Stop Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms of stopping smoking can make some people jump clear out of their skin. You have cravings and mood swings that can make even a bible thumper lose their religion. It can be such an emotional upheaval of high anxiety to beat the nicotine addiction. If you are someone who is wanting to stop smoking, put all the guns under lock and key, and hide the knives in a place they are hard to get to, and get ready for the ride of your life.

Nicotine is an addictive drug found in all tobacco products. For smokers trying to kick the habit, symptoms of withdrawal can be gut wrenchingly stressful. Thankfully it is only a temporary condition, peaking two days after quitting and eradicated within six months.

Common symptoms include:

• Nicotine cravings


• Tension,


• Irritability,


• Headaches,


• Inability to concentrate


• Drowsiness


• Sleeping difficulties


• Increased appetite


• Weight gain


• Depression

Symptoms may not be as intense as the above when switching to cigarettes containing less tar, or when cutting back from the number of cigarettes smoked per day. It should be noted that there is no such thing as a safe cigarette. Low tar or low nicotine doesn't mean you will necessarily get less of these toxins, that is if you don't smoke more to get the level of nicotine your body craves.

Coping:

There are ways for coping with nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine replacement therapy, such as gum or patch can be useful. Other options include clonidine, antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), and buspirone (Buspar). The use of these agents may increase the likelihood of successfully stopping smoking. They are not habit forming and can help with fighting off the cravings associated with nicotine withdrawal.

People trying to quit often become discouraged when they initially fail in their attempt to quit. Research suggests that the more attempts made to stop smoking, you will eventually hit pay dirt. So keep trying until you overcome your addiction to nicotine.

Nicotine withdrawal is only temporary and will cease in time. This is the hardest part of quitting smoking, and coping strategies play a big part.

Complications of quitting:

A complication of quitting smoking is the weight gain. It is a good idea to get into the habit of eating a healthy well balanced diet. Anticipate not only cravings for nicotine, but cravings for food as well. You can combat this factor by increasing your physical activity and burning more calories. Additionally, find healthy snacks to satisfy the cravings for food, such as fresh fruit or vegetable sticks like celery.

You can also contact your health care provider for help in ways to stop smoking. Some options may require a prescription. Your doctor can help you decide what option is best for you to help you successfully stop smoking.

by Barb Hicks, RN