Which of the following is a common adverse reaction associated with the use of the nicotine patch?

Nicotine patches are designed to help individuals quit smoking by providing a controlled dose of nicotine, which helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. A common adverse reaction associated with nicotine patches is nicotine toxicity. This occurs when there is an excessive amount of nicotine in the body, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased heart rate, and potentially more severe effects depending on the level of toxicity.

While the other adverse reactions such as drowsiness, weight gain, and anxiety are associated with various medications and substances, they are not commonly linked to the use of nicotine patches specifically. For instance, drowsiness is not a typical response to nicotine, which is a stimulant. Weight gain can occur after quitting smoking due to metabolic changes and the absence of smoking, but it is not a direct result of the nicotine patch. Anxiety can be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal, but it does not arise from the patch itself; instead, it might reflect the overall experience of quitting nicotine.

Understanding these nuances helps in grasping the significance of nicotine toxicity as a primary concern when administering or advising on nicotine replacement therapies like the patch.