Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

“Atomoxetine also increases heart rate and diastolic blood pressure a little bit,”

This reminds me of some studies I read about weird uses for nicotine. Trials have been run where people with sleep apnea wore nicotine patches with a reduction in episodes. The theory is it keeps the brain stimulated allowing, paradoxically, people to get better sleep. Things like this: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3965253/

Doctors have no desire in getting people hooked on nicotine though, even if there's a net benefit, so it's great if they're finding other medications for the task.




That study is from 1985; subsequent studies have found no such utility for nicotine.

Nicotine harms sleep quality. People wearing patches to bed typically experience bizarre nightmares. Then factor in the cardiac risks.

Moreover, the pharmacology of atomoxetine and nicotine are very different.

Clinical effects of locally delivered nicotine in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12756424/

Effects of nicotine on sleep during consumption, withdrawal and replacement therapy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19345124/

Polysomnographic sleep disturbances in nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, cocaine, opioid, and cannabis use: A focused review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26346395/

Impact of Nicotine and Other Stimulants on Sleep in Young Adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30461442/




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: