nicotine-withdrawal-symptoms

 

Depending on how long you’ve smoked and how many cigarettes you have a day, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can last anywhere from several days to several weeks.

Nicotine withdrawal involves physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. The first week, especially days 3 through 5, is always the worst. That’s when the nicotine has finally cleared out of your body and you’ll start getting headaches, cravings, and insomnia.

Most relapses happen within the first two weeks of quitting. If you can get over that hump, the physical symptoms will start to go away -- but you’ll still be dealing with mental and emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. Those will also taper off after a few weeks.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms in Nicotine Withdrawal -

Everybody is different, and symptoms of withdrawal depend on many things, like how long and how many packs a day you’ve smoked. But for the most part, you can expect to have these common physical issues when you quit:

Appetite - Within a day or so of your last cigarette, your appetite will shoot up for a while. Cigarettes bind to receptors in the brain which augment the release of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine from the brain. These two chemicals reduce hunger, so when they’re out of your system you’ll want to eat more. A lot of people also find that they eat to fill the time when they used to be smoking. And unfortunately, you might crave more carbs and sweets. The first 2 weeks are the worst -- most people gain about 3 to 6 kgs as they try to quit smoking.

Cravings - Nicotine cravings are the symptom you will deal with the longest, and they could start just 30 minutes after your last cigarette. Each craving will last only about 15 to 20 minutes, but they’ll keep coming. You’ll need to do your best to avoid triggers (like drinking alcohol or being around people who smoke) and find ways to get yourself through each craving.

Cough - Your respiratory system can’t clean itself very well when nicotine is around. As your body works it out, you’ll probably have a cough that could last for a few weeks.

Headaches and dizziness - These are usually on the mild side, and they’re often the first withdrawal symptom to show up and first to taper off.

Fatigue - Nicotine is a stimulant and perks you up, so you’ll probably feel tired without it. But you’ll also be restless and might have insomnia.

Constipation - For the first month, constipation can be another unpleasant side effect.