Is fatigue a common symptom of nicotine withdrawal?

Question

My partner quit smoking 3 weeks ago and has been experiencing fatigue, especially at the end of the day - she retires much earlier than usual.

Answer 1

yes! some of the common symptom of nicotine withdrawal.

Cravings to smoke

Irritable, cranky

Insomnia

Fatigue

Inability to Concentrate

Headache

Cough

Sore throat

Constipation, gas, stomach pain

Dry mouth

Sore tongue and/or gums

Postnasal drip

Tightness in the chest

Coping Skills for Nicotine Withdrawal, The Five D's

01. Delay until the urge passes - usually within 3 to 5 minutes.

02. Distract yourself. Call a friend or go for a walk.

03. Drink water to fight off cravings.

04. Deep Breaths - Relax! Close your eyes and take 10 slow, deep breaths.

05. Discuss your feelings with someone close to you or at the support forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation.

Other Ways to Manage Nicotine Withdrawal Include:

Exercise. If you're unaccustomed to exercising, start slowly. Take a 15-minute walk once or twice a day, and work up from there. Choose activities that appeal to you, so you'll do them consistently. Exercise reduces cravings to smoke while helping you feel better in general.

Get More Rest. As smokers, our bodies were used to taking in not only nicotine, but all of the literally thousands of other chemicals in cigarette smoke. The stress of abruptly cutting off that supply, as unhealthy as it was, can leave us feeling tired and wilted. If you're fatigued and can manage it during the day, take a nap. And go to bed a little earlier than usual if you need to. It will do you good.

On the other hand, if you're at the opposite end of the spectrum and find yourself unable to sleep (which is common also), try taking a long walk several hours before bed.

Take a Multivitamin. Consider adding a good multivitamin to your daily regimen for the first few months after quitting tobacco. It will help offset nicotine withdrawal symptoms and replenish depleted nutrients.

Relaxation and Rewards. Take time alone to read a good book. Indulge in a hot bath at the end of the day. Whatever pampers and relaxes you is a great choice. Don't think of it as a luxury; think of it as a protective measure for your quit program.

Cessation is hard work early on, and when we take the time to recharge our batteries and replenish our spirits, we put ourselves in the best possible position for continued success. Do this step religiously every single night, and you'll find that you are better equipped to start the next day off on the right foot.

Don't let nicotine withdrawal scare you!

Remember - nicotine withdrawal is a temporary phase of recovery. It doesn't last long and better days....much better days lie ahead. The fantastic feeling of freedom and control you'll get when you successfully beat this addiction is worth every bit of effort you give to quitting, and then some.

You are worth it.