Nicotine – An Overview

Nicotine (yes, like from tobacco) may actually have some nootropic benefits.

Although there are some obvious downsides to this substance, like addiction, researchers are now starting to understand its potential benefits for the brain.

Nicotine benefits may include:

• Attention and focus
• Cognitive ability
• Memory and learning
• Mood

According to clinical researchers, there is now a large body of evidence that nicotine can enhance information processing and cognitive function across a number of domains, in smokers AND non-smokers.¹Levin ED, Cauley M, Rezvani AH. Improvement of attentional function with antagonism of nicotinic receptors in female rats Eur J Pharmacol. 2013

Nicotine works by upregulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in the brain. This can promote quicker thinking, and increased focus and attention.

It can also stimulate the release of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.²Gerald Valentine, Mehmet Sofuoglu. Cognitive Effects of Nicotine: Recent Progress Curr Neuropharmacol. 2018

In fact, researchers are currently looking into developing new drugs from nicotine that may be used for ADHD, anxiety, Alzheimers, and other conditions in the future.³Marty Graham. Researchers Light Up for Nicotine, the Wonder Drug Wired. 2007⁴Pharmacol Ther. 2013. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: from basic science to therapeutics Hurst R, Rollema H, Bertrand D

What Does Nicotine Do?

Nicotine As Cognitive Enhancer

There is a strong link between nicotine and mental performance, even among non-smokers.

Although becoming addicted to nicotine may have some risks to cognition (and overall health), some nootropics users claim they can use nicotine occasionally for a mental boost.

There is clinical evidence that backs this up.⁵Gerald Valentine and Mehmet Sofuoglu. Cognitive Effects of Nicotine: Recent Progress Curr Neuropharmacol. 2018

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) plays a big role in cognitive function.

Is Nicotine Good For Studying?

Some nootropics enthusiasts have begun dosing with nicotine to help them study and retain information. And there is some current research that backs them up.

How does it work? Well, studies show that by modulating the acetylcholine system, nicotine can “suppress activity in default-mode network regions and enhance activity in executive control network regions in addition to reducing activation of some task-related regions.”

In other words, it may help you think more clearly and accomplish tasks more effectively.⁶dos Santos Coura R, Granon S. Prefrontal neuromodulation by nicotinic receptors for cognitive processes Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2012⁷Sutherland MT, et al. Neurobiological impact of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of pharmacologic neuroimaging studies Biol Psychiatry. 2015⁸Heishman SJ. What aspects of human performance are truly enhanced by nicotine? Addiction. 1998

As a specific example of how nicotine can increase performance, multiple studies show that it can improve typing and handwriting speed/accuracy.⁹Tucha O, Lange KW. Effects of nicotine chewing gum on a real-life motor task: a kinematic analysis of handwriting movements in smokers and non-smokers Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2004¹⁰West RJ, Jarvis MJ. Effects of nicotine on finger tapping rate in non-smokers Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1986

Anecdotally, many users say that supplementing with nicotine can improve their ability to get things done.

Improved Attention and ADHD

Nicotine agonizes the nAChR receptor, which researchers believe is closely tied to attention. It can also modulate dopamine receptors, which are frequently less active in those with ADHD.

In fact, there is some preliminary evidence that nicotine can improve symptoms of ADHD in smokers and non-smokers.

One small trial concluded it “can reduce the severity of attentional deficit symptoms and produce improvement on an objective computerized attention task.”¹¹Potter AS, Newhouse PA. Acute nicotine improves cognitive deficits in young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderPharmacol Biochem Behav. 2008¹²Levin ED, et al. Nicotine effects on adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1996

The nAChR class of substances may be particularly useful for conditions like ADHD because they target so many systems in the brain.

According to current research, chemicals that target multiple neurotransmitters may be more useful than those that are more narrowly focused.

With complicated disorders like ADHD, drugs that work through multiple pathways may ultimately be more effective.¹³Terry AV Jr, Callahan PM, Hernandez CM. Nicotinic ligands as multifunctional agents for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders Biochem Pharmacol. 2015¹⁴Jucaite A, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of α4β 2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist AZD1446 (TC-6683) in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2014

Memory and Learning

Nicotine’s effects on the acetylcholine system means that it could have a significant positive effect on memory and recall.

According to preliminary research, nAChR agonists like nicotine have the potential to enhance spatial working memory in humans.¹⁵Alvin V Terry, Jr, Patrick M Callahan. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligands, Cognitive Function, and Preclinical Approaches to Drug Discovery Nicotine Tob Res. 2019

One placebo-controlled 6-month trial found that transdermal nicotine (15 mg/day) improves cognitive test performance, although they do note that more research is needed.¹⁶Newhouse P, et al. Nicotine treatment of mild cognitive impairment: a 6-month double-blind pilot clinical trial Neurology. 2012

In animals, nicotine and related nAChR agonists consistently improved memory in aged rodents, as well as in rodents with pharmacologic-induced impairments and lesions. These animals studies shed light on how this nootropic may work in humans.¹⁷Decker MW, et al. ABT-089 [2-methyl-3-(2-(S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy)pyridine dihydrochloride]: II. A novel cholinergic channel modulator with effects on cognitive performance in rats and monkeys J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1997¹⁸Feuerbach D, et al. AQW051, a novel, potent and selective α7 nicotinic ACh receptor partial agonist: pharmacological characterization and phase I evaluation Br J Pharmacol. 2015¹⁹Boess FG, et al. Pharmacological and behavioral profile of N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-6-chinolincarboxamide (EVP-5141), a novel α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist/serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2013

Another trial suggests that, in normal rats, acute nicotine enhances acquisition, consolidation and recognition of the information in an object recognition task.²⁰Puma C, et al. Nicotine improves memory in an object recognition task in rats Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 1999

A nAChR agonist was shown to improve working memory (immediate and delayed word recall) in elderly volunteers.²¹Jucaite A, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of α4β 2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist AZD1446 (TC-6683) in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2014

Other preliminary results suggest there’s potential therapeutic value of nAChR activation in amnesic disorders.

