>>> Heather Elizabeth Baird
<[log in to unmask]> 05/30/97 07:38am >>>
Like, when I was using Sinemet, it was CR 200/50, I took it
with meals. Once I stopped taking Nicotine, however, I don't
seem to need the Sinemet anymore. Has anyone else out
there found that their condition improves when you stop
smoking?
[log in to unmask]>>>>
Hello BB:
Your experience seems to run counter to recent studies . . .
"Nicotine may relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's,"
Psycopharmacology, 1994 vol 116:117-119;
"Cigarettes and Parkinson's," Neurology, 1995 vol 45:
1041-1051;
"Nicotine as a Therapeutic Drug," NC MED J, 1995 VOL 56:
48-51.
These studies claim an inverse effect from smoking.
Nicotine has been shown to increase the activity of the nerve
cells that produce dopamine in the brain. Nicotine also acts
to replace a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, used in memory
retrieval. Clinical trials on a limited number of PD patients
using nicotine gum and nicotine patches show these patients
to be more energetic, in a better mood, have clearer speech,
show less tremor and experience improved sleep.
A review of the various studies (about 45) led the
researchers to conclude that the incidence of PD in smokers
is lower than non-smokers. But, no direct correlation to
nicotine was credited with these findings.
Stephan 52/6
