Posted by Richard on January 2, 2000, at 14:56:39
In reply to Re: Question -- Re: Nicotine gum, posted by Paul on November 30, 1998, at 16:48:30
Paul- fyi
Of course this is anecdotal, but you may be interested in my own experience.
Like you, I've never smoked, or rather I tried smoking while in the Air Force (1961-63). After two weeks, I noticed it interfered with my breathing, and seemed to produce an acidity in the mouth which might affect the teeth. So I've not smoked for the ensuing 39 years.
I knew, however, of the stimulant affects of nicotine. Noticing that Imus uses it, I did some research and found that the consensus of the medical literature (for whatever that is worth), is that it produces, if anything, improvements in blood pressure.
As a joke to my smoking-wife, I told her I was jealous of those with a bad habit, and, maybe, if I started with Nicorette, I could work backwards to the day when I could tolerate cigarettes.
That was 3 years ago. In that time, I've returned my weight to high school levels (which was on the low side since I swam on the Varsity team) having lost an average of about 1/2 lb per week. I'm down to 175 from 260 at the start. I've maintained my muscle-mass with weight lifting, and high-tech supplements. I feel well; I get nothing but positive feedback from friends and relatives.
Further I had my first health check in 10 years, with blood pressures of 120/82, down from my last when I was playing raquetball through the '80's. At the time, according to Kaiser, I was at 132/95 in 1990.
Actually I knew this, as I take my own blood pressure daily, and record everything I eat, having done this for the last 3 years.
No one can predict the long term effects of Nicotine usage, especially since genetics plays such an important role in most forms of cancer. If my use of Nicotine gum were to show any side effects (such as lesions in the mouth) I would quit in an instance, as I tend to be reasonably disciplined.
The upside is, as you've noticed, is a calming effect, and a stimulant effect.
The idea that you've become acclimated is highly subjective. Nicorette has the advantage of allowing you to adjust the levels of the drug in your system under your own control, rather than a prescriptive medicine where one must include the medical profession in the loop.
Ritilin is not without risk, btw. It is also a stimulant. Addictive to a lessor extent than other amphetamines. The biggest problem with that route, in my humble opinion, is the risk of putting your fate in the hands of someone other than yourself. Mental and physical independence is to be highly prized.
A good balanced diet with moderate excercise would be my prescription. And maybe some study of both in your spare time.
So chew away if you can afford/justify it. At some point, if the literature continues to show no problems, the cost will come down as the market will prevail.
Just wanted to make sure the scare mongers were not the only factor in your choices.
Richard
> Thanks for the info. I don't plan on using it for long, just until I see my doc to get more Ritalin. And you're right; after habitual use it seems to have no effect.
> And it's very expensive!!
poster:Richard
thread:1334
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000101/msgs/17846.html