This article reviews the common nicotine withdrawal symptoms as well as timelines and strategies to successfully quit.
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How Does Nicotine Withdrawal Work?
The answer lies in a substance known asnicotine.
Khaosai Wongnatthakan / EyeEm / Getty Images
Nicotine is anaddictive chemicalthat’s found in all tobacco products.
What Are the Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal?
Most people who use nicotine regularly will experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms when they stop.
Physical Symptoms
Weight gain after quitting smoking is a common physical health concern.
Days
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can begin as soon as 30 minutes after your last cigarette.
After that, the intensity of symptoms usually drops over the first month.
However, everyone is different, and some people have withdrawal symptoms for several months after quitting.
However, the study also reported that some quitters experienced more prolonged withdrawal, with symptoms persisting for months.
Months
Some people who quit smoking may experience cravings months after they quit.
This can happen for a number of reasons, including smoking habits, environment, and behaviors.
However, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal significantly decrease in the months after quitting.
How Is Nicotine Withdrawal Treated?
Examples of NRTs include nicotine gum, lozenges, nasal spray, inhalers, and skin patches.
Over-the-counter (OTC) therapies include nicotine gum, lozenges, and some transdermal patches.
Patches give a measured dose of nicotine through the skin.
Youre weaned off nicotine by switching to lower-dose patches over several weeks.
Potential symptoms using the patch include skin irritation, dizziness, and a racing heart.
Symptoms may include nasal irritation, runny nose, watery eyes, throat irritation, and coughing.
These symptoms usually get better in one to two weeks.
Nicotine inhalers:The nicotine inhaler is a thin plastic tube with a nicotine cartridge inside.
Although they look similar to electronic cigarettes, they are not the same.
Non-Nicotine Prescription Medications
There are prescription drugs that have been shown to help people quit tobacco.
Some of them can be used along with NRT.
Usually, you start taking the medication in the weeks before the day you plan to quit.
It also reduces the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
It is usually started one to two weeks before quitting smoking to get the best results.
Other medications that may help with withdrawal symptoms include nortriptyline and clonidine.
Is It Better to Quit Smoking Cold Turkey?
It is safe to quit smoking without using NRTs or prescription medications, but it can be hard.
Most people who quit without medicines experience worse urges and withdrawal symptoms.
Talk with your healthcare provider to determine a strategy that’s right for you.
On the contrary, the benefits of quitting tobacco far outweigh the risks of withdrawal symptoms.
Some withdrawal symptoms include cravings, irritability, increased appetite, restlessness, sleep issues, and more.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is safe to detox from nicotine without the use of medications or NRT.
Consult with your healthcare provider to determine a strategy that’s right for you.
Nicotine can stay in your blood and be detected in your urine for between one to three days.
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