Expert: Michael Dean - 6/7/2009

Question
There is a lot of information about the negative effects of smoking on the
internet this was not a surprise to me.  What I was surprised about was that
there are many sources on the internet praising nicotine as increasing brain
function etc.  I am in the process of quitting smoking using the transdermal
patch.  My question is this: is my brain likely to work better or worse after
quitting?  Also, I have problems with anxiety, are those likely to get better or
worse?  And I have the same question concerning my moods, will they be
more likely to veer towards contentment or decline into depression.  There is
so much scientific information out there and much of it conflicts- at least to
someone who isn't sure what they are looking at.

Answer
Dear Gabe,
Nicotine is a stimulant so it does improve alertness, and short term memory.

While on the patch, you will be getting a constant dose of nicotine, so you should feel the same.

There is some connection with anxiety, because Wellbutrin/Zyban is an anti-anxiety drug that helps people quit, for reasons we don't know. Smokers often suffer from depression, but we think the depresion comes first. As you come off of nicotine you may have some mood changes.

But if you focus on the major benefits of quitting, and take this as a chance to improve your health, you should be fine.

I hope this helps,

Mike