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
Question I've quit smoking for 6 weeks. I used a 7mg patch for the first 5 of those weeks until I started to feel sick and decided to go without it. The patch was making me feel jittery/anxious and I felt so much better with it off. It's been off a week now and while I feel better without it, I'm continually thinking about cigarettes and feel somewhat lightheaded with a headache and tired for most of the day. I'm not sure if these symptoms are still physical since the nicotine should be out of my body by now or if they're mental coming from habit. Any ideas? I'm not uncomfortable, just getting frustrated with the way I feel.
I've read Allen Carr's book (twice!) and understand that there's no positive benefit, but thoughts of smoking are still there, any idea on when these end? I know everyone's different.....
Answer Dear Michelle,
Congratulations on making it this far. The hardest part is over. Yes what you describe is quite normal and everyone is different.
I have talked to ex-smokers who still have cravings years later, and other that say it goes away gradually.
Since you have only been off the patch a week, physically the nicotine is gone, and you are dealing with your mind wanting what it used to have.
As much as possible focus on your new found health and wealth, ability to smell and taste and the other positive things that Carr talks about.
Please right back and tell me how you are doing.
I hope this helps,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
