Hello Alex, I can understand your concern. You are right in your assumption that all the symptoms you are describing are nicotine withdrawal effects. When you are busy, the symptoms disappear is the peculiar sign of nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine stimulates the natural chemicals in your body that are associated with happiness, more alertness, stimulation, etc. Thus, when you quit nicotine, body misses the effects nicotine brought which makes you irritable, fatigues, mood-less and anxious. In addition, nicotine stops the hunger pains. Thus, while you are on nicotine, you do not feel the hunger. By quitting nicotine, you can feel the hunger pangs and so you can eat more and gain weight. The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal start within 24 hours of quitting, they are at their peak for 1-2 weeks and then they reduce in intensity. They disappear in a month to 6 months depending on your level of addiction. However, combating withdrawal symptoms and quitting smoking IS possible and you can surely do it. All it takes is some symptom management. You should take regular breaks from your work, like 10 minutes after every hour and do breathing exercises. Make sure that you keep your hands busy doing something so that they do not crave to reach for a cigarette. To control the weight gain, have more fruits and juices when you feel hungry and keep non-fattening snacks at hand. You can go for a walk, start exercises, take more baths to combat the feelings of fatigue. I appreciate your decision and have faith that you will be able to quit smoking for good. All is takes is strong will power and determination that you will be able to do it. I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Good luck. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah