Nicotine is a dopamine agonist--that's why it helps with those conditions. It's also why buproprion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can help people quit smoking, the extra dopamine keeps the nicotine from binding to the dopamine receptors in the brain. (Wellbutrin kicked my 30-year habit in about two days).

On the other hand, nicotine is something like 19 times as addictive as heroin...it's not a really good thing to put in your body to help with depression. You think antidepressants have side effects? You ain't seen nothin' yet! (Except for wi-fighter, of course)!

I hope you're feeling better!

DJ