Nicotine is a substance found in all tobacco products and some e-cigarette liquids. It is a highly addictive substance that is naturally present in the tobacco plant. Laboratories can also produce nicotine synthetically.

People also use the substance as an insecticide in the agricultural industry.

Any product containing tobacco also contains nicotine. This includes cigarettes, heated tobacco products, cigars, and most e-cigarettes.

Effects on cognitive function

Nicotine may also temporarily improve concentration and memory. However, long-term smoking of cigarettes may link to a decline in cognitive ability and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, any short-term benefits on cognitive function do not outweigh the long-term risks from nicotine use.

When people stop using nicotine, they may experience withdrawal symptoms affecting their attention or memory. Withdrawal from severe nicotine use may also result in sleep impairment.

Certain nicotine products may also have specific side effects. According to the American Cancer Society, side effects of nicotine patches include:

• skin irritation
• racing heartbeat
• dizziness
• sleep problems
• headaches
• nausea
• aching muscles or stiffness

A racing heartbeat may mean the dose of nicotine is too high, and people can talk with a healthcare professional about lowering the dosage.

Side effects of nicotine gum may include:

• bad taste in the mouth
• irritation of the throat
• mouth sores
• hiccups
• nausea
• jaw discomfort
• racing heartbeat

Other nicotine products may also cause a racing heartbeat, nervousness, and headaches. If a person thinks they are experiencing nicotine poisoning, they need to contact Poison Control or seek emergency medical help.

Nicotine may interact with some other drugs or medications. Nicotine may cause benzodiazepines to be less effective. If a person is taking a contraceptive pill, nicotine may increase the risk of blood clots forming..

Smoking

Nicotine is addictive and the main psychoactive substance in tobacco, which means it alters how the brain works. According to the NIDA, most people who smoke use tobacco regularly due to nicotine addiction.

Smoking is the most common preventable cause of death in the United States. It causes damage to almost every organ in the body and increases the risk of severe health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Nicotine does not cause cancer, but tobacco smoke contains at least 69 carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals.

Nicotine dependence

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Nicotine dependence refers to the psychological and physical factors that make it challenging to stop using products containing nicotine.

According to NIDA, a 2020 survey found that around 23.6 million people ages 12 and older had nicotine dependence in the previous 30 days.

Nicotine affects the chemistry of the brain and central nervous system. When a person uses nicotine, it causes temporary feelings of relaxation and well-being. It increases levels of dopamine and provides a small adrenaline rush.

As these effects wear off, a person may begin to feel feelings of irritation and anxiety, causing them to consume more nicotine.

As this cycle continues, a person will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, the body adapts to nicotine, meaning more is needed to experience the same effects.

Learn more about nicotine dependence.

Nicotine dependence treatment

Treatment for nicotine dependency may include:

Nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) provides people with a small amount of nicotine that attaches to some of the body’s nicotine receptors to reduce nicotine cravings.

NRT may include nicotine patches, sprays, lozenges, or gum. FDA-approved NRTs are the least harmful types of nicotine products.

Summary

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco products and can be the reason many people consume tobacco. It may cause side effects such as dizziness, racing heartbeat, and headaches.

It is also a toxic substance that can cause poisoning. If people suspect they have nicotine poisoning, they will require immediate medical help.

Nicotine may also cause people to use tobacco products such as cigarettes more often, which can cause severe health problems.

Medications, nicotine replacement therapies, and behavioral treatment can help people to stop using products that contain nicotine.

Conclusion

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