I was just recently talking to my fellow ADHD friends on the benefits that i felt when i started vaping this summer. It was like i was medicating away my ADHD. I turned to AI to investigate further, its response seemed to underwrite this observation
Gemini output:
Research is exploring nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists as a potential non-stimulant treatment for ADHD, sidestepping the issues of pure nicotine's high addiction liability.
The mechanism focuses on boosting dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh) release in brain areas governing attention and executive function, primarily by targeting the alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nAChR subtypes.
The goal is highly selective compounds that target the cognitive benefits (linked to alpha4beta2) while avoiding undesirable side effects and addiction pathways.
Selective alpha4beta2 Agonists (e.g., ABT-418, ABT-894/Sofinicline): These were developed to strongly activate the receptor most associated with DA release. Pilot and Phase II studies showed a signal of efficacy in adults with ADHD, with effect sizes similar to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine.
Varenicline (Chantix/Champix): This is a partial alpha4beta2 agonist, FDA-approved for smoking cessation. Smaller trials suggested improvements in ADHD symptoms, but large-scale development for ADHD has been limited or terminated, and it is not approved for this indication.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban): An established non-stimulant ADHD treatment (NDRI) and smoking cessation aid. While its main action is norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibition, it also acts as a nicotinic receptor antagonist (blocking it), which is believed to help reduce nicotine craving. It is an approved non-stimulant option for ADHD.
Gemini output: Research is exploring nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists as a potential non-stimulant treatment for ADHD, sidestepping the issues of pure nicotine's high addiction liability.
The mechanism focuses on boosting dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh) release in brain areas governing attention and executive function, primarily by targeting the alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nAChR subtypes.
The goal is highly selective compounds that target the cognitive benefits (linked to alpha4beta2) while avoiding undesirable side effects and addiction pathways.
Selective alpha4beta2 Agonists (e.g., ABT-418, ABT-894/Sofinicline): These were developed to strongly activate the receptor most associated with DA release. Pilot and Phase II studies showed a signal of efficacy in adults with ADHD, with effect sizes similar to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine.
Varenicline (Chantix/Champix): This is a partial alpha4beta2 agonist, FDA-approved for smoking cessation. Smaller trials suggested improvements in ADHD symptoms, but large-scale development for ADHD has been limited or terminated, and it is not approved for this indication.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban): An established non-stimulant ADHD treatment (NDRI) and smoking cessation aid. While its main action is norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibition, it also acts as a nicotinic receptor antagonist (blocking it), which is believed to help reduce nicotine craving. It is an approved non-stimulant option for ADHD.