Posted by yxibow on March 3, 2007, at 21:53:51 [reposted on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:30 | original URL]
In reply to Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » yxibow, posted by Quintal on March 3, 2007, at 18:32:40
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> The apparent positive effects of tobacco smoke on neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases have long intrigued researchers, but it has been uncertain if these effects were due to nicotine or to some other chemical ingredient in tobacco. However, recent experimental work in animals has identified a family of neuronal receptors that are targeted by nicotine—the nAChR’s. These receptors are believed to be involved in a number of key brain functions, including cognition, learning, memory, arousal, cerebral blood flow, and metabolism. Interestingly, their most important function is to regulate the release of neurotransmitters.
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> With the discovery that the number of nAChR receptors is depleted in the brains of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, the use of nicotine as a therapeutic medication is beginning to be explored. One theory is that individuals with neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases (who have been found to smoke more than those in the general population) are using nicotine as a way of self-medicating. However, as smoking causes so many health problems, alternative methods of delivering nicotine (patches, nasal sprays, inhalers, lozenges, gum) are now being investigated for their potential therapeutic values.
> http://www.remedyfind.com/treatments/0/2157/
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> "It really makes a difference"......
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> I quite smoking about 8 years ago but the urge was always with me. Then about a year ago, when I was having trouble with my meds I really wanted to smoke. BUT, knowing how bad it is for you, I decided to buy the gum. I am still chewing and I love the way it makes me feel. My husband doesn't understand, and frankly neither did I until I read this! I can think clearer and I just feel better over all. I haven't told my dr that I use it ... maybe I should. The only bad thing is that it is so expensive. I buy the off brand at Walmart and I still spend 50 dollars ever 2-3 weeks.
> http://www.remedyfind.com/ratinglong.aspx?RatingID=48464
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> QOh, I know, that's why I mentioned that there have been studies that attest to nicotine's power over depression. And nicotine always seems to follow alcohol at pubs, a sort of counterintuitive logic.
Nicotine also has some effects with neuroleptics and schizophrenia as well.But its not a reason to go out and smoke or down some nicotine. Its horribly addictive stuff for a majority of people. Yes, I know a few people can quit like nothing, like one of my grandmothers did , but its more rare than not.
poster:yxibow
thread:739156
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20070101/msgs/739187.html