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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 3:46:21
I was just wondering... who all here is a smoker/was once a smoker/has smoked/or has used tobacco in other forms (dip, snuff, etc.)?
Does anyone get anti-depressant effects from tobacco?
What about anti-anxiety effects?On the other hand, does anyone find that tobacco worsens depression or anxiety?
I've recently become a smoker. A rather dumb thing to do I know, but it's the easiest way of self-medication around. I've found that nicotine (and perhaps that as of yet undiscovered MAOI-B inhibitor as well), can be very much an anti-depressant. It tends to increase anxiety however, especially in social situations. However, it can also be calming, particularly if I am completely alone. So, yeah, anyone like to share experiences?
Posted by Alara on March 13, 2003, at 3:51:04
In reply to Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 3:46:21
> Well, just in my experience, if you combine 40% nicotine with 60% pot you get a nice dopamine effect which makes you feel dopy but arrogant. Combine it with alocohol and you get a short term serotonin kick. you can go as high as a kite.
The following week though, you will crash. Don't do it if you work.
Posted by Dragonslayer on March 13, 2003, at 6:13:01
In reply to Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 3:46:21
Ah, wonderful nicotine, the user friendly drug for me. The only drug I abuse everyday!! Self medication in a great delivery system. It does exactly what I want it to do for me. Perks me up or brings me down. Great drug. Temporary, of course, so more and more hits are required. Then, the cough, the lung infections several times a year, the gotta have one NOW, the wheeze and short of breath stuff. And of course, you are 20 years down the road and you can't or won't give them up. You may even have to take out loans to support the habit as the little devils keep getting more and more expensive. Works great for me, though. What price am I gonna REALLY end up paying ??? Wish I could be more positive, but if you are new to the game, don't get in too far... it'll hook you bad before you know it.
Posted by gabbix2 on March 13, 2003, at 16:15:02
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Dragonslayer on March 13, 2003, at 6:13:01
Hi.
I get both anti-depressant effects and increased anxiety from smoking.
I think what it is that when I'm down, sometimes
the nicotene is enough of a stimulant, to bring me up, but if I'm not feeling lethargic depression the nicotene boost can make me really anxious.
I've quit though, I still have the occasional social cigarrette. I couldn't stand having one more thing nagging at me.
It was just another "med" to run out of and have to remember to pick up.
Posted by Ilene on March 13, 2003, at 22:03:50
In reply to Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 3:46:21
> I was just wondering... who all here is a smoker/was once a smoker/has smoked/or has used tobacco in other forms (dip, snuff, etc.)?
>
> Does anyone get anti-depressant effects from tobacco?
> What about anti-anxiety effects?
>
> On the other hand, does anyone find that tobacco worsens depression or anxiety?
>
> I've recently become a smoker. A rather dumb thing to do I know, but it's the easiest way of self-medication around. I've found that nicotine (and perhaps that as of yet undiscovered MAOI-B inhibitor as well), can be very much an anti-depressant. It tends to increase anxiety however, especially in social situations. However, it can also be calming, particularly if I am completely alone. So, yeah, anyone like to share experiences?
It's not surprising. People w/ certain psychiatric disorders smoke more than the rest of the population. There are places called nicotinic receptors in your brain that may have to do with the sensation of well-being.It's interesting that bupropion is sold as an antidepressant (Wellbutrin) and as an anti-smoking drug (Zyban). Have you tried it?
Maybe you can get some of the same lift w/ a nicotine patch. Healthier for your lungs and heart, and doesn't give you that stale-ashtray aroma. Mmmm.
--I.
Posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 22:52:16
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences? » Caleb462, posted by Ilene on March 13, 2003, at 22:03:50
> Maybe you can get some of the same lift w/ a nicotine patch. Healthier for your lungs and heart, and doesn't give you that stale-ashtray aroma. Mmmm.
>
> --I.
>
True. However, nicotine patches, gums, etc. are WAY more expensive than a pack of cigarettes. Three bucks for a pack of cigs, 40-50 bucks for a box of patches. So, yeah.And also... there's just something about smoking, the act of smoking itself, that is rewarding. One part of it is that it is a social thing, the people I hang out with are all smokers, it is something we do together. And I've always enjoyed lighting a cigarette, inhaling, exhaling, tapping off the ash, etc.
And please no one tell me how dumb it is to smoke, I'm well aware of the dangers. But right now I'm just not ready to give it up, even though I've only been smoking for a few months. I don't want to smoke for more than a few years, I just hope I'm not so hooked it's impossible for me to quit by that time.
Posted by Ilene on March 14, 2003, at 8:43:51
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 22:52:16
>
> >
> True. However, nicotine patches, gums, etc. are WAY more expensive than a pack of cigarettes. Three bucks for a pack of cigs, 40-50 bucks for a box of patches. So, yeah.
