What is a Nicotine “Buzz”?

 

If you have been researching or talking about nicotine products with others, the chances are you have heard the term “nicotine buzz” thrown around. But what is it? Learn about what it is, what it feels like, and why you feel the “buzz” from nicotine pouches and products. 

 

Firstly, What is a Nicotine “Buzz” and What Does a Nicotine “Buzz” feel like?

 

The terms nicotine “buzz” or nicotine rush are usually used to refer to the feeling people get when using nicotine products. They are often compared to the type of “buzz” you get from caffeinated products, such as coffee, or a sugar “high” you get from consuming too much sugar.

 

The “buzz” comes about from the interaction between the brain and nicotine. When the brain communicates with the rest of the body, it uses chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Each neurotransmitter has a different role - each one reacts to a different signal and communicates between neurons and cells. 

 

When you use nicotine, it activates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in your central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. These nervous systems make up the brain, spinal cord and nerves that span from them. The nicotine binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and signals for the release of neurotransmitters. From this point, the exact effects of nicotine have not been uncovered. However, people connect nicotine with the release of acetylcholine (which can magnify cognitive abilities) and release of adrenaline (which creates the nicotine “buzz”). 

How Long Does a Nicotine “Buzz” Last?

 

A nicotine rush or “buzz” experience varies from user to user. It is down to how your body reacts to nicotine, which can be impacted by factors such as…

 

• Age. The older you are, the longer it takes for your body to metabolize nicotine.

• Hormones. Men usually are slower at metabolizing nicotine than women, especially compared to women who are pregnant or taking contraceptives.

• Medication. If you are on medication, this can impact the speed you metabolize nicotine. Some medications, such as blood pressure medication, can slow it down whereas others speed the process up.

• Nicotine Tolerance. The more you get used to the nicotine, the higher your tolerance to nicotine (meaning you are less likely to feel a “buzz”).

• Genetics. 

 

How to Get Rid of a Nicotine “Buzz”

 

If you are trying to get rid of a nicotine “buzz”, make sure you stop using the nicotine products immediately. From this point, the nicotine “rush” should begin to subside. If it does not after a period of time from your last use, seek medical attention. 

 

Does Synthetic Nicotine Give you a “Buzz”?

 

Nicotine pouches contain one of two forms of nicotine: synthetic nicotine or tobacco-derived nicotine (where the nicotine is extracted from the tobacco plant). 

 

It varies from person to person as to which type of nicotine gives you a “buzz”, and it is usually more strongly correlated with the strength of the pouch or product you use.