how nicotine affects the brain
By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD. Nicotine has strong mood altering effects and can act on the brain as both a stimulant and a relaxant. Once within the bloodstream, nicotine may circulate around the body until it reaches the brain.
Effects. Once within the bloodstream, nicotine may circulate around the body until it reaches the brain. This can occur in as little as 7 seconds. Once in the brain, it binds to and activates receptors called the cholinergic receptors.