What Are the Symptoms After You Quit Smoking?

Quitting smoking is one of the most worthwhile things you can do for your health, and one of the hardest to accomplish. The biggest obstacles are the withdrawal symptoms,which, according to the American Cancer Society, can be as severe as heroin withdrawal. The best way to deal with these symptoms is to be prepared for their occurrence.

Anxiety/Depression

Nicotine withdrawal causes changes in brain wave patterns. Anxiety and depression are common symptoms of quitting smoking, and can be addressed by getting support, positive thinking and therapy if needed.

Insomnia

Normal sleep patterns programmed into brain waves are disrupted by nicotine withdrawal.

Irritability

Irritability is a common symptom of quitting smoking, and is the body's way of dealing with nicotine cravings. Distraction works best to push through these feelings.

Memory Lapses

Loss of stimulation from nicotine causes loss of concentration and memory lapses.

Headache

Tension as well as changes in brain patterns caused by nicotine withdrawal will cause an increase in the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Weight Gain

Losing the stimulation of nicotine combined with a tendency to use food as a replacement for cigarettes will cause a weight gain of around five to ten pounds over the course of a few months.

Fatigue

Nicotine is a stimulant, and the loss of that chemical in the body will cause fatigue. Exercise and extra sleep are the only ways to successfully deal with this symptom.

Resources

• Symptom Overview
• Support for Quitting Smoking
• Guide to Quitting Smoking