In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhich Nicotine Dosage Should You Get?What Healthcare Providers Want You to KnowWhen to See a Healthcare ProfessionalHow We SelectedWhat to Look ForOur ExpertsWhy Trust Verywell Health
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
Which Nicotine Dosage Should You Get?
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
When to See a Healthcare Professional
How We Selected
What to Look For
Our Experts
Why Trust Verywell Health
Verywell Health / David Hattan
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), like the nicotine patch, can bea useful way to decrease nicotine dependence. According to the FDA, NRTs can relieve nicotine cravings, decreasewithdrawal symptoms, and alleviate some of the stress of quitting.Nicotine patches don’t contain the toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke, making them a safer option if you’re looking for a way to quit smoking.
We sought expert advice and researched the most effective nicotine patches available to find the best options for anyone looking to quit smoking. We evaluated patches based oncomfort, effectiveness, and value. A general practitioner from ourMedical Review Boardreviewed the claims in this article about what to look for in a nicotine patch and how to select the best one.
Nicotine patches traditionally come in three doses, and each of these doses corresponds to a different rate of nicotine consumption:
These doses are typically released slowly over a 24-hour period. The dose you should opt for will vary based on your smoking history and where you are in your quitting program. The number of patches in a pack also varies, so we recommend consulting your quitting program and schedule before you buy.
Schlienz says you should discuss nicotine patches with your healthcare provider to determine whether or not they are a good option for you. Your doctor can also help you understand what dose of nicotine to start with, where and how to wear a nicotine patch, when to remove a nicotine patch, and more.
Also, like any form of medication, nicotine patches are associated with some negative side effects.That being said, the CDC says that nicotine patches are much safer than continuing to smoke.It’d be wise to speak to your healthcare provider before using them for the first time—they can help monitor and mitigate potential side effects and ensure you’re starting with the appropriate nicotine dose and using your nicotine patches correctly.
Our Top PicksBest Step 1 Patch:SALENicoDerm CQ Step 1 Nicotine Clear Patch at Amazon$74$40Jump to ReviewBest Step 1 Budget Patch:Rite Aid Step 1 Nicotine Transdermal Patch at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Step 2 Patch:NicoDerm CQ Step 2 Nicotine Clear Patches at Amazon$44Jump to ReviewBest Step 3 Patch:NicoDerm Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches at Walmart$38Jump to ReviewBest Step 3 Budget Patch:Habitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patch at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest All-in-One:SALEHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patches at Amazon$100$64Jump to Review
Best Step 1 Patch:SALENicoDerm CQ Step 1 Nicotine Clear Patch at Amazon$74$40Jump to ReviewBest Step 1 Budget Patch:Rite Aid Step 1 Nicotine Transdermal Patch at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Step 2 Patch:NicoDerm CQ Step 2 Nicotine Clear Patches at Amazon$44Jump to ReviewBest Step 3 Patch:NicoDerm Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches at Walmart$38Jump to ReviewBest Step 3 Budget Patch:Habitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patch at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest All-in-One:SALEHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patches at Amazon$100$64Jump to Review
Best Step 1 Patch:SALENicoDerm CQ Step 1 Nicotine Clear Patch at Amazon$74$40Jump to Review
Best Step 1 Patch:SALENicoDerm CQ Step 1 Nicotine Clear Patch at Amazon$74$40
Best Step 1 Patch:
SALE
Best Step 1 Budget Patch:Rite Aid Step 1 Nicotine Transdermal Patch at Amazon$40Jump to Review
Best Step 1 Budget Patch:Rite Aid Step 1 Nicotine Transdermal Patch at Amazon$40
Best Step 1 Budget Patch:
Best Step 2 Patch:NicoDerm CQ Step 2 Nicotine Clear Patches at Amazon$44Jump to Review
Best Step 2 Patch:NicoDerm CQ Step 2 Nicotine Clear Patches at Amazon$44
Best Step 2 Patch:
Best Step 3 Patch:NicoDerm Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches at Walmart$38Jump to Review
Best Step 3 Patch:NicoDerm Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches at Walmart$38
Best Step 3 Patch:
Best Step 3 Budget Patch:Habitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patch at Amazon$27Jump to Review
Best Step 3 Budget Patch:Habitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patch at Amazon$27
Best Step 3 Budget Patch:
Best All-in-One:SALEHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patches at Amazon$100$64Jump to Review
Best All-in-One:SALEHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patches at Amazon$100$64
Best All-in-One:
Best Step 1 PatchNicoDerm CQ Step 1 Nicotine Clear PatchPHOTO: Amazon$74$40 at Amazon$44 at Walmart$57 at CVS
Best Step 1 PatchNicoDerm CQ Step 1 Nicotine Clear Patch
Best Step 1 Patch
NicoDerm CQ Step 1 Nicotine Clear Patch
PHOTO: Amazon
$74$40 at Amazon$44 at Walmart$57 at CVS
ProsExtended-releaseDiscreet, transparent designNot prone to as many side effects as other optionsConsProne to slippingMay cause vivid dreams if you sleep with them onMore expensive than others
ProsExtended-releaseDiscreet, transparent designNot prone to as many side effects as other options
Extended-release
Discreet, transparent design
Not prone to as many side effects as other options
ConsProne to slippingMay cause vivid dreams if you sleep with them onMore expensive than others
Prone to slipping
May cause vivid dreams if you sleep with them on
More expensive than others
Key Specs:
Dosage: 21 milligrams/patch |Quantity: 14 nicotine patches |Appearance: Clear/transparent
Why We Recommend It
Each pack contains14 nicotine patches, making it a two-week kit. Like many Step 1 patches, this one is designed for those who currently smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day. NicoDerm recommends wearing one patch daily for the first six weeks of a ten-week quitting program.
