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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dizziness, Headaches And Fatigue While Trying To Stop Smoking?

Hey, I m quitting smoking currently and experiencing some serious fatigue, trouble concentrating, skull-splitting headaches, dizziness, and generally feeling like crap and out of it. I m on day 19 of Step 1 (21 milligrams) of the Nicoderm CQ extended release patch. I smoked about 20 cigarettes a day for the last 3 and a half years, with extended periods of heavier smoking of about 30-40 a day. The instructions for the product say individuals who smoked over 10 cigs a day should use the 21 milligram patches, but that dizziness can indicate nicotine poisoning. I highly doubt I m dealing with poisoning, but I can t find much info about whether or not quitting can cause vertigo symptoms this far out (especially if I am still getting the nicotine via the patch). What s up with this dizziness business?
Fri, 12 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. You used to smoker about 20 cigarettes per day and some times even in more number. Though nicotine patches help to ease withdrawal but even with sustained release patches some withdrawal symptoms remain there. In my opinion the symptoms like dizziness, headaches, fatigue etc you are having are occurring due to nicotine withdrawal. For these symptoms drugs like Bupropion or Buspirone can help. The drug bupropion has been found to be useful in tobacco cessation programs in reducing the craving and in preventing anxiety and restlessness due to withdrawal. Take plenty of fluids and visit a psychiatrist for re-evaluation and help. Keep yourself motivated to not to use cigarette again.

Thanks, I hope this helps you.

Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist
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What Causes Dizziness, Headaches And Fatigue While Trying To Stop Smoking?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. You used to smoker about 20 cigarettes per day and some times even in more number. Though nicotine patches help to ease withdrawal but even with sustained release patches some withdrawal symptoms remain there. In my opinion the symptoms like dizziness, headaches, fatigue etc you are having are occurring due to nicotine withdrawal. For these symptoms drugs like Bupropion or Buspirone can help. The drug bupropion has been found to be useful in tobacco cessation programs in reducing the craving and in preventing anxiety and restlessness due to withdrawal. Take plenty of fluids and visit a psychiatrist for re-evaluation and help. Keep yourself motivated to not to use cigarette again. Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist