Nicotine Overdose Symptoms

"Nicotine addiction has historically been one of the hardest addictions to break."
The American Heart Association

Nicotine was first extracted for its medicinal properties from the tobacco plant Nicotiana tabacum. Nicotine is an oily liquid capable of being soluble in water. The base nicotine burns at a temperature below boiling point and its vapors are combustive at 308 K (i.e. 35 °C or 95 °F) releasing the sedative effect. Probably the reason why it is more smoked and inhaled than taken in a liquid form. Excess smoking and inhaling causes nicotine overdose symptoms.

Why do people inhale nicotine? Because its feel good factor is highly addictive. It is easily absorbed in the bloodstream, from where it travels to the brain. It is believed that it takes less than seven seconds for nicotine to reach the brain when inhaled directly through the nostrils. The amount of absorption in the bloodstream depends upon the quality and filter of the tobacco and whether smoked or inhaled. As a chemical, nicotine, upon entering the brain, starts to stimulate it, producing all good and euphoric feelings. But when the effect wears off, the brain stops its stimulation. To keep on the good feel, most people smoke or inhale nicotine. In due course, they get addicted and begin to experience nicotine overdose symptoms.

Symptoms of Nicotine Overdose
Nicotine overdose occurs when any form of nicotine, like, tobacco, nicotine patch, gum, nasal spray, inhaler or cigarettes are taken in excess or overdone. In most instances, an overdose occurs when a person is trying to stop smoking or is on nicotine withdrawal program and goes overboard while using smoking cessation products. The indiscreet consumption of these products (to quit smoking) sometimes end up pumping in more nicotine into the body than actually smoking it! Some of the nicotine overdose side effects are listed below.

• Extreme anxiety
• Cold sweats
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Tingling feelings
• Confusion
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Heart palpitations
• High pulse rates
• Increased blood pressure
• Fatigue and weakness
• Reduced appetite
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pains
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Hearing or vision problems
• Seizures

As nicotine has some excellent medicinal values, it is also used as a part of treatment for various diseases. However, before taking such treatment, one should inform the doctor if one suffers from any health related conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or chest pain, overactive thyroid, liver or kidney diseases, diabetes, asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, etc. As nicotine is a stimulant, its use should be limited and done only on prescription.

An overdose of nicotine can have some serious repercussions. When nicotine is at a low concentration in the bloodstream, it only binds to receptors in the brain, whereas a heavy dose or an overdose binds to receptors both in the brain and on muscles. This results in increased motor activity, heart rate and blood pressure as well as narrowing of blood vessels. As a fallout of an extreme condition of an overdose, paralysis of the muscles that control breathing or the heart, can also occur. Here's more on the side effects of nicotine gum and effects of smoking.

If one experiences any of the above nicotine overdose symptoms, it would be advisable to seek medical attention immediately. Timely intervention would be life saving.