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 Dear Experts,
I have stopped smoking for about 2 weeks. I am not using any patches or replacements, I just decided to stop one day and committed to it. Recently I have been getting migraines. Would the migraines be one of the side effects of quitting smoking?
Answer Justina,
That is great you are quitting!
Many people get headaches on quitting. There are several reasons why.
-Your brain is getting more oxygen and your body is ridding itself of carbon monoxide.
-Many people have their sleep temporarily disrupted.
-You are mode sensitive to caffeine.
If you drink coffee, try cutting back.
Here is a good article explaining some of the common symtoms of withdrawal and giving some remedies:
You can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free anytime for support.
If the headaches don't get better soon I would see a doctor. Many people quitting get great benefit from bupropion (Zyban). It is an anti-anxiety drug, but it improves success for nearly all nicotine quitting strategies.
Keep it up and hang in there!
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health"
www.artsciencepub.com
