Quit smoking patches are used by many people each year to help them permanently stop smoking, which is a deadly habit that could cause cancer and a host of respiratory issues. These patches can conveniently be purchased over the counter, with no prescription. Given how effective they have been for many people in the past, a lot of state programs give them out for free in order to help people in their quests to quit smoking.

The patches are placed on the upper arm a couple of times a day; they contain nicotine in them. Their core function is to replace the nicotine that a smoker would usually get by smoking cigarettes. This is supposed to alleviate the smokers' cravings for more cigarettes. Many different brands of patches exist, and they all come in varying strengths. A doctor can help a smoker to decide which brand and strength of patch is best for him or her.

At this point, it should be noted that while the patches help people to stop smoking, there are many side effects that can result from using them. These include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, vivid dreams, anxiety, and blurry vision. These symptoms will vary from person to person, but a smoker must think hard about whether or not this is the best treatment option for him or her given these side effects.

People should also take note that the patch is not to be used by women who are nursing. This is since the nicotine is distributed into the breast milk.

The patch only helps people to quit smoking. It does not address the mood swings and other issues that people face once they give up cigarettes. With this said, medications are currently being developed that can be used in conjunction with the patch to address the emotional aspects of quitting smoking in addition to the physical ones.