What is nicotine withdrawal?
Tobacco products (cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe
tobacco, and cigars) contain the chemical nicotine.
Nicotine is as addicting as cocaine or heroine. Most people
who quit smoking or chewing tobacco have physical symptoms
of withdrawal from nicotine.
How does it occur?
Nicotine affects the brain. It creates pleasure in the
brain, and it improves your mood. So, when you quit smoking
or chewing tobacco, you may have physical symptoms while
your body is getting used to being without the nicotine.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal may include:
- nervousness
- trouble concentrating
- depressed mood
- nicotine craving
- irritability
- restlessness
- headaches
- drowsiness
- upset stomach
- slowed heart rate
- increased appetite
- shaky hands
- trouble sleeping.
The symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine may be very strong,
especially during the first 72 hours after you stop using
tobacco.
How is it diagnosed?
There are no specific tests for nicotine withdrawal. Your
healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and your
history of tobacco use.
How is it treated?
Nicotine replacement therapy lets you slowly decrease the
amount of nicotine in your system over time. Using
nicotine gum, patches, or an inhaler as you quit tobacco
helps reduce cravings and ease physical symptoms. The dose
of nicotine is slowly decreased over several weeks or
months.
Your healthcare provider might prescribe the antidepressant
Zyban (bupropion), which also reduces symptoms of nicotine
withdrawal.
How long will the effects last?
The effects of nicotine withdrawal are different for each
person. In general, the symptoms are worst during the first
few days after quitting use of tobacco. The symptoms
gradually get better over the next few weeks or months.
Most people no longer feel the effects of withdrawal 6 to 8
weeks after quitting.
What can I do to prevent this from happening to me again or
to others?
- Don't start smoking again.
- Join a stop-smoking support group or class.
- Teach your children and friends about the dangers of
cigarette smoking.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2007 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.
