Adrenalin Overproduction?

  Can cigarette smoking cause you to produce to much adrenalin? I often feel these "rushes" when I smoke and they make my chest hurt. I know smoking is bad, but how could it be related to adrenalin?

[SA, M.D. - HVMA]

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Dear Heather,
Nicotine is a drug which affects the body and the nervous system in a variety of ways. It definitely promotes the release of a substance called dopamine, which is chemically related to adrenaline (or norepinephrine) and possesses similar stimulant properties.  In fact, dopamine is often  given to people suffering a cardiac arrest to stimulate their hearts and "bring them back to life."
As a smoker with chest pain, you should get checked out by your personal physician ASAP and do everything you possibly can to stop using cigarettes.  Your body is telling you something, and you should pay attention to it.
For a great deal of information about smoking cessation, take a look at my Ask DrSteve web site, conveniently hyperlinked below.  Good luck!
Steve Adelman, M.D. (a.k.a. DrSteve)
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and  treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
keywords: smoking, dopamine, adrenaline
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