Nicotine patches are a transdermal form of nicotine replacement therapy that provide smokers with a controlled amount of nicotine to combat uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The user places the small, flexible patch on a hair-free area of the body, such as the upper-arm or trunk, and the patch release nicotine throughout the day that is absorbed through the skin. Nicotine patches are part of a system to allow former smokers to gradually wean themselves off of nicotine. The body adjusts to lower nicotine levels as the amount of nicotine tapers down until the user is nicotine-free. Nicotine patches are over-the-counter medications available at a variety of different retailers. Most nicotine patches come in varying strengths. This allows the user to reduce their dose over a period of time.

The top three nicotine patch brands on the market are NicoDerm CQ, Novartis Habitrol, and the generic Equate Nicotine Transdermal System. All three brands offer 21mg, 14mg, and 7mg doses to allow the user to gradually wean off nicotine until they are nicotine-free. They can be worn for up to 24 hours per day. Each also features a program for smokers who smoke ten or more cigarettes a day and those who smoke less than ten cigarettes per day. The three brands are almost identical in terms of effectiveness.

When looking at a nicotine patch review it is evident that many former smokers rely on the best-selling brand, NicoDerm CQ. NicoDerm CQ features a ten-week program for those who smoke ten or more cigarettes a day, and an eight week program for those who smoke less than ten cigarettes per day. NicoDerm CQ is a pricier option and retails for about $32 to $38 for 14 patches. A perk of the NicoDerm CQ patches is that they tend to stay affixed to the skin more effectively than other brands.

The Novartis Habitrol Nicotine Transdermal System is an eight-week system. It costs approximately $30 for 14 patches. Some users find the Habitrol patch less irritating to the skin than other brands.

The Equate Nicotine Transdermal System is a generic form of NicoDerm CQ. This eight-week system retails for approximately $26 for 14 patches. The only drawback is that some users find that the patches do not stick to the skin as well.

Side effects of nicotine patches are usually mild and subside after several days of use. Some people experience vivid dreams or trouble sleeping if the patch is worn overnight. By taking the patch off prior to bedtime, users can circumvent this side effect. Other potential side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, burning at the application site, sweating, and nervousness. More severe, rare side effects include, allergic reaction, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, nausea, severe dizziness, persistent headache, vomiting, stomach pain, and swelling at the application site. As with any medication users must weigh the benefits over the potential of side effects. In most cases it can be extremely beneficial to buy nicotine patch and bolster the chances of success in quitting smoking.