Keep in Mind
This patch is prone to slipping. We also recommend you take it off before you sleep or else you may experience vivid dreams. It’s also a bit pricier than other options.
Best Step 1 Budget PatchRite Aid Step 1 Nicotine Transdermal PatchPHOTO: Amazon$40$36 at Amazon
Best Step 1 Budget PatchRite Aid Step 1 Nicotine Transdermal Patch
Best Step 1 Budget Patch
Rite Aid Step 1 Nicotine Transdermal Patch
$40$36 at Amazon
ProsExtended-releaseLess irritating than other patchesBudget-friendlyConsProne to slippingLarge and opaque (not very discreet)
ProsExtended-releaseLess irritating than other patchesBudget-friendly
Less irritating than other patches
Budget-friendly
ConsProne to slippingLarge and opaque (not very discreet)
Large and opaque (not very discreet)
Dosage:21 milligrams/patch |Quantity:14 nicotine patches |Appearance:Beige/opaque
One potential downside of the Rite Aid Nicotine Transdermal Patch, though, is that it isn’t particularly discreet. Each patch is beige, opaque, and relatively large, making it potentially less convenient to wear than NicoDerm’s Step 1 patches.
Best Step 2 PatchNicoDerm CQ Step 2 Nicotine Clear PatchesPHOTO: Amazon$44$40 at Amazon$39 at Walmart$55 at Riteaid.comProsExtended-releaseDiscreet, transparent designConsAssociated with negative side effects for some usersMore expensive than othersKey Specs:Dosage:14 milligrams/patch |Quantity:14 nicotine patches |Appearance:Clear/transparentWhy We Recommend ItTheNicoDerm CQ Nicotine Patchis a solid anddiscreet Step 2 option. Like other Step 2 patches, this one contains14 milligrams of nicotine, which will be gradually delivered over a 24-hour period. Like other NicoDerm patches, it is clear, making it easy to wear discreetly.Each pack contains14 patches, making it a two-week kit. Like many Step 2 patches, it’s designed for those who currently smokefewerthan 10 cigarettes a day, and NicoDerm recommends using these patches for the first six weeks of an eight-week smoking cessation program. This patch is also suitable for those who are moving to a lower-dose nicotine patch after completing the Step 1 portion of a quitting program. NicoDerm recommends this group use the Step 2 patch for two weeks before moving to an even lower-dose option.Keep in MindBe aware that there are some negative side effects associated with this patch. They’re also more expensive than others.
Best Step 2 PatchNicoDerm CQ Step 2 Nicotine Clear PatchesPHOTO: Amazon$44$40 at Amazon$39 at Walmart$55 at Riteaid.com
Best Step 2 PatchNicoDerm CQ Step 2 Nicotine Clear Patches
Best Step 2 Patch
NicoDerm CQ Step 2 Nicotine Clear Patches
$44$40 at Amazon$39 at Walmart$55 at Riteaid.com
ProsExtended-releaseDiscreet, transparent designConsAssociated with negative side effects for some usersMore expensive than others
ProsExtended-releaseDiscreet, transparent design
ConsAssociated with negative side effects for some usersMore expensive than others
Associated with negative side effects for some users
Dosage:14 milligrams/patch |Quantity:14 nicotine patches |Appearance:Clear/transparent
TheNicoDerm CQ Nicotine Patchis a solid anddiscreet Step 2 option. Like other Step 2 patches, this one contains14 milligrams of nicotine, which will be gradually delivered over a 24-hour period. Like other NicoDerm patches, it is clear, making it easy to wear discreetly.
