About Nicotine

Nicotine is the primary ingredient used in all tobacco products and is responsible for the addiction that takes place after extended use. The drug has also been used recently in small dosages in various medications to aid in the recovery of long-time addicts from nicotine addiction. Nicotine use is widely prevalent throughout the United States, with approximately 443,000 deaths over the past year coming as a result of nicotine addiction.

Before Using

• Before using nicotine in any form, it is important to understand the possible long-term effects of use. Nicotine addiction can lead to a number of future problems including lung cancer, chronic lung disease, heart attack, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and kidney and stomach cancers. Using nicotine can also result in premature birth or birth defects in newborn babies.

Side Effects

• There are also a number of short-term side effects that can result from using nicotine. Some of these side effects include upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, headache, dry or watery mouth, constipation, runny nose, changes in taste and soreness of the mouth and throat. While these are considered the most common side effects associated with nicotine use, they only affect a small amount of users.

Nicotine Patches

• Nicotine patches are a recent medical development that aid in the cessation of smoking in users by providing them with continually lower doses of the drug until they no longer crave it. By using a controlled amount of nicotine in each patch, users are still nourishing their urge for the drug but in smaller dosages. Eventually, users will no longer crave nicotine as they once did and will no longer be addicted to the drug.

Important Safety Information

• Cigarette smoke is made up of over 4,800 chemicals, with 69 of those being known to cause cancer in those who ingest it. Smoking as a result of nicotine use is also responsible for producing 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in the United States, as well as 80 to 90 percent of emphysema and chronic bronchitis deaths. Nicotine use is also directly responsible for most breathing disorders in children, including asthma and sudden onset of bronchitis.

Warning

• If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor for an evaluation of your health.

  If an overdose is suspected, contact the poison control center and head directly to the nearest emergency room.

  Nicotine is highly addictive and can lead to a number of life-threatening conditions. As a result, it is strongly recommended not to begin use of the drug.