Anybody with PD using nicotine patches?

[ForViolet]

My husband with PD asked me to ask my friends on HU whether any have used nicotine patches. His MD prescribed some to try. But husband hasn't filled the Rx.

So, if you've tried them what do you think. Did they help with energy or anything? What's the dose? And do you take them on a schedule?

Any info appreciated !!

[Bear1927]

I used them back in 2016 for 3 months until side effects kicked in - severe womitting.

B1 or any other B patches will do a better job

[ForViolet in reply to Bear1927]

Thank you for that info. He has seen improvement with high dose B1.

[Bear1927 in reply to ForViolet]

great, try to add natural nicotine (cigars)I regret I never smoked until 2020

[ForViolet in reply to Bear1927]

Oh, thanks. Ray Peat used to say there were benefits to starting tobacco later in life. I don't think he'll go for it, but I always remark how I love the smell of cigar smoke. We'll see...

[SAGoodman]

Here you go!healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

[ForViolet in reply to SAGoodman]

Thank you. I look forward to reading this. My husband thanks both of you who replied.

[ForViolet in reply to SAGoodman]

Thank you again. Have copied most of the info on that page and sent to the patient. 👍

[Siobhan33]

In his book, The Promise of Lithium, Neurologist Thomas Guttuso mentioned a statistic that smokers had a lower chance of getting PD. The thought was it had something to do with Nicotine. A study funded by the Fox foundation proved that having a nicotine patch did nothing to minimize chances of getting Parkinson's or relieve symptoms, but possibly other ingredients that are in cigarettes could possibly be the reason for the lower statistic.

[Shlim]

My husband is currently trying the gum, just one piece a day in a desperate attempt to help with severe fatigue and brain fog that is threatening his ability to work part time. He has been prescribed other stimulants in the past, modafinil, concerta, caffeine pills, which had horrible side effects or didn't work or made his tremor worse. It's only been a week, but, he has more energy, feels more awake, has a sense of humor again, and says he can see better. He does get light headed for a short time. It is not recommended for non smokers with heart conditions as it can speed your heart rate and higher your blood pressure apparently. We had to try something. So far so good...Thank you for posting.

[ForViolet in reply to Shlim]

Thanks, your reply helps because he does have a heart condition. So, his inclination to forgo the patch was probably right for him.

So glad to hear of your husband. I know that feeling of being encouraged when the sense of humor returns! Fortunately, mine too has more energy and a sense of humor these days.

[Shlim in reply to ForViolet]

Hi, maybe your hubby could try a really low dose under close supervision? My husband wears one of those watches that can track your heart rate. I thought that my husband's positive response was maybe just a fluke, but he no longer sleeps during the day, says he can concentrate better, his executive function (planning) is way better and he is able to work. He says he can see better ??? Waiting for bad side effects but I just haven't seen any yet. He's doing waaaay better than he was. All those crazy drugs from the neuro and a gum works? Keep in touch...

[ForViolet in reply to Shlim]

Thank you Shlim.

[lovelabretrievers]

I have not tried the patch but have been using nicotine gum for over 6 months (starting with 6-8 mg a day, now up to 12-16mg a day). Side effects are feeling a little light headed after using the gum, nothing else for me. I have not noticed progression and plan on continuing with the gum, maybe even increasing the dose.

[ForViolet in reply to lovelabretrievers]

Thank you. I haven't been able to get my husband (HWP) to use any form of nicotine but I'm using up the patches. I told him about your using the gum, but there's a problem. He can't use peppermint/spearmint (gets blood in urine) and that's the only gum he likes.

That's very good that you've not noticed progression. I'd continue too if I were you!