The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that that 23.9 percent of people in the United States were current cigarette smokers in 2008; a total of 28.4 percent of the U.S. population used a tobacco product of some kind, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. According to MedlinePlus, nicotine patches are used to help people stop using tobacco products and help lessen the withdrawal symptoms from nicotine.
Mild Side Effects
MedlinePlus reports that the nicotine patch is associated with possible mild side effects including dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. MedlinePlus advises seeking medical attention if these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Mayo Clinic also reports that other mild side effects are possible when using the nicotine patch, including increased coughing, constipation, loss of appetite, muscle pain, dryness of mouth, changes in the sense of taste, gas and increased sweating. Mayo Clinic also advises contacting a doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away.
Severe Side Effects
There are possible severe side effects that are associated with wearing a nicotine patch. MedlinePlus reports that these symptoms include seizures and difficulty breathing. Furthermore, the nicotine patch may cause an irregular heart beat, meaning the heart is beating faster or slower than normal. Mayo Clinic reports other severe symptoms, which may signify a nicotine overdose. These symptoms include fainting, low blood pressure, severe weakness, confusion and tremor. MedlinePlus and Mayo Clinic advise seeking medical attention immediately if these symptoms are experienced.
Skin Side Effects
Novartis is the pharmaceutical company that makes Habitrol, which is one brand of nicotine patch. According to Novartis, the nicotine patch may cause certain symptoms at the site where the patch is applied. These symptoms include mild itching, burning and tingling of the skin underneath the patch. These side effects should go away within an hour. Novartis also reports that the skin may be red when the patch is removed, but the redness should go away within a day. If the redness does not go away within four days, or is associated with a rash or swelling, Novartis recommends calling a doctor.
