stimulantEVIDENCEAUSOTC
Nicotine
Naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco. Potent cognitive enhancer with mostly favorable acute effects; addiction risk is the main issue.
Dose range1–4mg
Half-life2h
Onset10min
Safety2/5high evidence base
Mechanism of action
Agonist at nicotinic ACh receptors. Releases dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine. Acute pro-cognitive effects, especially attention.
Benefits
Attention and processing speed
EVIDENCEAHeishman 2010 meta-analysis.
Fine motor control
EVIDENCEAMultiple lab studies.
Side effects
- Highly addictivecommonsevere
- Cardiovascular stresscommonmoderate
Where to buy
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