Each pack contains14 patches, making it a two-week kit. Like many Step 2 patches, it’s designed for those who currently smokefewerthan 10 cigarettes a day, and NicoDerm recommends using these patches for the first six weeks of an eight-week smoking cessation program. This patch is also suitable for those who are moving to a lower-dose nicotine patch after completing the Step 1 portion of a quitting program. NicoDerm recommends this group use the Step 2 patch for two weeks before moving to an even lower-dose option.
Be aware that there are some negative side effects associated with this patch. They’re also more expensive than others.
Best Step 3 PatchNicoDerm Step 3 Nicotine Clear PatchesPHOTO: Amazon$38 at Walmart$56 at Walgreens$55 at Riteaid.comProsExtended-releaseDiscreet, transparent designConsAssociated with negative side effects for some usersMore expensive than othersKey Specs:Dosage:7 milligrams/patch |Quantity:14 nicotine patches |Appearance:Clear/transparentWhy We Recommend ItIf you’re ready to move onto aStep 3 nicotine patch, NicoDerm’s CQ Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches are a solid choice. The patches aretransparent, so they should be easy to wear discreetly. And eachextended-releasepatch is designed to deliver7 milligrams of nicotineper 16 to 24 hours in small, controlled doses.Each pack of NicoDerm CQ Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches contains14 nicotine patches—or two weeks’ worth of nicotine patches. And like other Step 3 patches, these nicotine patches are recommended for those who have completed Step 2 of a quitting program.Keep in MindThere are some negative side effects associated with this patch, and it’s more expensive than other options.
Best Step 3 PatchNicoDerm Step 3 Nicotine Clear PatchesPHOTO: Amazon$38 at Walmart$56 at Walgreens$55 at Riteaid.com
Best Step 3 PatchNicoDerm Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches
Best Step 3 Patch
NicoDerm Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches
$38 at Walmart$56 at Walgreens$55 at Riteaid.com
Dosage:7 milligrams/patch |Quantity:14 nicotine patches |Appearance:Clear/transparent
If you’re ready to move onto aStep 3 nicotine patch, NicoDerm’s CQ Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches are a solid choice. The patches aretransparent, so they should be easy to wear discreetly. And eachextended-releasepatch is designed to deliver7 milligrams of nicotineper 16 to 24 hours in small, controlled doses.
Each pack of NicoDerm CQ Step 3 Nicotine Clear Patches contains14 nicotine patches—or two weeks’ worth of nicotine patches. And like other Step 3 patches, these nicotine patches are recommended for those who have completed Step 2 of a quitting program.
There are some negative side effects associated with this patch, and it’s more expensive than other options.
Best Step 3 Budget PatchHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System PatchPHOTO: Amazon$27 at AmazonProsExtended-releaseBudget-friendlier than counterpartsConsAssociated with negative side effects for some usersLarge and opaque (not very discreet)Key Specs:Dosage:7 milligrams/patch |Quantity:14 nicotine patches |Appearance:White/opaqueWhy We Recommend ItTheHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patchis another good choice for a Step 3 patch. Each patch contains7 milligrams of nicotine, which will be released in controlled doses over the course of a day.Each pack contains14 patches, making it atwo-week kit. Like other Step 3 patches, this is designed for those who are moving to alower-dose nicotine patchafter completing the Step 2 portion of a quitting program. Habitrol recommends using its Step 3 patches for the final two weeks of your smoking cessation program.Keep in MindUnlike some other similar patches, this one is not transparent. Instead, it is circular and opaque, making it a less discreet option.
Best Step 3 Budget PatchHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System PatchPHOTO: Amazon$27 at Amazon
Best Step 3 Budget PatchHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patch
Best Step 3 Budget Patch
Habitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patch
$27 at Amazon
ProsExtended-releaseBudget-friendlier than counterpartsConsAssociated with negative side effects for some usersLarge and opaque (not very discreet)
ProsExtended-releaseBudget-friendlier than counterparts
Budget-friendlier than counterparts
ConsAssociated with negative side effects for some usersLarge and opaque (not very discreet)
Dosage:7 milligrams/patch |Quantity:14 nicotine patches |Appearance:White/opaque
TheHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patchis another good choice for a Step 3 patch. Each patch contains7 milligrams of nicotine, which will be released in controlled doses over the course of a day.
