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: 8/27/2007 Subject: Pain after quitting.
Question I quit cold turkey 6 weeks ago today. On day 4 or 5, I suddenly got the most terrible pain in my arms, which has not yet gone away. It feels like somebody raking a fork down my arms. Obviously, I can't sleep through this.
Yes, I saw my Doctor - she says "it's bizarre," prescribed sleep aids, and has recommended that I see a neurologist.
Seems to me that it's obviously a withdrawal symptom because of the timing. Have you ever heard of such a thing?
Answer Dear Carol,
That is great that you are quitting, but I am sorry to hear about the pain. I have never heard of this symptom. People with chromic pain are usually advised to quit smoking to increase blood flow.
I suppose you could try some nicotine gum or lozenges and see if that helps. If you are doing okay cold turkey, I hate to recommend any nicotine, but if the pain is driving you nuts, this might help.
It could be a side effect of increased anxiety, and your doctor or the neurologist might try you on bupropion/Zyban. This is an anti-anxiety drug that for reasons we don't quite understand relieves nicotine withdrawal in many people.
