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Withdrawal

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Answers from
The Pharmacists
America TrustsSM

Topic: Smoking Cessation
Question: I'm planning to quit smoking, and I know that people have a lot of trouble quitting because of withdrawal symptoms. What should I expect? Is there anything to help me get through the symptoms?

Answer:People who quit using tobacco products may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms, including the following:

§ A craving for tobacco

§ Anxiety

§ Decreased blood pressure and heart rate

§ Depression

§ Difficulty sleeping, restlessness

§ Drowsiness

§ Headache

§ Increased appetite and weight gain

§ Increased skin temperature

§ Irritability, difficulty concentrating

§ Upset stomach

While these symptoms tend to go away over time, using nicotine replacement products—such as patches, lozenges, and gum—can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms. The prescription medication bupropion can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and lessen the urge to smoke.

Visit our Smoking Cessation Center for quitting tips and motivation.

Learn more about bupropion.

View stop-smoking products available on Walgreens.com.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1-877-250-5823.