Examine individual changes

'{{Cleanup|date=July 2009}} [[Image:Nicoderm.JPG||thumb|right|A 21 mg dose [[Nicoderm]] CQ patch applied to the left arm]] A '''nicotine patch''' is a [[transdermal patch]] that releases [[nicotine]] into the body through the skin. It is used as an aid in [[nicotine replacement therapy]] (NRT), a process for [[smoking cessation]]. In 1991 the patch was patented by UCLA professors Jed E. Rose, Ph.D. and Murray E. Jarvik, M.D., Ph.D., and physician K. Daniel Rose, M.D. [Rose JE, Jarvik ME and Rose KD. Method and apparatus for aiding in the reduction of the incidence of tobacco smoking. U.S. Patent No. 4,920,989, issued May 1, 1990]. ==Issues== ===Efficacy=== Dozens of clinical trials have shown that the patch approximately doubles success rates over placebo treatment [Fiore MC, Jaén CR, Baker TB, et al. Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update. Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Public Health Service. April 2009]. Doubts have been expressed on the efficacy of nicotine patches as a method to help reduce or stop smoking. In some studies the success rates of experimental groups using nicotine patches was comparable to using nothing at all and significantly lower than many other treatments.<ref>http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_OTCPatch.html</ref> These studies, however, compared self-selected groups of smokers who may have differed in dependence level. ===Side effects=== {{Unreferenced section|date=December 2009}} Common side effects seen in smokers using nicotine patches instead of tobacco are similar to nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These include dizziness, drowziness, headache, irritability, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, mild hallucinations, and depression. Skin irritation at the site of the patch is also common, including allergic reactions to materials or adhesives on the patch. ==Alternate uses== Nicotine patches are under study to help relieve the symptoms of [[post-surgical pain]].<ref>[http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/85508.php Nicotine Patch Decreases Post Surgical Pain]</ref> ==See also== * [[Murray Jarvik]] * [[Smoking cessation]] * [[Nicotine replacement therapy]] * [[Nicotine lozenge]] * [[Nicotine gum]] * [[Transdermal patch]] * [[Nicoderm CQ]] ==References== <references /> {{Dosage forms|state=show}} {{Routes of administration}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Nicotine Patch}} [[Category:Tobacco cessation]] [[Category:Transdermal patches]] [[de:Nikotinpflaster]]'