Facts Nicotine is an addictive or dependence-causing drug that affects the brain and nervous system. At higher doses, nicotine is a poison that has been used as an insecticide. Nicotine has a powerful effect on the brain and the central nervous system. Within seven seconds, about one-quarter of the nicotine has gone through the bloodstream straight to the brain. The rest of the nicotine travels to other sites.
Nicotine causes an increase in heart rate and in the rate of breathing.
Nicotine increases the tendency of the blood to clot and causes an increased need for oxygen, which makes the heart work harder. If too many cigarettes are smoked, the person may feel ill and have some of the other symptoms of nicotine poisoning. If you're addicted to nicotine and want to quit smoking, we can help. Our Get On Track smoking cessation program has already helped thousands of smokers become non-smokers.