How effective is the patch for quitting smoking?

Conclusions: The nicotine patch is an effective aid to quitting smoking across different patch-use strategies. Active patch subjects were more than twice as likely to quit smoking as individuals wearing a placebo patch, and this effect was present at both high and low intensities of counseling.

How long does it take for a nicotine patch to kick in?

Because it takes a few hours for the nicotine in the patch to seep into the bloodstream, says Dr. Choi, you might want to combat any immediate cravings with a piece of nicotine gum or a nicotine lozenge.