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 unpleasant emotional, mental, and physical effects. This state is called withdrawal.
Nicotine affects the brain. It creates pleasure in the brain, and it improves your mood. When you quit smoking or chewing tobacco, you may have symptoms while your body is getting used to being without the nicotine.
Some people like the feel, smell, and sight of a cigarette and the ritual of handling, lighting, and smoking cigarettes. Missing these rituals make withdrawal and cravings worse.
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal may include:
The symptoms of withdrawal may be very strong, especially during the first 72 hours after you stop using tobacco.
There are no specific tests for nicotine withdrawal. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and your history of tobacco use.
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 may reduce cravings and ease physical symptoms. The dose of nicotine is slowly decreased over several weeks or months.
Your healthcare provider might prescribe Zyban (bupropion) to lessen the craving for nicotine. Chantix (varenicline) may be prescribed to decrease the positive feelings caused by nicotine.
The effects of nicotine withdrawal are different for each person. In general, the symptoms are worst during the first few days after you quit. The symptoms slowly get better over the next few weeks or months. Most people no longer feel the effects of withdrawal 6 to 8 weeks after they quit.
