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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3 to 27 of 35. Go back in thread:
Posted by Quintal on March 8, 2007, at 8:41:57
In reply to Re: Im down again. » rjlockhart, posted by yxibow on March 3, 2007, at 17:19:34
__________________________________________________
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.
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/__________________________________________________
"It really makes a difference"......
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
__________________________________________________Q
Posted by Phillipa on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:30
In reply to Re: Im down again. » rjlockhart, posted by yxibow on March 3, 2007, at 17:19:34
Jay Chantix haven't heard of that yet. Good to know. Love Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:30
In reply to Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » yxibow, posted by Quintal on March 3, 2007, at 18:32:40
> __________________________________________________
>
> 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.
>
> 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/
>
> __________________________________________________
>
> "It really makes a difference"......
>
> 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
> __________________________________________________
>
> 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.
Posted by yxibow on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:30
In reply to Re: Im down again. » yxibow, posted by Phillipa on March 3, 2007, at 21:20:10
> Jay Chantix haven't heard of that yet. Good to know. Love Phillipa
Yeah... it was also of interest to psychiatrists but it hasn't proven out much from what I have heard at this point.
Even for smokers, the reduction rate is not high from the PI, attesting to the extreme power of nicotine addiction, especially if you look at the longer term studies. Still, since it proved to be more useful than a placebo, it has been or will soon be marketed, I don't know if it has gone through all the distributors yet.
It takes some willpower with any quitting strategy, any of the preceding items I mentioned.
And there is a psychological component of course to using a substance and having a fixation on it as well. I can't get people I know in the nightlife scene to quit, the number who do are higher (no offense to smokers, but fortunately the number of states that have banned smoking in bars and restaurants has increased.)
As it is, it stands around 20% of the population smokes in the US; it is a little higher in Canada I believe, maybe due to the French influence, who knows, despite the high cost of cigarettes there. And similarly in Europe it is higher as well in places.
-- tidings
Posted by Phillipa on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:30
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » Quintal, posted by yxibow on March 3, 2007, at 21:53:51
Jay I once heard that nicotine was good for schizophrenics that it replaced dopamine in their brains but I'm sure this is wrong. Love Phillipa
Posted by Quintal on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:30
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » Quintal, posted by yxibow on March 3, 2007, at 21:53:51
Sorry Jay, that was meant as a general comment, I ticked the 'add name of previous poster' box as usual without checking who it was directed at.
>And nicotine always seems to follow alcohol at pubs, a sort of counterintuitive logic.
I don't think it's logic they're acting on Jay, nicotine seems to enhance the 'beer buzz' - a bit like an upper/downer combo I imagine.
>But its not a reason to go out and smoke or down some nicotine.
Well, I think pharmacutical grade nicotine might be for treatment resistant depressives because:
"I mentioned that there have been studies that attest to nicotine's power over depression."
.....at a time where amphetamines and opiates are being prescribed for that condition. As Phillipa says, it seems to help attention and motivation in people with Schizophrenia as well as aiding learning and memory.
>Its horribly addictive stuff for a majority of people.
Likewise for amphetamines, benzos and opiates, should their users ever decide to quit. I imagine few people would ever stop if they were available OTC and on sale general public in grocery stores. I think you have to factor in the ease of availability - many people failed to quit barbs, opiates, coke and Benzedrine when they were easily available through legal outlets.
Q
Posted by linkadge on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:30
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » yxibow, posted by Quintal on March 3, 2007, at 22:52:25
I agree that nicotine can help depression.
But its not something you want to stay on, apparently it messes with cardiac blood vessles or something.
Linkadge
Posted by Quintal on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:30
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication, posted by linkadge on March 4, 2007, at 9:05:36
Yes, I've read it's a vasoconstrictor and it raises blood pressure - so it's unsuitable for people with heart disease, but I'm not sure nicotine alone causes heart disease or damages it in any way. From what I gathered it is more a combination of the more harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke that thicken blood, raise lipid levels etc, in tandem with nicotine's vasoconstricting effects that makes tobacco smoking so harmful to the heart. I'll have to check and see.
Q
Posted by Crazy Horse on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:31
In reply to Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » yxibow, posted by Quintal on March 3, 2007, at 18:32:40
> __________________________________________________
>
> 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.
>
> 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/
>
> __________________________________________________
>
> "It really makes a difference"......
>
> 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
> __________________________________________________
>
> QHey, it's only money...better then killing yourself with the smokes.
-Monte
Posted by linkadge on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:31
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » linkadge, posted by Quintal on March 4, 2007, at 10:28:38
I did a lot of reading to see since I was interested in the theraputic application of nicotine.
