Nicotine is a substance that is present in cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes are the number one cause of preventable death in the United States. There are several immediate effects that are experienced following smoking that promotes continued use. These include:

• Improved concentration
• Improved reaction time
• Improved performance at specific tasks
• Reduced anxiety
• Reduced stress

Immediate Effects of Nicotine

Within the first moments following ingestion of relatively pure nicotine, several effects can be experienced including:

• Increased blood pressure
• Increased pulse rate
• Mouth and through burning and irritation
• Increased salivation
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal effects

Other effects include

• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)
• High level of catecholamines (hormones, modulators of the nervous system) in the blood
• High fatty acid levels in the blood

Since nicotine affects chemicals that modulate the nervous system (neuromodulators), it can have extreme effects when taken in relatively high doses. These include:

• Tremors
• Prostration (or bowing over)
• Discolored skin due to reduced oxygen exposure (cyanosis)
• Shortness of breath
• Convulsion
• Fainting
• Coma

Nicotine may also be fatal by stopping respiratory failure when taken at large doses (30-60 mg for adults or 10mg for a child).