Why nicotine?

• Complementary to caffeine with a shorter half-life (~2h vs 4-6h), hence less sleep disruption, and different mechanisms of action (increase of dopamine vs inhibition of adenosine receptors).
• Applications: Focused work bouts in the afternoon, before speaking engagements, or before/in meetings or talks as listener to increase attention.
• Nicotine is classified as non-carcinogenic by the WHO (i.e. not on the list of cigarette smoke carcinogens), though highly addictive.

<aside> ⚠️ Warnings: Stick to low doses and avoid frequent use. Nicotine is highly addictive, and tolerance builds quickly, requiring more for the same effect. Never source it from tobacco or vaping! Additionally, I advice against nicotine pouches due to their “extremely” high dosages. Watch out for potential long-term increases in blood pressure due to its vasoconstrictive effects.

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Why nicotine gum over other formulations?

• Dosage precision: I can halve the smallest 2 mg unit to achieve a precise 1 mg dose, unlike patches or lozenges which are higher dosed and cannot/shouldn't be divided. Non-tobacco based nicotine pouches are very popular but have extremely large doses.
• Controlled absorption: Unlike sprays that deliver a full dose immediately under the tongue, which then enters directly into the bloodstream, gum allows the user to pause the release by "parking" the gum.

Additional cognitive benefits

• Physical stimulation: The mechanical act of chewing is noted to activate the brain and increase attention levels.
• Olfactory enhancement: Using specific flavors like "Ice Mint" provides a spearmint scent that further aids concentration and awareness.
• Cumulative effect: While individual benefits of the format may be minor, I value how these factors "stack up" for overall cognitive enhancement.