Can Nicotine Pouches Cause Anxiety? Find Out if There’s a Connection

Nicopod users often turn to their trusty pouches in times of stress and anxiety. It has always been a common belief that nicotine has a soothing effect when it comes to stress, but is that the case, or can nicotine pouches cause anxiety? 

Read our comprehensive analysis to learn more about the complex interplay between nicotine pouches and anxiety as we explore the scientific evidence.

Can Nicotine Pouches Cause Anxiety? Examining the Scientific Evidence

While there is currently no research on the relationship between nicotine pouches and anxiety, scientific evidence suggests that there is a connection between nicotine and several mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. Still, it remains unknown whether nicotine directly causes anxiety.

According to statistical research from 2019 about adult tobacco users in the U.S., 45% of all tobacco users suffered from extreme anxiety, while 30% had symptoms of mild anxiety. Another study shows that smokers are at a greater risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder after the occurrence of a traumatic event. Scientific evidence also reveals that teens who smoke are more likely to develop panic disorders during the early stages of adulthood.

Several studies on human and animal models show that nicotine exposure can either relieve the symptoms of stress and anxiety or exacerbate them further, depending on several factors, including the duration of exposure. These contrasting effects are likely due to the wide distribution of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain and nicotine’s capacity to activate and desensitize them simultaneously.

Nicotine can have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, alleviating the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Still, its prolonged use leads to dependence, resulting in heightened anxiety levels during withdrawal.

Can Nicotine Pouches Cause Other Side Effects?

While generally considered safe, nicotine pouches can cause some mild, transient side effects, such as:

• A tingling sensation in the mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn and acid reflux
• Headaches and dizziness
• Hiccups
• Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Mouth sores (leukoplakia)
• Sore throat
• Gum irritation

Most of the aforementioned side effects result from overconsumption or using a nicopod that’s too strong for you, so be mindful of these factors. 

The Cyclical Relationship Between Nicotine and Anxiety

A common belief among nicotine pouch users is that nicotine can relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety. While there is evidence suggesting this is true, using nicotine is not a recommended coping mechanism. 

Using nicotine pouches is problematic because it fails to address the root cause of anxiety, potentially making the condition worse. Even though nicotine triggers the release of several feel-good neurotransmitters that can calm us down, this doesn’t last longer than a few hours. 

As the nicotine effects wear off, you’ll start to feel the withdrawal side effects, making the symptoms of stress, irritability, and anxiety more intense. To cope with those, you’ll most likely end up using another nicotine pouch, resulting in a never-ending cycle. 

Eventually, this will lead to nicotine dependence and addiction.

Why Do Nicotine Pouches Affect Our Mood?

Nicopods contain pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, the primary ingredient responsible for their physiological effects on the body. Within minutes of placing a nicotine pouch under your lip, you’ll feel a noticeable buzz as the nicotine enters your body, producing a complex physiological and cognitive reaction. 

Source: YakupIpek

This two-fold effect of nicotine can be summarized as follows:

1. It stimulates the adrenal glands to release epinephrine (adrenaline), increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration
2. It activates the reward centers that regulate behavior and feelings of pleasure, creating a distinct emotional response

When nicotine enters your bloodstream, it travels to your brain, latching onto nAChRs, prompting them to activate a reward response by releasing several neurotransmitters, including:

• Dopamine
• Serotonin
• Norepinephrine
• Acetylcholine
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid
• Glutamate

The release of these neurotransmitters affects our behavior and cognitive function, leading to feelings of pleasure, a sense of calmness, increased focus, and enhanced memory.

How To Use Nicopods Responsibly To Have a Pleasant Experience

Source: Swenico

Since nicopods are 100% tobacco-free and are made using only food-grade ingredients and pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, they pose fewer health risks compared to traditional methods of nicotine consumption, like snus, cigarettes, or dipping tobacco pouches. 

However, everyone’s experience with nicotine pouches is different. To make sure that you have a safe and satisfying experience, use nicopods in the following way:

1. Start with mild nicopods and gradually increase the nicotine dosage until you find the product that works for you best
2. Use one nicotine pouch at a time to avoid overconsumption and potential overdose
3. Never suck, chew, or swallow the pouch. Let it sit tucked under your lip as it gradually releases its contents
4. Take 1–2 hour breaks between nicopods to give your body enough time to process the nicotine
5. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
6. Track your usage habits to avoid nicotine overconsumption
7. Do not reuse nicopods. A used pouch won’t give you a buzz, but it could cause gum disease or a bacterial infection
8. If you start to experience any unpleasantness or side effects, stop using nicopods and contact your doctor

Last but not least, to minimize potential adverse reactions, you should only consume premium products purchased from reliable retailers.

