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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Increased Anxiety, Stress And Insomnia After Quitting Smoking

I have q quick question, I am on 2mg a day(4month) but have been a smoker for 7 yrs. I just quit smoking over a month span and now have been a week without cigs period... I can only discribe my stress level and anxiety like this- it feels like iv been taken 6 steps forward and 3 steps back is this usual for some1 who quit smoking along with my increased anxiety and stress I have now added insomnia to my list of problems.... I go and see my doctor today is this something I should mention if so how do I go about it because I do not want him thinking I want other things
posted on Tue, 18 Dec 2012
Twitter Wed, 19 Dec 2012 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 19 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Concerned.,
Thanks for writing to us.
You have been a Nicotine addict in that you have had Psychological and Physical dependence on Cigarette smoking.That means to say that in the presence of Chemicals (mainly nicotine ) associated with smoking only your systems were able to function normally.Now during Cessation of supply of those chemicals in the internal environment , your systems fail to perform functions properly leading to Withdrawl Syndrome.Cessation of smoking leads to symptoms of nicotine withdrawal such as anxiety and irritability.Professional smoking cessation support methods generally endeavour to address both nicotine addiction and nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
You will have to be examined and treated by a Psychiatryst with Psychotherapy and tranquilisers so that you will not go back to the smoking habit.
Gradually tapering of smoking (Cold Turkey)/speaking to your peer support group/using Nicotine patch/Electronic Cigarettes/Inhalers/Chewing Gums/Lozenges/Group therapy/Aversion Therapy are the available alternatives.
In addition primordial prevention in school days itself by "World No Tobacco Day" Celebration/Motivational Therapy/Health Education etc.
Alternative Medicine also offers hope. Yoga/Breathing excercises/Spiritual approach/Hypnosis/Accupunture can be tried as adjunct therapy after Complete Cessation to prevent Relapses.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.,
Dr Lt Cdr ASN Bhushan.,
Ex-Navy.
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Increased Anxiety, Stress And Insomnia After Quitting Smoking

Dear Concerned., Thanks for writing to us. You have been a Nicotine addict in that you have had Psychological and Physical dependence on Cigarette smoking.That means to say that in the presence of Chemicals (mainly nicotine ) associated with smoking only your systems were able to function normally.Now during Cessation of supply of those chemicals in the internal environment , your systems fail to perform functions properly leading to Withdrawl Syndrome.Cessation of smoking leads to symptoms of nicotine withdrawal such as anxiety and irritability.Professional smoking cessation support methods generally endeavour to address both nicotine addiction and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. You will have to be examined and treated by a Psychiatryst with Psychotherapy and tranquilisers so that you will not go back to the smoking habit. Gradually tapering of smoking (Cold Turkey)/speaking to your peer support group/using Nicotine patch/Electronic Cigarettes/Inhalers/Chewing Gums/Lozenges/Group therapy/Aversion Therapy are the available alternatives. In addition primordial prevention in school days itself by World No Tobacco Day Celebration/Motivational Therapy/Health Education etc. Alternative Medicine also offers hope. Yoga/Breathing excercises/Spiritual approach/Hypnosis/Accupunture can be tried as adjunct therapy after Complete Cessation to prevent Relapses. Wishing you a speedy recovery., Dr Lt Cdr ASN Bhushan., Ex-Navy.