The article I read was assesing trying to determine whether nicotine would be safe for use in ADHD.
Apparently it does independantly do strange things to the heart. Angiogenesis or something.
I'll look for the article.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:31
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication, posted by linkadge on March 4, 2007, at 14:38:22
Well don't forget it's a cancer causing agent too . If you smoke it's lung especially, chew it it's esophagus, mouth, tongue. Love Phillipa
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:31
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication, posted by Phillipa on March 4, 2007, at 18:32:37
Well I must have the most 'unaddictive' personality around - I feel quite boring! I can go on and off smoking, well I'm talking about one cigarette a day here so its hardly a hardened habit. Perhaps one cig a day really isn't enough to get addicted. I only smoke a couple of puffs at that too. I'm not entirely sure why I bother to be honest. Yeah I guess it does somehow 'lift' me a touch. Perhaps thats why.
Hmm, I've been thinking about the gum. There was a lady I knew at work who was also addicted to the gum - she was essentially, a chain chewer!! Haha. I think that it must be only marginally better than smoking? Interestingly in these parts theres this weird form of chewing tabacco where you don't chew it you just keep it between gum and cheek. Yuck.
Meri
Posted by rjlockhart on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:31
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication, posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 5, 2007, at 11:15:21
Well i once heard that ciggarettes can increase MAO-A AND B in the head. Which mean an antidepessant effect if you smoke moderatly, i smoke.,.........moderaly :(
One thing.
1. Im stressed. Caused by an immidate situation happening, it sparks that craving immidatly in my head. Like arguements, being stressed, ugh many other things.
2. Something is on my mind. Think about it.
3. It gives you a kick sometimes, when i went off dexedrine my smoking went through the WALL.
So thats where it stands.
Im still young and can quit.
rj
Posted by Quintal on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:31
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication, posted by linkadge on March 4, 2007, at 14:38:22
>Apparently it does independantly do strange things to the heart. Angiogenesis or something.
Does that mean angina-causing or causing growth of heart muscle? Nicotine is well known for provoking angina atacks because of its vasoconstiriction effects, so it's not suitable for those with heart disease. They would have had to follow the people taking pharmaceutical grade nicotine to treat ADHD for some years - decades most likely in order to reach a fair conclusion that it was pure nicotine alone that was causing the problem, and that seems unlikely. Have you had any success in finding the article?
Q
Posted by Quintal on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:31
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication, posted by Phillipa on March 4, 2007, at 18:32:37
>Well don't forget it's a cancer causing agent too . If you smoke it's lung especially, chew it it's esophagus, mouth, tongue. Love Phillipa
There's no evidence that nicotine is carcinogenic - it's the other chemicals in tobacco that cause cancer. Nicotine may play a role by supressing the automatic death of cancer cells though in the presence of carcinogens.
Q
Posted by laima on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:31
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » Phillipa, posted by Quintal on March 6, 2007, at 4:10:17
Well, here's a little good news- currently posted in the New York Times online Health section.March 6, 2007
Vital Signs
Exercise: Workouts May Offset One Effect of SmokingSmokers who cannot give up the habit can still help themselves through exercise.
Those who exercise, a new study finds, are less likely to develop a serious lung ailment common to smokers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The article appears in the March issue of The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
For the study, Dr. Judith Garcia-Aymerich of the Municipal Institute of Medical Research in Barcelona, Spain, and her colleagues followed the health of almost 6,800 people, smokers and nonsmokers, over 11 years. Of these, 928 developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which killed more than 100,000 Americans in 2003, the researchers said.
The study found that among the smokers, the disease occurred about 20 percent less in those who reported moderate or high levels of exercise.
“It is plausible that regular physical activity could counteract the smoking effects through an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanism,” the study said.
Posted by linkadge on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:31
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » Phillipa, posted by Quintal on March 6, 2007, at 4:10:17
I don't know about carcinogenic, as in causing cancer, but it appears to speed the development of tumors and arterial plaques.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/07/010730075130.htm
Linkadge
Posted by FredPotter on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:32
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication, posted by linkadge on March 6, 2007, at 12:35:36
Anybody noticed how smokers are more fun? If fun's good for you perhaps they're on to a winner although it's in their nature anyway to have a fun attitude to life probably.
