NICOTINE

Chemical Formula

• C10H14N2

Street names• Cigarettes:• Cigs• Butts• Smokes• Tobacco:• Chew• Dip• Snuff

Brand names• Nicorette• Nicoderm CQ• Nicotrol inhaler• Habitrol

Effects• Stimulation of adrenal glands resulting in epinephrine

released (adrenaline).• Causes the release of glucose and blood pressure, heart

rate, and respiration to rise. • Indirectly causes dopamine to be released in the brain

regions that control pleasure and motivation. • Lack of oxygen.• Pleasurable sensations may be experienced.• This pleasurable sensation is similar to other abused

drugs such as cocaine and heroin. • Very addictive.

Side effects• Lung diseases• Asthma • Cancer in the mouth, pancreas, cervix, kidney, throat and

bladder• Risk of heart disease, stroke, vascular disease, heart

attack

History• Nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs in

the U.S., and the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the U.S.

• Cigarette smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancer cases in the U.S.

• A naturally occurring colorless liquid that turns brown when burned and takes on the odor of tobacco when exposed to air.

Medical use• A study by Duke University shows that there are possible

uses of nicotine for a variety of diseases, but it is very clear that the side effects of smoking, such as cancer, emphysema and heart disease, make that nicotine delivery system far too dangerous.

• There's growing evidence that it may be useful in treating Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's – it would help their level of concentration and their ability to focus.

Tolerance and addiction• The body can build up a tolerance for nicotine.• More nicotine would be needed to keep the effect of the

drug.

Withdrawel• Headache• Nausea• Constipation or diarrhea• Falling heart rate and blood pressure• Fatigue, drowsiness, and insomnia• Irritability• Difficulty concentrating• Anxiety• Depression• Increased hunger and caloric intake• Increased desire for the taste of sweets• Tobacco cravings

References• http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/nicotine• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine• http://

www.news-medical.net/health/Nicotine-What-is-Nicotine.aspx

• http://www.livestrong.com/nicotine/• http://www.livestrong.com/effects-of-nicotine/