Abrupt cessation of, or reduction in, nicotine use induces any combination of the following: dysphoric or depressed mood, insomnia, irritability or anger, anxiety, difficulty in concentrating, restlessness, decreased heart rate, and increased appetite or weight gain.
A chemical found in tobacco, responsible for some of the physiological effects of smoking.
The main alkaloid substance found in tobacco.
Stimulant drug found in tobacco.
Poisonous alkaloid found in tobacco, thought responsible for the dependence of regular smokers on tobacco. In small doses nicotine stimulates the nervous system, causing an increase in pulse rate, a rise in blood pressure, and a decrease in appetite. In large doses, it is a depressant, slowing the heartbeat and leading to respiratory depression.
A poisonous alkaloid derived from tobacco, responsible for the dependence of regular smokers on cigarettes. In small doses nicotine has a stimulating effect on the autonomic nervous system, causing in regular smokers such effects as raised blood pressure and pulse rate and impaired appetite. Large doses cause paralysis of the autonomic ganglia.
An alkaloid which is the principal addictive agent in tobacco. The small amount of nicotine in a single cigarette is sufficient to stimulate mental and bodily activities. In larger quantities it acts as a depressant or narcotic habitual smokers may find its effect sedating. Nicotine works by stimulating the production of a chemical called dopamine, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger between nerve cells. Nicotine mimics the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylchline. Nerve cells that produce dopamine have acetylcholine-receptor molecules on their surfaces; when these ‘nicotine-like’ receptors are occupied by acetylcholine molecules, a cell is prompted to produce dopamine. So nicotine itself can artificially stimulate dopamine production. Dopamine is part of the neuronal circuitry that plays a part in the body’s perception of pleasure, which is why smoking is enjoyed by many people.
A poisonous and highly addictive alkaloid found in all parts of the tobacco plant, but esp. in the leaves. When pure, it is a colorless oily fluid with little odor but a sharp burning taste. On exposure to air or in crude materials, it becomes deep brown with a characteristic tobacco-like smell. Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco contain varying amounts of nicotine. During cigarette smoking the blood nicotine level rises 10 to 15 sec after each puff. A person’s average daily nicotine intake varies with the number and type of tobacco products used, the depth of inhalation during smoking, and any exposure to secondhand smoke. Many smokers experience withdrawal symptoms when their daily nicotine exposures fall below 5 mg/day.
The drug in tobacco that may act as a stimulant and cause addiction.
A bioactive substance found in the tobacco leaf that affects the “feel good” neurotransmitters in the brain, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, while also increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
An odorless and oily substance present in tobacco, which induces physical dependence on smoking in individuals, is known as “nicotine.” This chemical compound, when consumed in excessive quantities, can be toxic.
Nicotine, an activating compound present in tobacco, is accountable for fostering tobacco addiction. Upon inhalation, nicotine swiftly enters the bloodstream through tobacco smoke. When consumed through chewing tobacco, nicotine is absorbed at a more gradual pace through the mouth’s lining. This substance triggers the nervous system until it is metabolized by the liver and subsequently eliminated from the body through urine.
Nicotine primarily influences the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions like heart rate. The drug’s impacts vary from person to person and hinge on factors such as dosage and prior usage. In individuals unaccustomed to smoking, even a small quantity of nicotine can decelerate heart rate and induce feelings of nausea and vomiting. In contrast, habitual smokers experience heightened heart rate and narrowed blood vessels due to nicotine, ultimately leading to increased blood pressure. Additionally, nicotine stimulates the central nervous system, lessening fatigue, enhancing alertness, and improving focus.
Frequent tobacco use leads to the development of nicotine tolerance, necessitating a greater consumption to achieve the equivalent effects.
Due to the prevalent physical dependency on nicotine among most habitual smokers, discontinuing smoking often triggers withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, and challenges with concentration. Nicotine replacement therapy, including methods like nicotine patches and chewing gum, can prove beneficial in assisting individuals with nicotine withdrawal.