Posted by linkadge on January 19, 2009, at 18:36:25
In reply to Re: Nicotine increases GAD67 levels in schizophrenia » SLS, posted by seldomseen on January 19, 2009, at 12:31:02
I think that many people's view of nicotine is considerably skewed. Nicotine has been painted such a negative picture mainly because of anti-smoking campaigns. Unlike other drugs of abuse, long term nicotine adminstration actualy increases the responsiveness of the reward system. That is, like antidepressants and ECT administration, the brain d3 receptors actually become more (not less) responsive after long term admintration.
I think that nicotine is no more addictive than SSRI's or benzodiazapines. I have gone on and off nicotine many times and the withdrawl is nothing in comaprison to that of SSRI's. Ritalin and amphetamiens can be very addictive for some, but that is not used a reason to not prescribe it to children and adults with ADHD. So really, WFT?
I am happy that nicotine is being studied and that the experineces of many schizophrenic patients are actually being listened to. I hope it is is further studied in the future.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:874824
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/875014.html