I ran across this article this evening and wanted to share to get others' thoughts. It is regarding the effects of nicotine on the brain.
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your brain on nicotine
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One more try. Works for me this time and the one above didn't. I fixed the first one too. Hope it works for others now.
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Thanks for the article, it was very interesting. I don't plan on giving up Nicotine any time soon. I just don't want to smoke anymore.
Happy vaping.
Happy vaping.
I found the article interesting due to the information on the by-product cotinine. I have written extensively on the fact that nicotine has many beneficial effects. In particular, the 2009 postings on my blog address the science. The Truth About Nicotine
Most of my 2010 postings have had more to do with trying to fight the insane war against e-cigarettes, which provide beneficial nicotine while eliminating all of the negatives effects of inhaling smoke.
Most of my 2010 postings have had more to do with trying to fight the insane war against e-cigarettes, which provide beneficial nicotine while eliminating all of the negatives effects of inhaling smoke.
thank you for sharing...i was smoking in the womb!!! Didn't do it to my son...but definitely feeling the side affects from many moons ago...always wondered why my attention span was short!!
That was an interesting article. Can't say I know much about nicotine.
Vocalek, do you think that nicotine is actually beneficial for normal people. Assuming there is such a thing as normal. I'm skeptical but interested.
I believe that it is MORE beneficial for those who need the effects (e.g., folks with Attention Deficit Disorder) but there have been experiments that show that even for normal people, it has some of the same beneficial effects as caffeine -- increased alertness, better response time, enhanced concentration abilities. There is also evidence that nicotine helps to prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
"Such studies suggest that nicotine or drugs that mimic nicotine may one day prove beneficial in the treatment of neurological disorders.
"These findings don't mean people should smoke," warns neuroscientist Michael Kuhar of Emory University. "Any benefits from the nicotine in cigarettes or other tobacco products are far outweighed by the proven harm of using those products. But pure nicotine-like compounds as medications do show promise for treating human disorders.""
Those statements go back to the inherent lies we've been fed. Nicotine from any source but drug companies is bad and there are no safe (or much safer) tobacco/nicotine products outside the realm of BP.
"These findings don't mean people should smoke," warns neuroscientist Michael Kuhar of Emory University. "Any benefits from the nicotine in cigarettes or other tobacco products are far outweighed by the proven harm of using those products. But pure nicotine-like compounds as medications do show promise for treating human disorders.""
Those statements go back to the inherent lies we've been fed. Nicotine from any source but drug companies is bad and there are no safe (or much safer) tobacco/nicotine products outside the realm of BP.
I know this is in no way a "scientific statement", but I've found nicotine to be beneficial in mental illnesses beyond just schizophrenia. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder I in my early twenties which required a hospital stay to even out meds. I was amazed how many of us "crazies" smoked. My doctor told me it was very common in his patients and that he felt nicotine was a helpful stimulant in depressive type disorders. I've noticed this myself times I've tried to stop smoking. It's hard to explain, but I start to recognize "warning signs" that tell me I'm heading into an episode. This did not happen with nicotine patches or vaping. (HATE nicotine patches though, they itch like crazy.)
Because of this, I've always been leery to stop smoking but knew it had to happen eventually. So happy to have found a medium I can live with. Sorry if this was an overshare, but I think this is something that more scientists should be studying. Nicotine would be a heck of a lot better than some of the drugs used today. I've lucked out and Lithium has been a great drug for me, but others aren't so lucky and have to take meds with horrible side effects like those mentioned in the article. Permanent tremors, massive weight gain, diabetes, extreme sleepiness to name a few. Don't even get me started on the "miracle drug" chantix for nicotine withdrawal in conjunction with mental illness. I'd rather smoke, thanks.
Because of this, I've always been leery to stop smoking but knew it had to happen eventually. So happy to have found a medium I can live with. Sorry if this was an overshare, but I think this is something that more scientists should be studying. Nicotine would be a heck of a lot better than some of the drugs used today. I've lucked out and Lithium has been a great drug for me, but others aren't so lucky and have to take meds with horrible side effects like those mentioned in the article. Permanent tremors, massive weight gain, diabetes, extreme sleepiness to name a few. Don't even get me started on the "miracle drug" chantix for nicotine withdrawal in conjunction with mental illness. I'd rather smoke, thanks.
