Can The Nicotine Patch Help With Tics?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

I understand that there is a nicotine patch Habitrol that has some success with tic disorder.  Please comment.

ANSWER:

Some tics, particularly those with Tourette's Syndrome are due to problems in the brain's dopamine system.  Some researchers believe nicotine's dopamine effects can improve the syndrome.  It's controversial because nicotine is so addicting and most people treat themselves with the incredibly toxic nicotine delivery system called cigarettes.