Learn More: Stop Smoking
Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting smoking brings about a variety of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Most decrease sharply within a few days, followed by a continued, but slower rate of decline in the second and third week of abstinence. For some people, coping with withdrawal symptoms is like "riding a roller coaster" -- there may be sharp turns, slow climbs, and unexpected plunges. Most symptoms pass within 2 to 4 weeks after quitting.
| SYMPTOM | CAUSE | AVERAGE DURATION | RELIEF |
| Irritability | Body's craving for nicotine. | 2 to 4 weeks | Walks, hot baths, relaxation techniques, nicotine replacement. |
| Fatigue | Nicotine is a stimulant. | 2 to 4 weeks | Take naps; do not push yourself; use nicotine replacement. |
| Insomnia | Nicotine affects brain-wave function and influences sleep patterns; coughing and dreams about smoking are common. | 1 week | Avoid caffeine after 6 p.m.; use relaxation techniques. |
| Cough, Dry Throat, Nasal Drip | Body getting rid of mucous that has blocked airways and restricted breathing. | A few days | Drink plenty of fluids; try cough drops. |
| Dizziness | Body is getting extra oxygen. | 1 or 2 days | Take extra caution; change positions slowly. |
| Lack of concentration | Body needs time to adjust to not having constant stimulation from nicotine. | A few weeks | Plan workload accordingly; try to avoid additional stress during first few weeks. |
| Tightness in chest | Probably due to tension created by body's need for nicotine; may be caused by sore muscles from coughing. | A few days | Use relaxation techniques, especially deep breathing. Nicotine replacement may help. |
| Constipation, Gas, Stomach Pain | Intestinal movement decreases for a brief period. | 1 or 2 weeks | Drink plenty of fluids; add fruits, vegetables and whole grain-cereals. |
| Hunger | Craving for cigarettes can be confused with hunger pangs or with desire for something in the mouth. | Up to several weeks | Drink water or low-calorie liquids; be prepared with low-calorie snacks. |
| Craving for a cigarette | Caused by withdrawal from nicotine, a strongly addictive drug. | Most frequent during first 2 to 3 days; can happen occasionally for months or years | Wait out the urge, which usually lasts only a few minutes. Distract yourself. Make a phone call; walk around the block. |
