Table 3.
Limitations or barriers to using e-cigarettes.
| Theme | Representative Quotes |
|---|---|
| Unsatisfactory substitute for cigarettes and psychiatric medications | “Vaping doesn’t really do it for me. That’s due to there being chemicals in burnt tobacco that function very similar to antidepressants (which is one of the big things that makes tobacco addicting). vaping doesn’t have those, and thus only has the effects of nicotine, which aren’t as strong.” |
| (PI 336)/r/electronic_cigarette | |
| “I’ve had panic disorder since the age of 14. Celexa (and Xanax the first two weeks until it kicked in) helped me. I had a major relapse earlier this year and vaping certainly didn’t help. Had to go back to seeing a therapist and get back on Xanax until my increase in Celexa helped.” | |
| (PI 851)/r/electronic_cigarette | |
| Drug interactions | “Hi all, I recently took up vaping (I enjoy it and it calms me—and helped me kick my weed habit) but I’m concerned that it may mess with my bipolar meds (1000 mg Depakote, 300 mg Seroquel, 300 mg Wellbutrin) if anyone has any experience with this and wouldn’t mind sharing their story I would be very grateful. Peace.” |
| (PI 1206)/r/bipolar | |
| “So, I’m a pharmacist, and I would be glad to delve into your question … The problem? Well, if you are already taking medications that have similar effects, compounding the mechanism of actions (how your medication is working) will lead to increased risk of adverse effects. One of the most dangerous adverse effects from antidepressants is increased suicidal ideation. Other dangerous effects include serotonin syndrome, which often requires immediate hospitalization. This is the reason for the safety warning.” | |
| (PI 257)/r/electronic_cigarette | |
| Nicotine addiction | “I have depression myself—if it helps you that’s awesome. My only real concern would be nicotine possible addiction even if it is in a far less harmful form. Aside from that though, I’m genuinely glad it’s helping you, regardless of nic content.” |
| (PI 1656)/r/electronic_cigarette | |
| “Vaping MAY be healthier but nicotine is still nasty stuff on its own. It is especially bad as it hardens arterial walls, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease and death.” | |
| (PI 663)/r/bipolar | |
| Risks of e-liquids | “I think what the OP means is that nicotine on its own is more poisonous than cyanide and arsenic. 60 mg will kill a light smoker, and I believe 45 mg is enough to kill many people who don’t smoke. Giving nicotine juice to someone with major depressive disorder may not be the best idea in the world.” |
| (PI 60)/r/electronic_cigarette | |
| “I also think pre-filled would be the way to go. Clients getting nic all over their hands or mouth presents some serious trouble. Especially if they have certain issues, they could use it in some pretty negative ways (drinking it, etc.)” | |
| (PI 764)/r/electronic_cigarette | |
| Practical difficulties | “My mother has schizophrenia … She has a terrible smokers cough and I think if I could get her to swap to e-cigarettes it would make a hell of a difference … Trouble is it needs to be dead simple. Even the recharging could cause problems and the refilling almost certainly would have to be done periodically by members of the family … Good charge and easy to charge. Maybe affordable enough to have a few so she can wait for a family member to refill or very easy to refill.” |
| (PI 1475)/r/electronic_cigarette | |
| “I get juice on my hands and in my mouth frequently because I am an idiot. When I first started vaping, I accidentally screwed the bottom of my clearomizer off my ego twist and got 2 mL of 18 mg juice all over my hands. I just wiped it up, went to the kitchen and washed my hands in warm water with some dish washing liquid. Totally fine.” | |
| (PI 70)/r/electronic_cigarette | |
| Cost | “I work in the mental health field, and smoking is a huge issue in terms of both the individual’s health and the safety of their environment. I’m looking for opinions on the easiest to use ecigs. Some individuals have tried Blu or Logic brands (convenience store ecigs) but they haven’t worked well in part due to the high cost ($10–$15).” |
| (PI 13)/r/electronic_cigarette | |
| “Let’s not talk about money. I’ve fallen deep into the rabbit hole. Turn away and save yourselves, but it’s too late for me. Cigarette money is now going on vape gear. Anyway…” | |
| (PI 1111)/r/electronic_cigarette |
OP is commonly used abbreviations for Original Poster.