I get a kick out of family members that are so happy I quit smoking cigarettes and ask when am I going to stop smoking my ecigs. I explain to them that I am only getting nicotine and like caffeine it is a stimulant and not really bad for me, although addicting (well everything you like is bad for you).
Aaeli, you are correct and, as with anything else, no one should self medicate. This activity should remain within the realm of the Pharmaceutical industry, just ask the FDA.
This journey led me to understand how and why I started smoking and why it was so hard to quit. I was very depressed when I started at 19 and found a balance in cigarettes. 43 years later PVs gave me a way to seriously reduce my cigarette intake, but not eliminate it. Something was not there. Swedish snus added that missing think and I haven't touched a smoke since.
This journey led me to understand how and why I started smoking and why it was so hard to quit. I was very depressed when I started at 19 and found a balance in cigarettes. 43 years later PVs gave me a way to seriously reduce my cigarette intake, but not eliminate it. Something was not there. Swedish snus added that missing think and I haven't touched a smoke since.
Interesting on how it's supposed to help hypothyroidism. I've been struggling with it for years and I have noticed my attention span and clear thinking have not been up to par lately. I went in for a blood test and they have to up my meds again. It's one of the main signs that I know my medications are off. I also am being treated for depression/anxiety disorder and am a total basket case when I have tried to quit.. this explains much.. Glad I found e-cigs
Aaeli: No, I don't think what you wrote is overshare. I think you are very brave to talk about your illness. I have only become more open since I retired, because I am fully aware of the stigma carried by those who have a biological illness (imbalances in neurotransmitters) that others seem to believe we can (or should be able to) control at will.
About a year ago I was tested and found to have adult-onset attention deficit disorder. I tried the standard treatment--methylpheidate--for three months and decided that I don't care for it. It's expensive, it's inconvenient, and temporary. Expensive is self-explanatory. It's inconvenient because it's a controlled substance. As such, you can't have your prescriptions renewed, and you have to show up in person and show ID to pick up the medicine. It's temporary because there are big "black box warnings" on the package that long-term use is not recommended. The doctor told me that if I developed hypertension I would have to stop taking it. Side effects include "nervousness, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, dyskinesia, changes in pulse and blood pressure, tachycardia, angina, cardiac arrhythmia, weight loss and abdominal pain. There have also been rare reports of Tourettes syndrome. Toxic psychosis has been reported."
So, like you, I prefer nicotine to BP's solution.
About a year ago I was tested and found to have adult-onset attention deficit disorder. I tried the standard treatment--methylpheidate--for three months and decided that I don't care for it. It's expensive, it's inconvenient, and temporary. Expensive is self-explanatory. It's inconvenient because it's a controlled substance. As such, you can't have your prescriptions renewed, and you have to show up in person and show ID to pick up the medicine. It's temporary because there are big "black box warnings" on the package that long-term use is not recommended. The doctor told me that if I developed hypertension I would have to stop taking it. Side effects include "nervousness, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, dyskinesia, changes in pulse and blood pressure, tachycardia, angina, cardiac arrhythmia, weight loss and abdominal pain. There have also been rare reports of Tourettes syndrome. Toxic psychosis has been reported."
So, like you, I prefer nicotine to BP's solution.
Yep, it's amazing the "cures" they try to sell us and nicotine sits unstudied. Amazing how powerful political correctness can be, even in scientific circles.
Speaking from my own personal experience.
Nicotine is a stimulant...Stimulants have a positive effect on those
with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.)
Back in the day...we referred to stimulants as "Speed"
Ritalin is a (powerful) Speed
For those with A.D.D - Speed has a reverse effect (relaxing and calming effect)...Believe it Or Not
Those with ADD that now take medication report (for example) they now enjoy reading books
because they now can remember what they read. (Sounds strange...I know...But it's true)
My first consultation with my doctor...He asked if I ever smoked Pot or took Speed or favored any medication that would be a stimulant. I asked why was that information important to know. He replied...Many before they knew they had A.D.D. found stimulants to be helpful (Self Medication)
In addition to vaping (24mg), I drink several cups of coffee every day...
Most relaxing, and I sleep like a baby.
Nicotine is a stimulant...Stimulants have a positive effect on those
with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.)
Back in the day...we referred to stimulants as "Speed"
Ritalin is a (powerful) Speed
For those with A.D.D - Speed has a reverse effect (relaxing and calming effect)...Believe it Or Not
Those with ADD that now take medication report (for example) they now enjoy reading books
because they now can remember what they read. (Sounds strange...I know...But it's true)
My first consultation with my doctor...He asked if I ever smoked Pot or took Speed or favored any medication that would be a stimulant. I asked why was that information important to know. He replied...Many before they knew they had A.D.D. found stimulants to be helpful (Self Medication)
In addition to vaping (24mg), I drink several cups of coffee every day...
Most relaxing, and I sleep like a baby.
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Vocalek, you and your articles were the first thing I thought of when I read this. That's why I wanted to share it. I'm glad you saw found the thread.
A friend posted a comment on another friend's facebook about nicotine's effects on the brain of babies in utero, which is what led me to google in the first place.
I am frustrated by BP's saying that medications they provide are the only "safe" ones, when they all come with warnings of side effects that are quite detrimental. Aaeli, my doctor once prescribed me chantix to quit smoking and xanax at the same time to control the anxiety that might come...red flags flew up for me with the xanax, so I did some research and came to the same conclusion as you, I'd rather smoke, thank you very much. I am very happy to have found e cigs since then and have been able to quit smoking. I feel something is still missing, but I am hesitant to go to my doctor because in the past she has seemed a bit to ready to prescribe anti-depressants. I want to give my body some time to reset, as well as trying other remedies for enhancing my mood such as Omega 3's and exercise. If I felt truly depressed, I wouldn't hesitate to see her, but just when I'm about to make an appointment, I realize it was just a phase and I come out of it. Usually it's just PMS.
A friend posted a comment on another friend's facebook about nicotine's effects on the brain of babies in utero, which is what led me to google in the first place.
I am frustrated by BP's saying that medications they provide are the only "safe" ones, when they all come with warnings of side effects that are quite detrimental. Aaeli, my doctor once prescribed me chantix to quit smoking and xanax at the same time to control the anxiety that might come...red flags flew up for me with the xanax, so I did some research and came to the same conclusion as you, I'd rather smoke, thank you very much. I am very happy to have found e cigs since then and have been able to quit smoking. I feel something is still missing, but I am hesitant to go to my doctor because in the past she has seemed a bit to ready to prescribe anti-depressants. I want to give my body some time to reset, as well as trying other remedies for enhancing my mood such as Omega 3's and exercise. If I felt truly depressed, I wouldn't hesitate to see her, but just when I'm about to make an appointment, I realize it was just a phase and I come out of it. Usually it's just PMS.
I too suffer from Hypothyroidism and have for the last 16 years. Nicotine has had no apparent positive effect in that department, as my body just can't seem to stay at an acceptable level for very long. I'm on a high dose of Synthroid too...250mcg
Still, I'm grateful I found e-cigs and got off analogs!!
This is something I noticed too. It wasn't depression per se, but more like a lingering deep disappointment. It did eventually go away after 2 weeks of strictly ecig use. I had to force myself to just stick with it and eventually I was fine.
Has anyone seen the commercial for the medication for psoriasis? Side effect: could cause cancer. Um,....WHAT?!?!? My sister suffers from terrible psoriasis and laughed long and hard about that. It does suck but not worth risking CANCER for. It makes me so angry that medications like this can somehow pass muster with the FDA (I would think causing cancer would make it a no-no) and nicotine is the devil. Mkay.
Interesting! This is a good read for sure. It's scary how little we know about mental illness and the effect drugs have on the brain.
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