Nicotine Side Effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking nicotine, check with your doctor immediately:

Less common

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever with or without chills
• headache
• nausea with or without vomiting
• runny nose
• shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, trouble with breathing, or wheezing
• skin rash, itching, or hives
• tearing of the eyes

If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking nicotine, get emergency help immediately:

Symptoms of overdose

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• cold sweat
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• disturbed hearing and vision
• drooling
• extreme exhaustion
• pale skin
• slow heartbeat
• tremors

Some nicotine side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

More common

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• coughing
• heartburn
• indigestion
• mouth and throat irritation
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• stuffy nose

Less common

• Anxiety
• back pain
• change in taste
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• feeling of burning, numbness, tightness, tingling, warmth, or heat
• feelings of drug dependence
• flu-like symptoms
• general pain
• hiccups
• mental depression
• pain in the jaw and neck
• pain in the muscles
• passing of gas
• problems with teeth
• trouble with sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness