Anti-Depressants + Nicotine

[McVapor]

I know this has been posted before but nothing gives a definitive answer (nor do I want to revive dead threads).
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/9272-njoy-npro-antidepressant-medication.html
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/89587-antidepressant-warnings-e-cigs.html

So I suffer from cronic migraines and was prescribed Nortriptyline (an anti-depressent) due to its high success rate at preventing migraines. I heard that yet ANOTHER use for this Anti-D was for smoke secession; meaning people could continue to smoke while quitting with the help of the Nortriptyline. However right before I was going to post my initial question I found pages here on ECF about not vaping while on antidepressents (very vague as there are many kinds) and this got me curious.

• If this exact Anti-D is used for smoking session, surely there couldnt be problems with mixing nicotine with it.
• there are countless reports of people vaping while on the anti-depressents
• Is there a connection between depression + nicotine + Anti-Ds? (being treated for depression)
• My doctor asked if I smoked, I told him I quit and still use my ecigararette for nicotine therapy. (He knew what it was and said "well its better than smoking") He did not mention anything about stopping or interactions.

I wasnt prescribed my low dose of anti-depressents for depression. They just happen to be anti-depressents. Perhpas the warning on the NJOY ecigs (see first link) assumes use by depressed people? I could see nicotine might negate anti-depressent effects for depressed people but idk.

I know I made a ton of points and people usually dont post when I do that but I'de like to hear opinions or thoughts. I would eventually like to get some documentation on the research as I do vape a lot :\

 

[Clovery]

I didn't read all the links you posted, but I looked up nortriptyline in my nurse's drug guide, and based on what is listed there, I think there is a concern with concurrent nicotine use. I'm not speaking as a medical professional, just relating some information. I'd link you to the page, but it's subscription only.

"Adrenergic effects may be ↑ with other adrenergic agents , including vasoconstrictors and decongestants"

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor. Adrenergic = adrenaline. Adrenaline pumps you up, is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This antidepressant carries a "use with caution" label in patients with cardiac or circulatory issues, because it can cause an increase in blood pressure. As I'm sure you know, nicotine does the same thing. So using nortriptyline & nicotine could cause high blood pressure. I don't see anything about (known) ingredients of e-liquid interacting - I think the nicotine is the concern.

I'm guessing that the ecig companies put the warning on their product just to cover their butts. It's possible to get a much higher dose of nicotine with ecigs and I can see how that might be a cause for concern with a medication that already causes an increase in blood pressure and arrhythmias. It doesn't matter what you're taking the medication for.

 

[McVapor]

Very informative post. Luckily I dont have cardiac or circulatory issues, however higher blood pressure could potentiate a migraine. Well I guess its time to lower my nic from 18mg to the 8-12 region, just to be on the safe side. I should also note that I am on Calcium Channel Blockers as well for my migraines which decrease blood pressure. If that is the 'warning' between Anti-Ds and Nicotine I (personally) wont have too much to worry about.

I still welcome anyone elses thoughts or documentation on the matter.

 

[705techno]

Im on Wellbutrin, Cipralex and Seroquel, Im a moderate vaper. Only like the nicotine for the throat hit, if one day that is ever simulated off the nic I will be.

Ive never noticed any ill effects regarding blood pressure or anything like that. Not sure how it interacts with the brain, but then again, nobody is.

 

[DaveP]

My doctor tried calcium channel blockers for my blood pressure once and I spent a month feeling like a slug. I found that ACE inhibitors and a diuretic fixed my blood pressure and restored me to my normal self. I've never taken anti-depressants. There is an article you might find interesting about tobacco and MAOIs that it supplies us with. It's the feel good part of smoking. We get the nic from vaping but not the other things that make it addictive.

This is your brain on nicotine

 

[Clovery]

Im on Wellbutrin, Cipralex and Seroquel, Im a moderate vaper. Only like the nicotine for the throat hit, if one day that is ever simulated off the nic I will be.

Ive never noticed any ill effects regarding blood pressure or anything like that. Not sure how it interacts with the brain, but then again, nobody is.

Your antidepressants are a different type from Nortriptyline. Wellbutrin & Cipralex are SSRIs; Nortriptylineis a tricyclic, i.e. they're different pharmacologic classes. The tricyclics are older and have more side effects; usually doctors will try an SSRI first (or in the OP's case, the tricyclic antidepressant works as its off-label use for migraines). The drug guide entry for wellbutrin does specifically state "Concurrent use with nicotine replacement may cause hypertension". But these are all just "could happen" scenarios. If it were a very serious, deadly combination, these drugs would come with warnings in bold capital letters "do not smoke/use nicotine while on this med". As long as you're getting your BP checked regularly and your doctor is happy with your treatment, there's no need to worry.