Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Tiredness And Severe Body Pain After Quit Smoking?

I stopped smoking a little over a month ago after smoking for 40 years. Overall my health is very good and always has been. Since I've quit, my breathing and sense of smell is much better, but I am very tired and feel achy all the time. Is this normal? I try to munch on carrots, celery with peanut butter, gator aide, and oatmeal, but I've still gained weight. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Fri, 8 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 8 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello, thanks for the query & I congratulate you on the decision to quit smoking. As you might be aware, cigarette smoke contains nicotine (the actual addictive substance) in addition to numerous other carcinogenic chemicals. Nicotine gives a sense of wellbeing, energy, increases heart rate, body metabolism & produces a sense of alertness. After quitting, as body has become habituated to pleasurable effects of nicotine, it manifests nicotine withdrawal in various forms like craving, irritability, lethargy & other symptoms listed by you. Hence, you can try nicotine chewing gums/pastilles containing 2mg & 4mg nicotine under doctor's advice & as per your amount of cigarettes smoked daily. In addition a drug by name Bupropion will help to reduce craving, reduce fatigue, lethargy due to nicotine withdrawal. Consult your doctor for this. Hope this helps. Good Luck
I find this answer helpful
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.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Tiredness And Severe Body Pain After Quit Smoking?

Hello, thanks for the query & I congratulate you on the decision to quit smoking. As you might be aware, cigarette smoke contains nicotine (the actual addictive substance) in addition to numerous other carcinogenic chemicals. Nicotine gives a sense of wellbeing, energy, increases heart rate, body metabolism & produces a sense of alertness. After quitting, as body has become habituated to pleasurable effects of nicotine, it manifests nicotine withdrawal in various forms like craving, irritability, lethargy & other symptoms listed by you. Hence, you can try nicotine chewing gums/pastilles containing 2mg & 4mg nicotine under doctor s advice & as per your amount of cigarettes smoked daily. In addition a drug by name Bupropion will help to reduce craving, reduce fatigue, lethargy due to nicotine withdrawal. Consult your doctor for this. Hope this helps. Good Luck