Posted by jboud24 on October 31, 2004, at 13:01:51
In reply to Nicotine Patch and Lexapro, posted by sip on October 31, 2004, at 12:54:03
There is a vaporization product from nicotine, a naphthalene by-product, that inhibits the activity of MAO-B. This inhibition leads to increased dopamine and phenethylamine in the brain. Since the patch only deivers nicotine, and none of the by-products of smoking, you are achieving little to no inhibition of MAO-B, which is most likely why you are feeling more depressed.
Also, you can't expect the patch to deliver the same type of nicotine peaks you experienced when smoking, so that may be contributing as well. But there is no interaction with the patch and Lexapro to answer your question.
Justin
poster:jboud24
thread:409582
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041029/msgs/409588.html