Nicotine - Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Tobacco use causes the liver to produce more enzymes that can lower the blood levels of other medicines. Doctors should alter the doses of prescription drugs and monitor patients more carefully if those patients are using tobacco or nicotine replacement products. Nicotine should not be combined with certain asthma drugs, blood thinners, antipsychotic drugs, drugs for migraine headaches, and some antidepressants. Nicotine also interferes with some blood pressure medications such as Procardia and Tenormin. Women who are using birth control pills are urged not to smoke, because the combination of the pills and the tobacco can increase the likelihood of blood clots.

Any combination of nicotine and cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens, or marijuana can heighten the effects of the illegal drugs and possibly lead to irregular heartbeat or breathing problems. Heavy use of tobacco and alcohol further increases cancer risks. (Entries on alcohol and marijuana are available in this encyclopedia.)