Each pack contains14 patches, making it atwo-week kit. Like other Step 3 patches, this is designed for those who are moving to alower-dose nicotine patchafter completing the Step 2 portion of a quitting program. Habitrol recommends using its Step 3 patches for the final two weeks of your smoking cessation program.
Unlike some other similar patches, this one is not transparent. Instead, it is circular and opaque, making it a less discreet option.
Best All-in-OneHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System PatchesPHOTO: Amazon$100$64 at Amazon$100 at WalmartProsAll-in-one system8 weeks of patches in one boxExtended-releaseConsAssociated with negative side effects for some usersLarge and opaque (not very discreet)Key Specs:Dosage:7–21 milligrams/patch |Quantity:56 nicotine patches |Appearance:White/opaqueWhy We Recommend ItTheHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patchespackage is anall-in-one kitthat makes following a quitting program particularly easy. Instead of asking you to piece together a quitting timeline and stock up on many different boxes, Habitrol gives you everything you need in one package.Each pack comes with56 nicotine patches:28 Step 1 patches(enough to last you four weeks), 14 Step 2 patches(which will last you two weeks), and14 Step 3 patches(enough for two weeks). Combined, these patches create an eight-week program that makes it easy to reduce your nicotine consumption gradually.Keep in MindThese patches are large and opaque, so they aren’t the best for anyone looking for discreet options.
Best All-in-OneHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System PatchesPHOTO: Amazon$100$64 at Amazon$100 at Walmart
Best All-in-OneHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patches
Best All-in-One
Habitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patches
$100$64 at Amazon$100 at Walmart
ProsAll-in-one system8 weeks of patches in one boxExtended-releaseConsAssociated with negative side effects for some usersLarge and opaque (not very discreet)
ProsAll-in-one system8 weeks of patches in one boxExtended-release
All-in-one system
8 weeks of patches in one box
Dosage:7–21 milligrams/patch |Quantity:56 nicotine patches |Appearance:White/opaque
TheHabitrol Nicotine Transdermal System Patchespackage is anall-in-one kitthat makes following a quitting program particularly easy. Instead of asking you to piece together a quitting timeline and stock up on many different boxes, Habitrol gives you everything you need in one package.
Each pack comes with56 nicotine patches:28 Step 1 patches(enough to last you four weeks), 14 Step 2 patches(which will last you two weeks), and14 Step 3 patches(enough for two weeks). Combined, these patches create an eight-week program that makes it easy to reduce your nicotine consumption gradually.
These patches are large and opaque, so they aren’t the best for anyone looking for discreet options.
How We Selected the Best Nicotine Patches
What to Look for in a Nicotine Patch
Why Trust Verywell Health?
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Nicotine is why tobacco products are addictive.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.7 Common Withdrawal SymptomsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Quit smoking medicines are much safer than smoking.University of Rochester Medical Center.Trying to quit smoking? Here’s what you should know about the nicotine patch.MedlinePlus.Nicotine transdermal patch: MedlinePlus drug information.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to use nicotine patches.Harvard Health Publishing.Ask the doctor: Can a nicotine patch boost my blood pressure?
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Nicotine is why tobacco products are addictive.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.7 Common Withdrawal SymptomsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Quit smoking medicines are much safer than smoking.University of Rochester Medical Center.Trying to quit smoking? Here’s what you should know about the nicotine patch.MedlinePlus.Nicotine transdermal patch: MedlinePlus drug information.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to use nicotine patches.Harvard Health Publishing.Ask the doctor: Can a nicotine patch boost my blood pressure?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Food and Drug Administration.Nicotine is why tobacco products are addictive.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.7 Common Withdrawal SymptomsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Quit smoking medicines are much safer than smoking.University of Rochester Medical Center.Trying to quit smoking? Here’s what you should know about the nicotine patch.MedlinePlus.Nicotine transdermal patch: MedlinePlus drug information.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to use nicotine patches.Harvard Health Publishing.Ask the doctor: Can a nicotine patch boost my blood pressure?
Food and Drug Administration.Nicotine is why tobacco products are addictive.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.7 Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Quit smoking medicines are much safer than smoking.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Trying to quit smoking? Here’s what you should know about the nicotine patch.
MedlinePlus.Nicotine transdermal patch: MedlinePlus drug information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to use nicotine patches.
Harvard Health Publishing.Ask the doctor: Can a nicotine patch boost my blood pressure?
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