Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal Symptoms of Nicotine

** Disclaimer - Most of the below symptoms are common complaints of a nicotine user in withdrawal. This page is not intended as medical advice. It is for information purposes only. Never self treat or medicate. If you have any type of illness, disease or pregnant, please consult your physician before attempting any type of alternative therapy.

Irritability, Anger, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Emotional, Depression and Frustration

Recognize that your body is craving nicotine mentally and physically. Nervous system is going amuck and you are in a grieving process. Smokers continuously stimulate the nervous system and it is now returning to normal. The worst symptoms subside 1-2 weeks from the physical withdrawal, most call this period “Hell Week”; Mental obsession symptoms subside after healthier ways of living is developed or ingrained. This could take months to years.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY: If you have thoughts of suicide or injuring someone else, you hurt yourself or others, or you get into frequent fights. If Anxiety and Panic attacks are persistent or if they cause you to avoid certain people, place or situations.

Alternative Solution: Develop skills for healthier living styles by working The 12 Steps of Nicotine Anonymous; Give yourself a reward for staying quit especially after you have gone through Hell Week or any other mile marker. Use relaxation techniques such as focus on breathing, meditation, prayer, a walk in nature, hot baths, and exercise. Avoid high amounts of sugar. Avoid complete withdrawal of caffeine or adding extra caffeine to your diet, only make attempts to cut back on caffeine. The body now utilizes caffeine much more efficiently due to better circulation.

Fatigue and Lack of Concentration

Recognize that smokers have used nicotine as a stimulant to perk themselves up. Last 2-4 weeks.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR: If it last more then 4 weeks.

Alternative Solution: Get extra sleep, take naps, don’t take on new projects if at all possible during this time, give yourself permission to heal and drink plenty of water.

Insomnia

Recognize that the brain wave function is upset and trying to sort things out. Vivid dreams are common complaint, especially with the 24 hour nicotine replacement patch. Anxiety from not smoking or using nicotine also is noted at this time. Last about 2-4 weeks. Bupropion may add to insomnia.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR: If last more then 4 weeks and/or if you are on Bupropion therapy and the below solution does not work over the next few days.

Alternative Solution: - Take naps, oversleep, avoid caffeine at night but do not withdraw from caffeine at this time, and avoid other stimulants at night, such has exercise, intense conversation, etc. Try to do relaxation techniques before sleep and when you wake up. Remove the nicotine replacement patch at night.  

Coughing

Recognize that coughing is part of the healing process. The lungs are ridding themselves of the tar that has been built up. Once, multiple hair like follicles aided in cleansing the lungs of foreign materials but smoking destroyed most of the follicles. The good news is that they are returning and doing their job, which means you are going to cough that stuff up and you will better prepared for fight off colds or other lungs problems in the future. This healing process may last up to 9 months.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY: If you have new emerging shortness of breathe or if it becomes worse, cough up blood tinged phlegm, if phlegm does not come up easy, you develop a persistent, hacking cough on top of another illness or if cough last more then 1-2 months.

Alternative Solution – Drink plenty of water to thin the tar and mucous, take cough drops especially those with mint and eucalyptus. Drink fruit juice – orange juice is a good choice as it replaces the vitamin C that smokers need.

Dizziness

Recognize that your body is getting more oxygen then what it has been used to getting. Adjustment period is few days or you maybe taking too strong of a nicotine replacement therapy product.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY: If you are experiencing reoccurring dizzy spells, or if symptoms last more then a few days, have ringing in ears or deafness after a dizziness attack, Dizziness can be a symptom of many disorders, some serious as stroke and heart attack and needs proper assessment by a physician. ALSO, SEE CHEST PAIN SECTION

Alternative Solution: Change position slowly, Avoid activities that would place you at risk for falls or injury to yourself or others. Assess your nicotine replacement therapy. 

Chest pain, numbness, weakness, blurred vision, if you faint and/or change in ability to speak –

SEE YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY! IT IS BEST TO BE SAFE THEN SORRY  

Constipation, Indigestion, Gas, Stomach Pain

Recognize that intestinal movement decreases for 1-2 weeks.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR: If your symptoms last more then 3 weeks spite extra fiber, fluids and exercise, If you notice blood in your stool or if abdomen pain is severe.

Alternative Solution: Drink plenty of fluids; add fiber to diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals), exercise. Assess proper use of chewing nicotine gum or even other gums. 

Craving For A Cigarette, Urgency

Withdrawal from nicotine, an addictive drug - Most frequent first 2-4 days; can happen for months or even years.

SEE YOUR SPONSOR OR OTHER QUITTERS FOR SUPPORT

Alternative Solution: Wait out the urge. Urges last only a few minutes; distract yourself; exercise, play music, have a sugar-free treat, drinks lots of water.

Weight Gain

Recognize that 3-10 lbs is consider normal and not everyone gains weight. The weight can wait until after you have a few months under your belt.

SEE YOU SPONSOR OR OTHER QUITTERS FOR SUPPORT

Alternative Solution: Avoid high sugar and fat products. Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. Make better choices in your eating habits but do not diet at this time.