Quitting smoking an anxiety.

 

 Hello, All

  I recently quit smoking about 6 weeks ago and it coincided with another bout of anxiety attacks. I was wondering if the timing was right for quitting smoking and many of the withdrawal  symptoms are similar to those of anxiety so I am not really sure which is causing me to feel so lousy. I have really bad insomnia, I am lucky if I get three hours of sleep now. I am on paxil 10mg, Klonopin as needed and Trazadone 100mg which is suppose to help with sleeping but has not helped me. I don't want to use the way I feel as an excuse to start back smoking, does any one have any ideas?

Thanks!!

Hi!

I quit smoking a year and eight months ago. I experienced severe anxiety and insomnia in the early months of my quit...didn't start to feel "normal" until well into my 4th to 5th month. Now you may feel better sooner than I did...everybody's quit is different in many ways yet the same in others. Be sure to drink lots of ice, cold water. Drink fruit juices and eat healthy snacks to quiet the nicotine cravings. Remember that a crave lasts for just three or four minutes...and remember that a crave is not a command to smoke. Just tell yourself that you will not smoke and you will get through this. Tell yourself this every time you feel weak and anxious. I am very comfortable being a non smoker now. In fact, I love it! I did gain a bit of weight, but I'm almost back to my regular weight now. I still have anxiety issues as I've always been an anxious personality...but it's not as bad as the early withdrawl from smoking. You can do it...you are doing it! Keep kicking butts!

Joni

Oh boy can I relate to this one. I quit smoking 10 years ago after smoking for 29 years. Right away I had bad anxiety and insomnia. What helped me alot was I added a goog multi vitamin into my daily regimen. Don't know why but that really helped. Also, I gave myself a treat. I didn't care if I added a few pounds on or not, I deserved that treat. My treat was a chocolate eclair filled with cream. I only ate one a day, but believe it or not it worked. I also starting walking alot, that helped too. Be good to yourself and be proud of yourself. I agree use the Klonopin as needed and give it time, before you know it these feelings will pass. Nicotine is a nasty and addictive thing, your body is having to learn to live without it. Be kind to yourself.

Big Hugs,
Gail*Nanners*