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SIDE EFFECTS OF NICOTINE
WITHDRAWAL
Many people experience problems when trying to stop smoking and a smoker
may report having some of these symptoms as they withdraw from nicotine.
Craving
An intense desire to smoke which typically lasts 2 to 3 minutes before subsiding.
This becomes less frequent and less intense during the first 3 weeks. Finding a
distraction for the duration of the episode can help, as can deep breathing
exercises and taking glucose tablets.
Increased appetite
Nicotine is known to suppress a person's appetite, which leaves many smokers able
to skip meals. When people give up, the resulting lack of nicotine can cause cravings,
which may also be interpreted as hunger. The combined effects of changes in the
body's metabolism and an increased appetite cause weight gain. Many people
experience an improved sense of taste and some replace cigarettes with snacking.
Suggest that your client tries eating less high calorie foods and increases their level of
exercise.
Tearfulness
Anxiety, irritability and loss of concentration - all these can be attributed to the
upheaval of breaking a long-established habit and adjusting to the physical problems.
Some smokers go through an identifiable 'grief' process which may take a few
months to adjust to.
Sleep disturbance
It is not uncommon to have an initial week of sleeping badly followed by a week
of difficulty staying awake.
Worsened cough
The millions of tiny hairs designed to keep the air passages clean start to clear away
the dirt caused by cigarette smoke. This can cause a temporary cough. A doctor
should be consulted if this persists.
Light-headed I dizzy feelings
This may occur as the level of carbon monoxide in the blood starts to fall and
oxygen supply to the brain increases.
Tingling sensations in the body
Probably a sign of better circulation to the hands and feet.
Sore tongue and mouth ulcers
Probably a result of chemical and bacterial changes in the mouth. It is advisable
to recommend medical advice for symptoms if they persist.
Constipation
Tobacco has a laxative effect on which the bowels learn to rely.
Reassure your clients that these are signs of recovery and will eventually pass.
It's important to advise smokers that using pharmacotherapy products will greatly
reduce these symptoms and double their chance of long term quitting.
Chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco smoke make smoking harmful.
Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 different chemicals. At least 43 are known
carcinogens (cause cancer in humans).
Cigarettes are one .of few products which can be sold legally which can harm
and even kill you over time if used as intended.
Currently there are ongoing lawsuits in the USA which aim to hold tobacco
companies responsible for the effects of smoking on the health of long term
smokers.
Benzene (petrol additive)
A colourless cyclic hydrocarbon obtained from coal and petroleum, used as a
solvent in fuel and in chemical manufacture - and contained in cigarette smoke. It is
a known carcinogen and is associated with leukaemia.
Formaldehvde (embalming fluid)
A colourless liquid, highly poisonous, used to preserve dead bodies - also found
in cigarette smoke. Known to cause cancer, respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal
problems.
Ammonia (toilet cleaner)
Used as a flavouring, frees nicotine from tobacco turning it into a gas, found in dry
cleaning fluids.
Acetone (nail polish remover)
Fragrant volatile liquid ketone, used as a solvent, for example, nail polish remover
found in cigarette smoke.
Tar
Particulate matter drawn into lungs when you inhale on a lighted cigarette. Once
inhaled, smoke condenses and about 70 per cent of the tar in the smoke is
deposited in the smoker's lungs.
Nicotine (insecticide/addictive drug)
One of the most addictive substances known to man, a powerful and fastacting medical and non-medical poison. This is the chemical which causes
addiction.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) (car exhaust fumes)
An odourless, tasteless and poisonous gas, rapidly fatal in large amounts - it's
the same gas that comes out of car exhausts and is the main gas in cigarette
smoke, formed when the cigarette is lit. Others you may recognise are :
Arsenic (rat poison), Hvdrogen Cvanide (gas chamber poison)
source: Health Education Authority (UK) - Lifesaver
Reviewed 06/2014
How stopping smoking will
benefit your health
•
•
TIME AFTER
STOPPING
20 minutes .•...
;-
Blood pressure and heart
rate improve.
Circulation improves in hands
and feet making them warmer.
8 h0urs
Right Time
Nicotine and carbon monoxide
levels in the blood reduce by half,
oxygen levels return to normal.
Programme
24 hours
Carbon monoxide will be
eliminated from the body.
Lungs start to clear out mucus and
other smoking debris.
Chances of a heart attack start to fall.
48·hours
There is no nicotine left in the body.
Ability to taste and smell
is greatly improved.
72 hours
Breathing becomes easier.
Airway passages in the lungs begin .
to relax. Energy levels increase.
Get more out of life
•
•
•
•
•
Cope with sudden exertion better
Perform better at physical activities
Senses of taste and smell improve
Hair, clothes and skin will smell fresher
Look better, with a healthier looking complexion and no
more smoking-stained yellow teeth and fingers
• No more smoking-stained decor in your house
• Feel good about yourself - you're no longer addicte( to
nicotine
• Smoking is an expensive habit - the average smoke
(20 a day) spends over £100 per month on cigarette~
• Enjoy a better life with increased spending power
• GlaxoSmithKline
Further information is available on request from: GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park West. Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1BT
GEN 26271 - MWL Man;