Neuroprotective

There is some limited data that suggests nAChRs like nicotine might have some neuroprotective benefit.

By targeting the acetylcholine system, it may be able to prevent or reverse cognitive deficits.²²Newhouse P, et al. Nicotine treatment of mild cognitive impairment: a 6-month double-blind pilot clinical trial Neurology. 2012²³Rueter LE, et al. ABT-089: pharmacological properties of a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist for the potential treatment of cognitive disorders CNS Drug Rev. 2004

How Nicotine Works In The Brain

Nicotine crosses the blood-brain barrier within seconds and starts working almost immediately.

It functions as a nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR) agonist. nAChRs regulate and neurotransmitter release to influence multiple physiologic processes including behavior.

In other words it has an effect on several important pathways in the brain, boosting acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate flow.

This can have a wide-ranging effect on cognitive processes across the board.

This holistic effect on brain chemistry could make it useful for improving attention, motivation, performance, mood, and memory, even among non-habitual users.²⁴Bertrand D, Terry AV Jr. The wonderland of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors Biochem Pharmacol. 2018²⁵Brody AL, et al. Ventral striatal dopamine release in response to smoking a regular vs a denicotinized cigarette Neuropsychopharmacology. 2009

Nicotine can also affect brain connectivity, allowing portions of you brain to communicate better. This could improve mental function.²⁶Korey P. Wylie, et al. Nicotine increases brain functional network efficiency Neuroimage. 2012

This nootropic can improve long-term potentiation, a critical factor in learning and memory.²⁷Fujii S. Acute and chronic nicotine exposure differentially facilitate the induction of LTP Brain Res. 1999

Another benefit nicotine has is on electrical activity in the brain. Imaging studies show that nicotine can increase the levels of Alpha brain waves, which are associated with a relaxed “flow” state.²⁸Domino EF, et al. Tobacco smoking produces widespread dominant brain wave alpha frequency increases Int J Psychophysiol. 2009

How Much Nicotine Should I Take?

For nootropic use, the dose of nicotine is 1-2mg/dose. Most lozenges and gums are 2-4 mg per dose (for smoking cessation), but you can cut them in half to dose for cognitive enhancement. Many people will do this 2-4x throughout the day for a boost.

For lozenges and gum, you can suck/chew on them for about 30 mins as the nicotine takes effect. Avoid coffee, acidic drinks or soft drinks for 15 min prior.

Nicotine Potential Side Effects

Nicotine is usually well tolerated in small doses. Keep in mind we are talking about ONLY nicotine here, not tobacco, which comes with it’s own obvious health problems.

Nicotine side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Chest pain
• Anxiety/irritability

Keep in mind that nicotine does have an effect on the dopamine neurotransmitter. Any substance that stimulates the brain’s “reward center” like this will have the potential for addiction or abuse, so be careful if you plan on using it for nootropic purposes.

We recommend taking regular breaks to avoid increasing tolerance. This should be considered more of an “as needed” nootropic than an everyday option.

Nicotine Reddit Reviews

[su_quote cite=”u/MouseAdjacent” url=”https://www.reddit.com/r/slatestarcodex/comments/9o9ngo/anyone_here_use_nicotine_as_a_nootropic_sa_article/”]I’ve used it. Buys me an hour or two of focus and energy. Especially useful for getting started on boring stuff which is normally hard to focus on. I’m an APOE E4 carrier and studies suggest we may benefit especially from nicotine.[/su_quote][su_quote cite=”ansi-l” url=”https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/7azurd/nicotine_is_the_best_and_worst_nootropic_why/”]I tried a lot of nootropics, but nicotine gives the strongest effect. Super concentration, removes anxiety and brainfog, more energy and good mood, also increased creativity and sociality.[/su_quote][su_quote cite=”u/willjfowler” url=”https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/6n1n8h/nicotine_as_a_nootropic/”]I’ve found nicotine to be an extremely useful study/exercise/work aid, especially nicotine gum that I can use discretely and with minimal health risk.[/su_quote]

Nicotine Amazon Reviews

[su_quote cite=”Somebodys Mother” url=”https://www.amazon.com/Nicotine-Mini-Lozenge-Smoking-Count/dp/B079HXQKW8/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=nicotine&qid=1603668557&sr=8-3″]I find myself reaching for one 5-6 times a day, sometimes more. I’ve been completely smoke and vape free for over 6 months . My lung capacity is improved, I don’t clear my throat constantly and the nagging cough has cleared up.[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”Guy Fieri is my Spirit Animal” url=”https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Care-Nicotine-Smoking-Original/dp/B074F2H9TS/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=nicotine&qid=1603669064&sr=8-11&th=1″]This really gives me a similar effect! And so far I dont think I’m addicted to it??? Also tastes like juicy fruit kind of! I’ve been having 1 piece on weekends so far and am definitely more focused![/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”Elle” url=”https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Care-Nicotine-Polacrilex-Cinnamon/dp/B00ASL8INM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=nicotine&qid=1603669064&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMkhJNDFNQlROOTNZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjI0MTkwUThCTkVZREFSODYyJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0ODYxNzEyMDRHM1RSWVpYUjdQJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1″]After smoking for 4 decades I used nicotine gum to successfully quit.[/su_quote]

Wrapping Up

Do you have questions about, supplementing with Nicotine? Do you have experience supplementing with Nicotine? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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