or medication.

4. Can I cut nicotine patch in half?

No, you should not cut a nicotine patch in half. Doing so may affect the way the patch releases nicotine into your body and could potentially lead to an overdose or underdose of nicotine. Each patch is designed to deliver a specific dose of nicotine over a 24-hour period.

If you feel that the dosage is too high or too low, you should talk with your healthcare provider. They may suggest switching to a lower-dose patch or using a combination of patches and another form of nicotine replacement therapy.

Always use nicotine patches as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions and your healthcare provider.

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