Me - I smoke Condor. A rich dark strong smoke (in a pipe). Being strong I'm less likely to directly inhale it. I have about 2 a day and none at all when my kids come to stay. Einstein said a pipe helped him think
Fred
Posted by Phillipa on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:32
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » Phillipa, posted by Quintal on March 6, 2007, at 4:10:17
Q chewing tobacco too? As the workers used to chew tobacco leaves and a higher incidence of mouth and tongue and throat cancer. Love Phillipa
Posted by Quintal on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:32
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » Quintal, posted by Phillipa on March 6, 2007, at 19:31:04
Yes, because the cancer-causing chemicals are in the tobacco leaves they put in their mouths. They are released into the saliva when chewed - hence increased incidence of cancers of the throat, mouth and tongue.
Q
Posted by Phillipa on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:32
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication » Phillipa, posted by Quintal on March 6, 2007, at 21:41:38
Q that's what I thought. Love Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:32
In reply to Re: Nicotine as a therapeutic medication, posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 5, 2007, at 11:15:21
> Well I must have the most 'unaddictive' personality around - I feel quite boring! I can go on and off smoking, well I'm talking about one cigarette a day here so its hardly a hardened habit. Perhaps one cig a day really isn't enough to get addicted. I only smoke a couple of puffs at that too. I'm not entirely sure why I bother to be honest. Yeah I guess it does somehow 'lift' me a touch. Perhaps thats why.
>
> Hmm, I've been thinking about the gum. There was a lady I knew at work who was also addicted to the gum - she was essentially, a chain chewer!! Haha. I think that it must be only marginally better than smoking? Interestingly in these parts theres this weird form of chewing tabacco where you don't chew it you just keep it between gum and cheek. Yuck.
Yeah -- the skoals crap or whatever, instead of lung cancer, you can get an even more aggresive form of mouth cancer.
Posted by yxibow on March 8, 2007, at 8:51:32
In reply to smokers are more fun, posted by FredPotter on March 6, 2007, at 16:43:01
> Anybody noticed how smokers are more fun? If fun's good for you perhaps they're on to a winner although it's in their nature anyway to have a fun attitude to life probably.
>
> Me - I smoke Condor. A rich dark strong smoke (in a pipe). Being strong I'm less likely to directly inhale it. I have about 2 a day and none at all when my kids come to stay. Einstein said a pipe helped him think
> Fred
Well that's at least a low amount of tobacco, its still sadly to say increasing your chance of cancer.Smokers are fun? This sounds like the anti-anti phillips-morris settlement commercials.
You have to account for people with asthma and allergies. One of my grandfathers never smoked around his wife or the house because of that.
I'm mildly allergic in the sense that I get uncomfortable headaches from second hand smoke. Not to mention that you have to clean everything after entering a pub/bar/restauraunt in a state or city that hasn't outlawed or restricted it yet. There's the other side to the coin, the 80% of people who do not smoke in this country. Not trying to start a tobacco war, but I could never have a partner as a smoker, certainly not as a frequent smoker. Tried that. Kissing was awful, it was like breathing it... anyhow.... as they say , TMI.
-- tidings.
Posted by yxibow on March 10, 2007, at 1:39:12
In reply to Re: thanks....nicotine for me.., posted by rjlockhart on March 5, 2007, at 22:05:57
> Well i once heard that ciggarettes can increase MAO-A AND B in the head. Which mean an antidepessant effect if you smoke moderatly, i smoke.,.........moderaly :(
>
> One thing.
>
> 1. Im stressed. Caused by an immidate situation happening, it sparks that craving immidatly in my head. Like arguements, being stressed, ugh many other things.
>
> 2. Something is on my mind. Think about it.
>
> 3. It gives you a kick sometimes, when i went off dexedrine my smoking went through the WALL.
>
> So thats where it stands.
>
> Im still young and can quit.
It accumulates even when you're still young, not to create too much of an argument, but if you're in your 20s, its likely you started as a teenager. It is incredibly hard to quit nicotine addiction, harder than many other substances out there.But that is your perogative -- and those are all reasons plus more that people keep smoking. Anyway I'm not going to turn this into a antismoking commercial but the "I am young and can quit" statement is too often heard :/
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 12, 2007, at 14:39:37
In reply to Re: thanks....nicotine for me.. » rjlockhart, posted by yxibow on March 10, 2007, at 1:39:12
Hmmmm, someone who smokes a pipe doesn't sound like the sort of person who is young - to me anyway.
Anyway live and let live I say. I'm sure there are worse things out there than smoking tobacco. Sure its not the most healthy of habits, but then, neither are alot of other things. Chargrilled meat is, apparently, extremely carcinogenic, but people don't go on about that in the same way. Red meat in general isn't supposed to be good for you either actually.
Anyway. I think the Italians have a good lifestyle.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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