“Nicotine hiccups” may sound like a fabricated concept, but experts confirm their legitimacy. Recent research on drug side effects has highlighted a connection between nicotine and hiccups, as indicated by a 2021 study scrutinizing the Food and Drug Administration’s adverse-event reporting system (FAERS). Melissa Little, the director of the Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Research at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, notes that anecdotal evidence supports the prevalence of “niccups” among nicotine users, evident in discussions on platforms like TikTok and Reddit.
Users of Zyn and vape products have been exchanging experiences regarding the curious phenomenon of persistent hiccups induced by nicotine consumption. One TikTok user, @callmecarolyn, posed the question to her followers: “Why do Zyns and nicotine pouches give me hiccups every time?” before displaying herself experiencing the abrupt hiccups in bed. Little sheds light on the biological mechanisms at play, explaining that nicotine acts by binding to receptors in the brain and nervous system. Upon activation, these receptors release neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which influences the phrenic nerve responsible for diaphragm function.
The irritation caused by nicotine to the mucus membrane lining the throat and esophagus can further contribute to the emergence of hiccups. Additionally, nicotine’s ability to stimulate stomach acid production may result in reflux, exacerbating the hiccuping reflex. Despite the decline in tobacco use among middle and high school students, the utilization of nicotine pouches has seen a minor increase from 1.5% in 2023 to 1.8% in 2024, with a notable surge in sales reported by the CDC.
Nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, offer a smoke-free alternative for nicotine consumption, with certain products tailored for consumers aged 21 and above. The FDA has endorsed Zyn products for their reduced risk of cancer and other severe health complications compared to traditional tobacco products. It is crucial to recognize the potential detrimental effects of nicotine on adolescent brain development, impacting cognitive functions like attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, as emphasized by the CDC.
In conclusion, while nicotine products present certain benefits in harm reduction relative to cigarettes, the emergence of hiccups as an intriguing side effect underscores the need for further research and understanding in the realm of nicotine consumption habits.
