[smart (OP)]

I've decided to seriously quit smoking and my doctor prescribed me transdermal nicotine patchs for smoking
cessation. In addition, I started a cardiovascular exercise training program in order to quit smoking faster... However, my research on the effects of transdermal nicotine replacement therapy is not conclusive. I found mixed scientific reports about the effects of using nicotine patchs and exercise. In particular, it seem cardiovascular exercise can increase the delivery of nicotine and may even increase blood pressure. My blood pressure is in the 140-150/90-100 range. Can I still exercise while using nicotine patches?

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16330894/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11465642/

[mrsmith2211]

maybe you will be fine, caviot if it does not kill you it will make you stronger. Start slow and work your way up is general guidance. but certainly contact a professional for professional advice, Contact an internet for internet advice.

[Colin2B]

......it seem cardiovascular exercise can increase the delivery of nicotine and may even increase blood pressure. My blood pressure is in the 140-150/90-100 range. Can I still exercise while using nicotine patchs ?

Increase in blood pressure is normal in both aerobic and resistance (e.g. weight exercises) and can easily reach 200 systolic in someone with normal BP. This type of temporary increase is beneficial and has been shown to lower BP.
Given your v high BP it would be worth getting a medical ok first and start slowly e.g. a walk/run programme.


Interestingly, the reports you linked showed quite a modest BP increase but quite a significant HR increase, another reason for starting slowly. Your resting HR should also benefit.

[smart (OP)]

Thanks for the replies, mrsmith2211 and Colin2B.

The patchs works great! I've reduced smoking by 60% on day five and still decreasing my daily consumption.

I do also some light bicycling about 10min per day now without any side effects.

[smart (OP)]

Why do nicotine patches cause insomnia? I resumed the patches yesterday and I was awake by 2h30 AM this morning. My sleep was also disturbed by very intense dreams.

[exothermic]

Yes, it's safe [provided you are not presently severely hypertensive] and nicotine is ergogenic. In terms of nicotine and elevated BP - although it's a pressor from an acute standpoint... in the context of regular exercise the overall net effect will be decreased BP, and the nicotine should serve to enhance lipolysis & increase blood flow.

Once in the bloodstream, nicotine is quickly (within seconds) delivered to the brain, where it interacts with neural nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). It is metabolized by the liver cytochrome P450 enzyme system and has a half-life of approximately 2 hours [78]. Upon binding of ACh or its exogenous ligand nicotine, the ion channel is opened and causes an influx of sodium and calcium (Ca2+). This local increase in intracellular Ca2+ can alter cellular functions [79]. A mechanism termed Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release can further boost intracellular calcium upon activation of nAChR [80]. In

In numerous pathways, Ca2+ acts as an intracellular messenger, setting the stage for nAChRs as potent candidates to influence a variety of Ca2+-dependent neuronal processes, such as neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity or gene transcription.

Nicotine activates the sympathoadrenal system, which leads to increased heart rate, contractility, vasoconstriction and a rise in blood pressure and the level of circulating catecholamines during light exercise [85]. Nicotine also increases muscle blood flow [86] and lipolysis due to enhanced circulating levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine as well as direct action on nicotinic cholinergic receptors in adipose tissue [87]. The effects exerted by nicotine may be beneficial in a wide variety of sports and it is suggested that nicotine is abused by athletes [83].

The effects of caffeine, nicotine, ethanol, and tetrahydrocannabinol on exercise performance. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2013; 10: 71. Published online 2013 Dec 13. doi:  10.1186/1743-7075-10-71
PMCID: PMC3878772

[smart (OP)]

Yes, it's safe [provided you are not presently severely hypertensive] and nicotine is ergogenic. In terms of nicotine and elevated BP - although it's a pressor from an acute standpoint... in the context of regular exercise the overall net effect will be decreased BP, and the nicotine should serve to enhance lipolysis & increase blood flow.

Thanks exothermic for your input.
I now fighting chronic hypertension with ACE inhibitor (ramipril), as advised by my doctor. 

[chris]

My sleep was also disturbed by very intense dreams.

I went out whale-watching with a guy one day off the coast of New South Wales. While we were chatting and not seeing any whales he said he had given up smoking. I asked how; he said "patches", but then imparted that it played havoc with his sleep for a while. "Busy dreams!" he said, telling me that he regularly awoke more tired than before he went to bed. So you are in good company.

But giving up smoking is the best thing you can do for long term good health. Keep at it!