In the first few weeks after an abrupt decrease or discontinuation in the intake of nicotine occurs, a group of symptoms collectively known as nicotine withdrawal will develop. Keep reading the Nicotinell guide to find more advice about this process.
There’s a series of neurotransmitters released into your brain through smoking when you’re nicotine dependent, with dopamine being one of these. It’s dopamine that gives you that relaxed and satisfied feeling when you light up. Nicotine’s effects on the brain also includes reducing irritability and reducing appetite.
When ending your dependency on nicotine — even as soon as 30 minutes after your last use of tobacco — you may feel withdrawal symptoms. These will vary on your level of addiction but can include all of the following:
An intense craving for nicotine
Anxiety
Coughing and a possible sore throat
Depression
Finding it hard to concentrate
Headaches
Insomnia
Intestinal cramping
Irritability
Nausea
Sweating
A tingling feeling in the hands and feet
Weight gain
It can be tough when these withdrawal symptoms strike, but know that it’s your body’s way of getting back to a healthy way of functioning. Hang in there. Stick with it. It will get better as your quit progresses.