Effect of nicotine on synapses?

My textbook says that nicotine acts just like acetylcholine at synapses. This means it would trigger action potentials in the post-synaptic neurones. Is this really true?! I don't see smokers with arms suddenly flailing or randomly collapsing to the ground!

Reply 1

Cirsium

There's a thread round here somewhere to answer that
Basically yes nicotine is similar to acetylcholine which is why you get a slight 'buzz' when you smoke
However it doesn't break down which is why after a while you get sluggish

Reply 2

raam001584

yes in small amount it causes excitaroy effects to brain but in high concentrations block tranmission of acetylcholine, by binding to receptor sites on post synaptic knob, which increases reaction time