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What Causes Depression After Quitting Smoking?
Question: hi , i am been a heavy smoker since 2011. Recently from the last week i have drastically cut down on smoking from 12 to 3 a day . i feel very uneasy in the night after i reach home from work and light the first cigarette. i wouldn't say anxious but thoughts running in my head as if i have a lot on my head . Are these withdrawal symptoms ? Also i take antidepressant paxidep 12.5 mg and spenzo 0.5 mg . i do not think it has got to do with these medicines. i know for sure these symptoms are not relapse . could it be a new mental disorder ? i am getting married end of this year and i am also slightly stressed about that . i donot want to increase my dose because medicines are not the only solution in life. could you tell me how to get over this uneasiness ?
Brief Answer:
These are withdrawal symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us again.
Remember an important point that for any deaddiction motivation of the person to quit the substance is essential. Drugs are there to prevent withdrawal and smoothing the process of quitting.
You have stopped smoking from 12 to 3 suddenly. If you stop cold turkey, you may have some withdrawal symptoms. You are passing through withdrawal phase. You need bupropion, anti anxiety medicines (like propranolol, etizolam or clonazepam) and nicotine pastilles/gums to prevent withdrawal symptoms and stop smoking.If you do not want to take medicines these symptoms may continue for 6-8 weeks. It is better to take medicines and you can stop the same gradually under doctor's guidance in one to two months.
You can take above medicines with your currnet drugs.
Please ask your doctor about mentioned treatment.
Do not hesitate to ask your doubts.
Regards,
Dr Chintan Solanki.
These are withdrawal symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us again.
Remember an important point that for any deaddiction motivation of the person to quit the substance is essential. Drugs are there to prevent withdrawal and smoothing the process of quitting.
You have stopped smoking from 12 to 3 suddenly. If you stop cold turkey, you may have some withdrawal symptoms. You are passing through withdrawal phase. You need bupropion, anti anxiety medicines (like propranolol, etizolam or clonazepam) and nicotine pastilles/gums to prevent withdrawal symptoms and stop smoking.If you do not want to take medicines these symptoms may continue for 6-8 weeks. It is better to take medicines and you can stop the same gradually under doctor's guidance in one to two months.
You can take above medicines with your currnet drugs.
Please ask your doctor about mentioned treatment.
Do not hesitate to ask your doubts.
Regards,
Dr Chintan Solanki.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Hi,
i would like to put this across that i have been off smoking for 10 days at a stretch without feeling a strong pang of withdrawal. this was when i was on vacation with my parents and family which probably kept me busy and diverted from experiencing any withdrawal symptoms. the same happened a month back when my parents had come to visit me and the first few days i have been off ciggs and then only 2 a day. did not experience any pangs at all. is it because then i had a comfort zone of parents around me and was only staying at home and had no work stress. now i am working and staying alone and trying to quit or cutting down is making me uneasy .
i would like to put this across that i have been off smoking for 10 days at a stretch without feeling a strong pang of withdrawal. this was when i was on vacation with my parents and family which probably kept me busy and diverted from experiencing any withdrawal symptoms. the same happened a month back when my parents had come to visit me and the first few days i have been off ciggs and then only 2 a day. did not experience any pangs at all. is it because then i had a comfort zone of parents around me and was only staying at home and had no work stress. now i am working and staying alone and trying to quit or cutting down is making me uneasy .
Brief Answer:
When motivation is high withdrawal is low
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for clarification and sorry for delayed response..
I have seen many chronic patients with smoking who can stop cold turkey without medicines and withdrawal. Smoking causes psychological and physical dependence. Physical withdrawal is not much severe when person is psychologically motivated for deaddiction.
Presence of parents and diversion of mind in other activities of course helded you to avoid withdrawal. Now you are alone that is why it is somewhat difficult. I recommend consulting your psychiatrist for motivational counselling and required medicines. You just to become firm that you won't relapse. I hope that you will need the least medications.
Best of luck.
When motivation is high withdrawal is low
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for clarification and sorry for delayed response..
I have seen many chronic patients with smoking who can stop cold turkey without medicines and withdrawal. Smoking causes psychological and physical dependence. Physical withdrawal is not much severe when person is psychologically motivated for deaddiction.
Presence of parents and diversion of mind in other activities of course helded you to avoid withdrawal. Now you are alone that is why it is somewhat difficult. I recommend consulting your psychiatrist for motivational counselling and required medicines. You just to become firm that you won't relapse. I hope that you will need the least medications.
Best of luck.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I would also like to know can there be depletion of serotonin in the brain suddenly causing depression ? Do depression has a reason or it can happen to someone leading a perfectly healthy life ? What can help me to keep my serotonin level high at all times without always resorting to medicine . Are there any natural ways to increase your serotonine ?
Brief Answer:
Depression can occur due to many reasons
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Serotonin does not deplete suddenly from brain. It is a gradual process. Depression can occur due to biological, psychological and social factors in which one or all factors are involved in different persons. Norepinephrine and Dopamine are also involved in depression.
Yes depression can occur in normal living life person also.
Healthy lifestyle including scheduled sleep, meals and exercise is the best approach which can naturally maintain serotonin level.
Lifestyle modifications including CBT - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can help to prevent depression without use of medicines.
Take care.
Depression can occur due to many reasons
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Serotonin does not deplete suddenly from brain. It is a gradual process. Depression can occur due to biological, psychological and social factors in which one or all factors are involved in different persons. Norepinephrine and Dopamine are also involved in depression.
Yes depression can occur in normal living life person also.
Healthy lifestyle including scheduled sleep, meals and exercise is the best approach which can naturally maintain serotonin level.
Lifestyle modifications including CBT - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can help to prevent depression without use of medicines.
Take care.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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