From the FDA Drug Label
history of seizures The FDA drug label mentions seizures in the context of asking a doctor before use if you have a history of seizures, but it does not directly state that nicotine pouches can cause seizures.
- The label implies that people with a history of seizures should be cautious, but it does not provide information on whether nicotine pouches can cause seizures in people without a history of seizures.
- Nicotine may have effects on the body that could potentially contribute to seizure risk, but the label does not explicitly address this. 1
From the Research
Nicotine pouches can potentially cause seizures, though this is a rare side effect, as evidenced by a study published in 2020 2 that found an association between electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use and seizures.
Key Points to Consider
- Nicotine in any form can trigger seizures, particularly at high doses or in individuals who are sensitive to nicotine, as shown in a study from 2017 3 that demonstrated nicotine's ability to elicit convulsive seizures by activating amygdalar neurons.
- The risk of seizures increases with excessive use or if multiple nicotine products are used simultaneously, highlighting the importance of cautious use and adherence to recommended dosages.
- Nicotine affects the central nervous system by stimulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which can lead to neurological effects including seizures in susceptible individuals, a mechanism supported by research published in 2003 4 and 2011 5.
- People with a history of seizures, epilepsy, or other neurological conditions should be especially cautious with nicotine products, considering the potential for nicotine to diminish the anticonvulsant activity of antiepileptic drugs, as noted in studies from 2003 4 and 2011 5.
- Symptoms that might precede a seizure include dizziness, severe headache, confusion, or abnormal heart rhythm; if experienced, individuals should stop using nicotine pouches immediately and seek medical attention.
Recommendations for Safe Use
- Follow recommended dosages to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
- Avoid using multiple nicotine products together to reduce the cumulative risk of neurological effects.
- Consider discussing with a healthcare provider before starting nicotine pouches, particularly if there are any underlying health conditions, to assess individual risks and benefits.
- Be aware of the potential interaction between nicotine and antiepileptic drugs, as highlighted in a 2021 study 6 that suggested nicotine could be used as a targeted therapy for epilepsy due to nAChR gene variants, underscoring the complex relationship between nicotine and seizure risk.