Bobbi, I think the idea behind the patch, and the gradual step-down, is that the prolonged process gives you time to deal with the psychological withdrawal/changes while also minimizing the physical withdrawal.
It does take much longer, but the trade-off is that it's supposed to be easier. And I think it is easier, especially that initial week or two.
I was on the 21 mg patch, but I was getting heart palpitations so I went to see my doctor and he told me that the patch was responsible. I went down to the 14 mg patch but after a week... I was still getting palpitations, so I went off the patch entirely. (The palpitations stopped within a day and have not returned)
I barely noticed the physical withdrawal when I went from 14 mg to nothing. There was some... I was a bit more agitated, but overall... it was quite easy. Mind you... someone who was more sensitive to the withdrawal might tell you a different story.
Anyway, I was on the patch for about three weeks, went off... and I'm just fine without it.
Others will have another experience, but this is mine.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 32
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 816
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $296
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 7 [B]Mins:[/B] 39 [B]Seconds:[/B] 5