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What Causes Lack Of Concentration After Quitting Smoking?

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Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015
Question: I have been smoking for 30 years and stopped three weeks ago. should I still feel like I cant concentrate.
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Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
medicines will help

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

30 years is long duration. You did not mention the quantity.But stopping smoking cold turkey without help of medicines after such duration is likely going to cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may last for 1 month to 6 months.

Common withdrawal symptoms of smoking are: cravings (nicotine is the substance in smoking that causes addiction),anger, frustration, irritability,tingling in the hands and feet,sweating,intestinal disorders (cramps, nausea, constipation), headache,anxiety,less interest in work ,difficulty in concentration,depression,cold symptoms as the lungs begin to clear (sore throats, coughing, and other signs of colds and respiratory problem) and so on. Severity and duration of symptoms depend on quantity and duration of smoking.

Your problem of not being able to concentrate is likely one of the withdrawal symptoms.In this case low dose benzodiazepine like clonazepam or lorazepam can help. If it cannot solve problem specific medicine for deaddiction of smoking bupropion is used.
These medicines are prescription medicines and you need to consult doctor/psychiatrist for the same.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
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.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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What Causes Lack Of Concentration After Quitting Smoking?

Brief Answer: medicines will help Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. 30 years is long duration. You did not mention the quantity.But stopping smoking cold turkey without help of medicines after such duration is likely going to cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may last for 1 month to 6 months. Common withdrawal symptoms of smoking are: cravings (nicotine is the substance in smoking that causes addiction),anger, frustration, irritability,tingling in the hands and feet,sweating,intestinal disorders (cramps, nausea, constipation), headache,anxiety,less interest in work ,difficulty in concentration,depression,cold symptoms as the lungs begin to clear (sore throats, coughing, and other signs of colds and respiratory problem) and so on. Severity and duration of symptoms depend on quantity and duration of smoking. Your problem of not being able to concentrate is likely one of the withdrawal symptoms.In this case low dose benzodiazepine like clonazepam or lorazepam can help. If it cannot solve problem specific medicine for deaddiction of smoking bupropion is used. These medicines are prescription medicines and you need to consult doctor/psychiatrist for the same. Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.