Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Nicotine use can cause mild to moderate side effects such as nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, and headaches. Prolonged nicotine use, however, particularly from smoking cigarettes, can lead to more severe side effects and health issues.
Nicotine effects overview
Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant chemical that is found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. It is an alkaloid that naturally occurs in small amounts in several plants, including tomatoes, but in high amounts in the tobacco plant.[1]
What is nicotine used in?
Nicotine is a chemical that is found in tobacco. Tobacco is used to make cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. Nicotine can be extracted from the plant to be added to vaping liquids or other nicotine products, such as patches and lozenges. [2]
What is nicotine used for?
Although it has no medicinal use, the tobacco plant has historically been used for various remedies. People often self-medicate with tobacco and other nicotine products to manage stress, anxiety, and other conditions, though there is no medical benefit of nicotine for these conditions. Nicotine can also increase alertness and provide mild stimulation which some people use to manage fatigue and tiredness. [3]
Why do people abuse nicotine?
Nicotine is highly addictive and habit-forming. When tobacco is burned, it produces high levels of nicotine in an aerosolized form which is rapidly absorbed and elicits an effect within seconds, so smoking cigarettes can lead to the development of an addiction very quickly. Prolonged use of nicotine is also likely to lead to the development of physical dependence, resulting in cravings and withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped, contributing in turn to continued use. [1][4]
Common side effects of nicotine
Certain side effects may be experienced by anyone exposed to nicotine, however, those who have never used it or use it infrequently are more likely to experience them. These include: [1][2]
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Stomach pain and cramps
People who regularly smoke or use nicotine products may experience side effects such as: [2][5]
- Relaxation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Reduced appetite
- Feeling faint
Severe side effects of nicotine
In some cases, nicotine can cause severe side effects, such as: [2]
- Seizures
- Rapid heart rate
- Respiratory issues
- Cardiac issues
Extended nicotine use, particularly smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products, can increase the risk of long-term side effects and health issues such as: [2][6]
- Cardiac issues, such as stroke or heart attack
- Eye diseases
- Impaired fertility or birth defects
- Respiratory diseases
- Sexual dysfunction
- Cancer
- Tooth or gum issues
- Mood changes
- Reduced immune system functioning
- Back and joint pain
- Nicotine dependence
Nicotine overdose
It is possible to overdose on nicotine, which can cause severe or even life-threatening effects. Levels of nicotine vary among available products and some vapes contain very large amounts. Using products that contain a lot of nicotine can increase the risk of addiction and overdose. [2][7]
Reportedly, 50-60mg of nicotine can be a fatal dose for an adult. For reference, a cigarette will typically produce 1mg of nicotine, while vapes tend to contain more. [7]
Signs of a nicotine overdose can include: [2][7]
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
- Extreme changes in blood pressure and heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Extreme fatigue
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Respiratory failure
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of consciousness
If a nicotine overdose is suspected, contact emergency medical services immediately.
Getting treatment for nicotine dependence
Nicotine dependence can be treated with several interventions, including various therapies, medications, nicotine replacement therapy, and techniques.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
NRT is often a helpful way to reduce or stop smoking or using nicotine products. Although these products contain nicotine and may still be harmful, they are often less harmful than the effects of smoking. They can be used to reduce withdrawal symptoms during nicotine cessation. [8][9]
Various NRT products are available, some of which can be bought over the counter in a pharmacy and others that require a prescription. This includes: [9]
- Lozenges
- Patches
- Gum
- Inhalator
- Nasal spray
Medications
Medications might be prescribed to help treat nicotine dependence and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Antidepressants can be beneficial in reducing feelings of anxiety or low mood, and some antidepressants, such as bupropion, can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. [9]
Techniques
Reducing or stopping smoking or the use of other nicotine products can be challenging. Various techniques can be utilized to aid in this process, including: [5]
- Recognizing and managing triggering situations, places, or people
- Engaging in physical exercise to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings and improve physical and mental well-being
- Utilizing relaxation exercises, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or going for a walk
- Using hobbies or activities as a distraction from cravings
- Avoiding or reducing caffeine intake, to reduce feelings of anxiety and withdrawal symptoms
- Writing a list of reasons for quitting, such as financial, social, and health benefits, to serve as a reminder when facing temptations
Additional Therapies
Various therapeutic interventions can be helpful in the treatment of nicotine dependence. Behavioral therapies, hypnosis, and acupuncture may be beneficial in reducing addictive behaviors and managing cravings and triggers. Similarly, they can also help reduce psychological effects associated with or worsened by nicotine addiction. [5]
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