Abstract: A skin or buccal patch for providing nicotine replacement therapy which comprises a matrix type laminated composite in which the matrix is composed of a mixture of nicotine in a polymer wherein the amount of nicotine in the matrix, diffusion coefficient of nicotine in the matrix and the thickness of matrix are such that the release of nicotine is: (1) controlled by the patch; (2) rapid and at a relatively high flux over the prescribed wearing time of patch; and (3) such that a substantial proportion of the nicotine initially in the patch has been released at the end of the prescribed wearing time.