Are there complications after a Nicotine patch overdose

My husband  (45 yo)was using the Nicotine patches to try to quit smoking, but unfortunately had a bad reaction and overdosed.  He had only been using the 14mg ones for 19 days.  When I asked if he would have problems in the future with either trying a lower dose of the patch or smoking I was told that it could be a major problem,  I can't seem to find anything on the net to validate it.  Thanks Debby

[National Jewish Health]

The answer to your question depends on the nature of the “bad reaction”.  If it was deemed to be some type of allergic reaction, perhaps due to an inactive chemical, rather than to the nicotine, you should check with your pharmacist regarding the specific preparation your husband used.  Here is an example of other substances in with the nicotine in Nicorette®:  

Nicorette®: Fresh mint and fruit chill flavors: The 2-mg strength contains calcium 94 mg/gum and sodium 11 mg/gum. The 4-mg strength contains calcium 94 mg/gum and sodium 13 mg/gum.

If, on the other hand, the reaction was due to an overdose, you might want to ask his doctor if he/she would consider another trial, starting at half the dose or even less.  If, and that is a big IF, the problem was dosage, you should be able to safely take a much smaller dose.  You might also ask his doctor to weigh the great benefit of smoking cessation against the risk of low dose nicotine.

Good luck.