>I didn't realize how expensive they are. Are they any cheaper if you get them overseas?
>
>
> I've only been smoking for a few months. I don't want to smoke for more than a few years, I just hope I'm not so hooked it's impossible for me to quit by that time.
>Now *that* is pure rationalization. It doesn't take long to become hooked--you seem physiologically primed to do so--and nicotine is possibly the most addictive substance in the world.
The immediate benefit is clear, but since the cost is decades down the road it skews your decision.
--I.
Posted by Dragonslayer on March 14, 2003, at 9:32:04
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Ilene on March 14, 2003, at 8:43:51
Posted by Ron Hill on March 14, 2003, at 10:02:01
In reply to Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 3:46:21
Hi Cale,
>I've found that nicotine (and perhaps that as of yet undiscovered MAOI-B inhibitor as well), can be very much an anti-depressant.
Actually, one of the MAOIs in cigarette smoke has been discovered (i.e.; identified). The compound is 2-naphthylamine and the good news is that it functions as a MAOI-A and MAOI-B. The bad news is that it is a carcinogen.
Here is a link to the abstract:
-- Ron
Posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 12:14:00
In reply to Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 3:46:21
*lighting up a smoke* I have only used cigs. Yep, I do get AD effects from smoking. I also like the way my breathing is when I smoke(sounds odd, I know) but I actually take a deep breath in and a deep breath out. I know there are other ways to achieve this, but smoking works for me now-anyway. I said I would never smoke-welp-never say never. I find it helps my depression but I usually smoke before bed, and was just wondering last night if that affects my sleep? I would think so because nicotine is a stimulant-kinda (I say kinda) like drinking 3 or 4 or 5 cups of coffee before bed. I don't know. I became a smoker at 29, 4 years this November. I also agree, smoking a cig can be calming, particularly if I am alone too. But I do it in social situations as well.
However, I find A LOT when I am nervous that I need to light up. After a movie, while shopping, after I eat, yada yada yada. Bad habit I took up, but if it works....I do think about the long term effects and they scare me-that's where the topic of addiction comes up:-(
Addiction is a toughy-I study it and man, I need to start livin the example of a non-addictive individual.
Hope this helped?
Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I was just wondering... who all here is a smoker/was once a smoker/has smoked/or has used tobacco in other forms (dip, snuff, etc.)?
Does anyone get anti-depressant effects from tobacco?
What about anti-anxiety effects?
On the other hand, does anyone find that tobacco worsens depression or anxiety?
I've recently become a smoker. A rather dumb thing to do I know, but it's the easiest way of self-medication around. I've found that nicotine (and perhaps that as of yet undiscovered MAOI-B inhibitor as well), can be very much an anti-depressant. It tends to increase anxiety however, especially in social situations. However, it can also be calming, particularly if I am completely alone. So, yeah, anyone like to share experiences?
Posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 12:15:12
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Dragonslayer on March 13, 2003, at 6:13:01
Posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 12:17:23
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences? » Caleb462, posted by Ilene on March 13, 2003, at 22:03:50
LOL It's very interesting that bupropion is sold as an antidepressant (Wellbutrin) and as an anti-smoking drug (Zyban). Hmmmmmmmmm *lightin up a smoke*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> It's not surprising. People w/ certain psychiatric disorders smoke more than the rest of the population. There are places called nicotinic receptors in your brain that may have to do with the sensation of well-being.
It's interesting that bupropion is sold as an antidepressant (Wellbutrin) and as an anti-smoking drug (Zyban). Have you tried it?
Maybe you can get some of the same lift w/ a nicotine patch. Healthier for your lungs and heart, and doesn't give you that stale-ashtray aroma. Mmmm.
--I.
Posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 12:20:42
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 22:52:16
However, nicotine patches, gums, etc. are WAY more expensive than a pack of cigarettes. Three bucks for a pack of cigs, 40-50 bucks for a box of patches. So, yeah.-$3 Bucks??? mine are almost $5 LOL I have many friends who don't smoke, and one who cut way down-to like 3 a day.
I've always enjoyed lighting a cigarette, inhaling, exhaling, tapping off the ash, etc. also *sigh* I know it does a lot of damage to our body. *sigh again* I'm not ready to give it up either, Ii have weight to lose.
And please no one tell me how dumb it is to smoke, I'm well aware of the dangers. But right now I'm just not ready to give it up, even though I've only been smoking for a few months. I don't want to smoke for more than a few years, I just hope I'm not so hooked it's impossible for me to quit by that time.
Posted by Ilene on March 14, 2003, at 14:21:49
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences? » Caleb462, posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 12:20:42
>
> I I know it does a lot of damage to our body. *sigh again* I'm not ready to give it up either, Ii have weight to lose.
