Nicotine nasal spray and a nicotine inhaler are available only by prescription. A new non-nicotine pill also is available as a smoking cessation treatment option. To be most effective, nicotine replacement products should be used in conjunction with a behavior change program. The patches are similar to adhesive bandages and are available in different shapes and sizes. A larger patch delivers more nicotine through the skin.
Less nicotine is obtained through the patch than in cigarettes.
The patch also does not contain all the tars and poisonous gases that are found in cigarettes. Most of the patch products are changed once every 24 hours. One particular patch is worn only during the waking hours and is removed during sleep. Studies have shown that it is much easier to give up the patch than it would be to give up cigarettes for two reasons. First, people usually develop cravings for things that provide immediate satisfaction, such as chocolate.