Around 20 percent of the adult population in the United States smokes, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. For those who want to quit, over-the-counter nicotine patches can help quell the intense cravings from nicotine withdrawal. Patches come in different doses; the dosage is gradually reduced until the person is nicotine free. Like any drug, nicotine patches have side effects, some serious.
Skin Effects
Patches deliver nicotine through the skin. Patches normally stay in place for up to 24 hours. Immediately after application, some people complain of tingling, itching or burning that lasts between 15 minutes and 1 hour, FamilyDoctor.org states. Rotating the patch site helps prevent skin redness, which can last up to a day after removing a patch. Redness and irritation occur at the patch site in around 50 percent of people, Drugs.com reports.
Cardiac Effects
Using the nicotine patch can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. Some people using nicotine patches have had heart attacks, but some of these were continuing to smoke in addition to the patch and some may have had underlying heart disease, Drugs.com states. Several deaths have occurred when people continued to smoke and also applied patches and drank alcohol, the website Nicotinepatch.eu warns.
Nervous System Effects
Between 3 and 12 percent of people have nervous system side effects while using the nicotine patch, according to Drugs.com. Wearing the nicotine patch overnight has been associated with nightmares, or vivid, erotic or violent dreams. Some people just experience unusually intense dreams. Removing the patch at bedtime reduces these symptoms, but since it takes two to four hours for the patch to supply an adequate amount of nicotine, taking the patch off at night may induce strong cravings first thing in the morning. Dizziness, lightheadedness, irritability and headache can also occur. Stroke occurred from cerebral arterial spasm in one patient with a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, Drugs.com warns.
Overdose Effects
Using too many patches at a time or using patches while continuing to smoke can cause nicotine overdose. Dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, confusions, visual or hearing disturbances, weakness or fainting can indicate nicotine overdose, FamilyDoctor.org reports.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects occur in up to 6 percent of patients using the nicotine patch, Drugs.com states. Side effects include dry mouth, nausea and diarrhea.
Nicotine Withdrawal
Gradual nicotine withdrawal and the ability to stop smoking with minimal withdrawal symptoms is the anticipated effect of using a nicotine patch.
