According to Dr Sanberg, the paradox of nicotine use in this case is explained because the drug is being administered continuously, via a patch, thus overloading the nicotinic receptors.

ECONOMIST: Great drug, shame about the delivery system

Paul Sanberg, a neuroscientist at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and his colleagues, have found that a nicotine patch enhances the ability of haloperidol to suppress the symptoms of Tourette's.

ECONOMIST: Great drug, shame about the delivery system | The

In the meantime, says Dr Sanberg, people with Tourette's syndrome who have not responded to more conventional therapies have nothing to lose by asking their doctors to prescribe mecamylamine, perhaps to take in addition to their current medication.

ECONOMIST: Great drug, shame about the delivery system