>
>I think I'm lucky that smoking made me feel so sick I never liked it. But I don't like most drugs of abuse. I don't seem to be wired for it.
I used to hear people rationalize smoking with a "live for today" philosophy, who cares if I don't live so long? Well, okay, that's understandable. Then I got to know people who were in constant pain because they could hardly breathe, could hardly walk, and they couldn't stop smoking. It was more convincing than any of the crap they dished out in school.
Now I have an interest in preserving my carcass not only to live longer (not my ambition all the time) but to live in less physical pain. I am an incredible wuss about pain! (And I go to the dentist on Wednesday.)
My dad is the *only* person I know who quit smoking cold turkey and never had a problem. He started when he had a job painting (or some other physical labor). He said the other guys could take a break for a cig, but the foreman would get on his case if he just took 5. So he started smoking.
He smoked for about 10 years. Then he bought his first new car, went for a drive, and tossed the butt out the window. It flew back in through the back window and burned a hole in the seat. He was so mad at himself that he stopped then and there.
I've had other people tell me they quit drugs and alcohol but *could not* quit smoking.
Ain't life strange.
--I.
Posted by Ritch on March 14, 2003, at 19:43:40
In reply to Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 3:46:21
> I was just wondering... who all here is a smoker/was once a smoker/has smoked/or has used tobacco in other forms (dip, snuff, etc.)?
>
> Does anyone get anti-depressant effects from tobacco?
> What about anti-anxiety effects?
>
> On the other hand, does anyone find that tobacco worsens depression or anxiety?
>
> I've recently become a smoker. A rather dumb thing to do I know, but it's the easiest way of self-medication around. I've found that nicotine (and perhaps that as of yet undiscovered MAOI-B inhibitor as well), can be very much an anti-depressant. It tends to increase anxiety however, especially in social situations. However, it can also be calming, particularly if I am completely alone. So, yeah, anyone like to share experiences?I used to smoke 3 packs a day for several years. That and drink coffee all of the time. It produced significant calming and alerting effects. When I quit it was an out-of-focus hell.
Posted by Eggy on March 14, 2003, at 22:12:26
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences? » Caleb462, posted by Ritch on March 14, 2003, at 19:43:40
A few months ago I quit smoking for 3 weeks. I threw away the ashtrays and wiped down the walls. Now I use dixie cups or anything else I can find as a ashtray until I decide whether or not I will quit again. Not likely I will. I love to smoke. Sometimes during therapy if I get "wild" my therapist takes me out to smoke. It definately has a calming effect on me. I love the way it smells and the way it makes me feel. I just love it. I wish it was good for me. Maybe one day they will decide that smoking is actually good for us, wouldn't that be nice.
Posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 22:31:48
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Eggy on March 14, 2003, at 22:12:26
Posted by fluffy on March 15, 2003, at 15:32:10
In reply to Sounds like a pretty cool therapist :-) (nm), posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 22:31:48
You guys--
That nicotine is totally polluting your judgement!!
I just quit smoking a little over 3 weeks ago. I'm feeling a bit high and mighty--sorry. I can totally relate to your rationalization.I hit a totally rough patch of depression for several months, and I took up smoking again because it was the only thing that would make me get out of bed or go out of the house.
Then when I came out of the depression, I was just plain addicted. It started to get on my nerves, though (when I was with other people) because I had to excuse myself and be all smelly. But alone..mmmmm..I loved the hell out of it.
The only reason I could quit this time was that I got a killer upper respiratory infection. I still have cravings.
I like the story about quitting because a cigarette burned a hole in the seat! That's very funny--whatever works.
Posted by Krissy P on March 15, 2003, at 22:19:11
In reply to Re: Sounds like a pretty cool therapist :-), posted by fluffy on March 15, 2003, at 15:32:10
Posted by ace on March 16, 2003, at 22:02:34
In reply to Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by Caleb462 on March 13, 2003, at 3:46:21
I am a smoker of cigarettes. I never take pot, but.
Since Nardil has made me happy I smoke much more - I used to average 9 a day but probably 14/15 now. I want to cut this down.
I love smoking - esp when a good peice of music is playing ie SLAYER!. But it has no effect whatsoever on any mental prob.
Ace.
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 22:17:25
In reply to Re: Smoking/nicotine experiences?, posted by ace on March 16, 2003, at 22:02:34
Posted by ace on March 17, 2003, at 2:08:14
In reply to woooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo (nm) » ace , posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 22:17:25
Posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 14:49:31
In reply to What does that mean? Can't understand ... (nm) » Krissy P, posted by ace on March 17, 2003, at 2:08:14
ace, to this comment you made "I love smoking - esp when a good peice of music is playing ie SLAYER!." just got a kick out of that:-)
Take care, Kristen
This is the end of the thread.
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