Nicotine is the pharmacologically active agent in tobacco that acts on the brain primarily as a stimulant, but which can also has sedative effects. This powerfully addictive drug is responsible for more deaths in this country each year than are caused by alcohol, illicit drugs, murder, suicides, drownings, car crashes, fires and AIDS combined. Short-term use increases heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. Chronic use can cause lung cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, ulcers and cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, uterus, cervix, kidney and bladder.
Brand or Common Names:
Cigarettes, Cigars, Smokeless Tobacco, Pipe Tobacco
Slang Terms:
Cancer Stick, Coffin Nail, Cig, Stogie, Chew, Chaw, Dip
Medical Uses:
None
Duration of Effects:
Few Minutes
Possible Effects:
Short-Term Use Increases Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and Respiration; Chronic Use Can Cause Lung Cancer, Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Ulcers and Cancer of the Mouth, Throat, Esophagus, Pancreas, Uterus, Cervix, Kidney and Bladder.
Methods of Use:
Oral, Smoked, Dipped, Sniffed
Effects of Overdose:
Rare in Tobacco Form (however, pure nicotine is lethal)
Withdrawal Symptoms:
ADepression, Anxiety, Irritability, Restlessness, Sleep Disturbances, Difficulty in Concentrating, Constipation, Tremors, Craving, Weight Gain