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]]. The first published study of the pharmacokinetics of a transdermal nicotine patch in humans was authored by Jed E. Rose, Ph.D., Murray E. Jarvik, M.D., Ph.D. and K. Daniel Rose, M.D., in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence (vol. 13, pp.209-213, 1984). This was followed by publication of results of a study of smokers showing that a transdermal nicotine patch reduced craving for cigarettes (Rose JE, Herskovic JE, Trilling Y and Jarvik ME, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, vol. 38, pp. 450-456, 1985). The University of California filed a patent application in April, 1985 that was granted in 1991 (U.S. Patent #4,920,989). However, a competing patent application, filed by Dr. Frank T. Etscorn III, was issued on July 1, 1986 (U.S. Patent #4,597,961). Subsequently, the U.S. Patent Office declared an interference action and, on September 29, 1993, issued a priority decision in favor of the Rose et al. patent. ==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, mild hallucinations, and depression. When used during the night, nicotine patches decrease sleep quality but yield more vivid dreams<ref>F. Pagea, G. Colemana and R. Conduit. The effect of transdermal nicotine patches on sleep and dreams. Physiology & Behavior Volume 88, Issues 4-5, 30 July 2006, Pages 425-432.</ref>. Skin irritation at the site of the patch is also common, including allergic reactions to materials or adhesives on the patch. '''U SUCK...... HI SHELLY =3''' ==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]] [[es:Parche de nicotina]] [[nl:Nicotinepleister]]'