Expert: Michael Dean - 3/25/2007

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:

http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/afteryouquitsmoking/a/insomnia.htm

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