AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 8/24/2008 Subject: brain chemicals and quitting
Question Hi, I quit smoking a month ago Tuesday. I went cold turkey (with the help of a hypnotist) and have had no slip-ups. Trouble is, I still feel terrible. I was hoping I'd have a lot more energy, but I have less. I feel pressure around my skull all the time. My eyes are very bloodshot and sometimes when I'm thinking about a cigarette I notice the veins are popping out of my arms. My lungs hurt and I'm sad and miserable constantly and have trouble focusing and thinking. I used to be a workaholic, now I find myself just sitting and staring for really long periods of time. Well anyway I started smoking about ten years ago when I was on Zoloft. The Zoloft had a lot of really bizarre side effects and made me do a lot of weird and terrible things but I was a teenager at the time and didn't know any better so I kept taking it. I've read that developing other addictions or having relapses is a possible side effect of that type of antidepressant. Is it possible that something about my brain just needs nicotine to be OK? I just feel like my brain will never be right again. Oh yeah, I know exercise is supposed to help but two weeks ago some blind 87-year-old decided to get behind the wheel of a car and to make a long story short he hit me. I'm OK and I got insurance money but I feel like trying to work out might cause some permanent damage. Is there anything I can do? If I don't start feeling better soon, I'm just going to have to smoke again. I can't live like this.
Answer Dear Stephanie,
Please don't start again. Things will get better.
It is true that some people with addiction may have a brain chemical imbalance that the drug 'fixes'. I would see a doctor and perhaps try zyban (bupropion), For unknown reasons it helps many people quit and stay quit.
The physical withdrawl of the nicotine is over in a week, in most people, but you obviously have a stronger addiction. The psycological part can be rough for some people.
Before you do something rash like quit, you might try a nicotine patch or gum. Nicotine itself is a very safe drug, and it is the taboacco and the smoking that are so bad for your help.
Please keep in touch, because I really want to hear what works for tough cases like yours.
Take care,
Michael
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
