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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by linkadge on July 26, 2006, at 7:50:07
I understand that cigarette smoke is very unhealthy, but does anyone know (point me to) a list of proven adverse effects of low doses of nicotine ?
Linkadge
Posted by nolvas on July 26, 2006, at 7:50:07
In reply to Nicotine, what are associated dangers?, posted by linkadge on July 9, 2006, at 17:07:03
Toxic Effects of Nicotine
60 mg of pure Nicotine placed on the tongue is rapidly lethal to an adult.
Cardiovascular System
Nicotine may increase Blood Pressure and may cause Hypertension by causing Blood Vessels to constrict.
Digestive System
During the early stages of Tobacco Smoking, Nicotine may cause Vomiting (by stimulating the Vomiting Center in the Brain) - however tolerance to this side-effect of Nicotine develops rapidly.
Metabolism
Nicotine may increase total serum Cholesterol levels.
Nervous System
Nicotine has very strong Addiction (Drug Dependence) potential:
- The pharmaceutical and behavioral processes that determine Tobacco (read Nicotine) addiction are similar to those that determine addiction to drugs such as Heroin and Cocaine and involve indirect activation of Dopamine Receptors in the Midbrain.
- The period of withdrawal from Nicotine may be intense and persistent, often lasting for several months.
- The symptoms of Nicotine withdrawal (known as Nicotine Withdrawal Syndrome) are Aggressiveness, Anxiety, increased Appetite, craving for more Nicotine, Irritability, poor Concentration ability, Impatience and Insomnia.- Part of the Addiction caused by Nicotine results from its stimulation of Nicotinic Receptors within the Caudate Nucleus (the Pleasure Center) of the Brain. references
- Part of the Addiction caused by Nicotine results from its stimulation of Dopaminergic Receptors within the Limbic System of the Brain.
- Tobacco Smokers who are “addicted” to Nicotine subconsciously adjust their Nicotine intake to maintain Nicotine levels at 30 - 40 nanograms of Nicotine per milliliter of Blood Plasma.During the early stages of Tobacco Smoking, Nicotine may cause Nausea (by stimulating the Vomiting Center in the Brain) - however tolerance to this side-effect of Nicotine develops rapidly.
Excessive doses of Nicotine may temporarily cause Tremors.Nicotine may Interfere with these Substances
Minerals
Nicotine may reduce the body's absorption of Calcium.
Vitamins
Nicotine may cause the depletion of the body's Vitamin B1 reserves.
Posted by Estella on July 30, 2006, at 8:56:12
In reply to Nicotine, what are associated dangers?, posted by linkadge on July 9, 2006, at 17:07:03
on the upside i think there is some evidence that nicotene may help prevent parkinsons and alzheimers.
i think they may have been experimenting with giving nicotene patches to people at high risk...
Posted by sukarno on September 8, 2006, at 23:25:32
In reply to Re: Nicotine, what are associated dangers?, posted by Estella on July 30, 2006, at 8:56:12
Taking nicotine alone is much, much safer than smoking (which contains 4000 chemicals, 43 of which are known to cause cancer).
Nicotine has been shown in at least one study to be as effective for ADD/ADHD as Ritalin or amphetamines.
It shows promise for treating Parkinson's disease.
It can also help depression.
The downside is the increase in blood pressure, potential for heart arrhythmias, increase in clotting factors (the blood can clot more easily which is especially dangerous if you take birth control pills containing estrogen/estradiol) and potential for habituation and addiction.
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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