Who Should Avoid Using Nicotine Pouches

Certain groups of people should not use nicotine pouches. To find out more about these groups, check out the list below:

• Minors—Minors mustn’t use nicopods because nicotine hinders adolescent brain development. Using nicotine can have lasting adverse effects on their mood, attention span, ability to learn, and memory
• People with cardiovascular issues—Nicotine is a powerful stimulant, causing adrenaline release and vasoconstriction. It can potentially exacerbate existing cardiovascular problems like heart disease, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and high blood pressure
• People with pre-existing health issues—If you suffer from any medical condition, get in touch with your healthcare provider before you start using nicopods
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women—Nicotine use during pregnancy can negatively affect fetus development and lead to several issues, such as premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Nicotine can also be present in breastmilk, impacting a baby’s development

Keep in mind that nicotine pouches are highly addictive, so if you’ve never used nicotine products, avoid them altogether.

How To Pick the Right Nicotine Strength

With plenty of strengths and flavors available, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a nicopod that suits your palate and nicotine tolerance. However, there are some “rules” you should follow.

Beginners should start with milder options for a gentler introduction, while experienced users should choose more potent nicopods for a more intense buzz.

To make things easier, here’s how to choose the perfect level of strength for your needs:

Strength Category	Mg/Pouch	Ideal For
Low	1.5–4	Novice users and social smokers who smoke less than five cigarettes per day
Regular	5–6	Regular users and occasional smokers who smoke up to 10 cigarettes per day
Strong	7–9	Experienced users who have built up nicotine tolerance and smokers who consume up to 15 cigarettes daily
Extra strong	9+	Long-time users with high nicotine tolerance and heavy smokers who smoke more than a pack a day

Source: Snusboss

Where Can You Get High-Quality Nicotine Pouches in the U.S.?

Featuring the best products manufactured in the EU, SnusBoss‘s collection of premium nicotine pouches is bound to amaze you. 

Due to the EU’s more progressive nicotine regulation laws, European nicotine pouch manufacturers have perfected their craft over the years. Today, EU-made nicopods contain more moisture, boast richer flavors, and deliver more satisfying hits than those produced in the U.S.

Committed to providing only the finest products, SnusBoss leverages its team of industry veterans’ extensive experience to curate a product selection that meets the most rigorous safety and quality standards so you can comfortably choose any of the following brands:

Chapo	Pik	Glitch	Roger	Kurwa
GOAT	Snatch	Kick	Velo	Paz
Jäger	Thunder	Kozmo	Dope	Skruf
Klint	Zyn	Pablo	Hit	Thor
Oryx	Denssi	Siberia	Killa	White Fox

To order from SnusBoss, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the online store
2. Choose your preferred brand, strength, and flavor
3. Enter your shipping and payment info

With express delivery, your shipment will arrive at your doorstep in 2–3 business days. For orders over $249, SnusBoss offers free delivery.

How To Reduce Stress and Anxiety Without Nicotine Pouches

Source: Edu Lauton

There are several ways you can minimize the symptoms of anxiety and stress without turning to nicotine pouches. In fact, avoiding nicotine pouches is one of the best strategies to minimize stress and reduce anxiety, as shown in our list of tips below:

1. Limit nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine
2. Take time to breathe and relax
3. Find out what your anxiety triggers are
4. Engage in physical exercise
5. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids
6. Sleep 7–9 hours every night
7. Seek support from the loved ones

Watch Out for Signs of Acute Anxiety

It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious, but if these feelings become more than occasional and develop into persistent symptoms that interfere with your daily life, seek professional help.

Before diagnosing an anxiety disorder, your healthcare provider will inquire about your medical history and the symptoms you’re experiencing. They may also schedule a lab test and a physical exam to confirm the cause of your symptoms. If the anxiety disorder is confirmed, your doctor will devise a treatment plan to help you manage the condition.

Remember, don’t self-diagnose or self-medicate if you suspect anxiety. Talk to your doctor, and if you need any additional assistance, you can turn to:

• Crisis Text Line—A free, 24/7 helpline that offers telephone support from trained crisis counselors. To reach a volunteer counselor, text “HOME” from any location in the U.S.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—A confidential helpline that provides 24/7 support for people in suicidal crisis or dealing with emotional distress, available free of charge to all U.S. residents
• Mental Health America—The leading U.S. mental health organization dedicated to offering prevention services and support to those in need

Featured image source: Swenico