Are these nicotine withdrawals?

[joeylicalzi]

Hello,

I started smoking when I was 20 and just stopped 5 days ago. I smoked about a pack a day. My withdrawal feelings are, completely brain and mental fog, like feels constantly like this. Fatigue in my arms and legs, and tired In my eyes. I also stopped caffeine 5 days ago as well. My stomach is hurting or feels like someone is pushing on it some times. I don’t know the full extent of withdrawal symptoms I can have. I also suffer from aniexty so these symptoms are a bit more extreme because of this. Which makes it worse. Anyone’s help would be appreciated!

[YoungAtHeart]

Glad you got checked out!  I had forgotten that you are ALSO withdrawing from caffeine.  That is a double whammy on your body chemistry!!!! 

Although I know it doesn't feel like it, you are still very early in your quit smoking journey and have a ways to go before you can expect to feel like yourself again.  Sorry to be be bearer of bad tidings - but it is true. 

Just hang in there.  It WILL get better; I can't tell you when because everyone is different....but I promise you it WILL!

[joeylicalzi]

Thank you for this, It amazes me how much caffeine and nicotine can do to ones body. I feel like I’m dying with all these symptoms lol

[maryfreecig]

Well, six days is not a ton of time free from drugs. Every day counts of course, but what nicotine did to your brain happened over the course of about 8 years--daily usage. The brain gets used to the drug. Even though nicotine is out of your system in 72 hours or so, your brain has been reshaped to depend on nicotine. Your recovery from that takes a little longer than six days. But it doesn't take forever. Plus you also stopped caffeine. One thing that is said around here fairly often is that quitting is a journey not an event. If all you were doing was ending a simple habit, you'd have very, very little trouble doing so. Smoking was not a habit, it was an addiction. Keep exercising, drink plenty of water, eat well, breath! And visit Ex often! You have a community now that gets what you are going through. 

[joeylicalzi]

Thank you Mary, yes everyday is a struggle but today is 7 days. So I’m pushing through a thank you for your kind words.

[Barbscloud]

Be patient with yourself.  It does take some time, but you'll get there.

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually reach their peak 2 to 3 days after you quit, and are gone within 1 to 3 months. (1) It takes at least 3 months for your brain chemistry to return to normal after you quit smoking. (2) The last two symptoms to go usually are irritability and low energy.Apr 22, 2020

[joeylicalzi]

Wow 1 to 3 months. That’s a lot of time. I didn’t know that it can take that long. Thank you for this barb. 

[crazymama_Lori]

I had tingling in hands and feet.  I also developed restless leg syndrome for a few weeks.  I did notice that when I took magnesium at night, that helps quite a bit.  My teeth seemed to be splintering, but I'm caulking that up to increased blood flow to the gums.  when the fatigue hit, I just took little catnaps.  For the brain fog, I would keep little notes to help me remember.  BUT I did notice my back pain went away greatly and my shortness of breath went away gradually.  and to taste things again.  The things I loved as a smoker to eat and drink, really tasted awful now.  Congrats on this decision and be sure to get as much information on here as you can.  Poke around on the different groups, Relapse Prevention‌, Newbie Quitters‌, Wisdom and Motivation‌, General Quitting Support‌ to just name a few.  Also go to member's profiles and poke around their blogs.  You can sort them by date created: oldest first and go back in time when they first quit.  I knew in my case I was comforted in knowing that I wasn't the only one feeling crazy.  Also check out their bookmarks they created.  I have a few on my profile that I read over from time to time that inspire me to maintain my 4 1/2 year quit.  Reach out to the people on here.  They will help you along the way

[joeylicalzi]

I have had tingling now for like 5 days in row. It’s quite bothersome. Like some points it’s gone until I rest my leg. Maybe it’s the restless leg symdrom. It’s annoying. So magnesium helped you? You I just need my mental clarity back. Feel like my mind is in a roll. It sucks. Thank you for this info. I love this community. Nice to know others experienced these symptoms. When you had these leg symptoms it didn’t scare you you to go get checked?

[crazymama_Lori]

No, I knew it was the increased oxygen.  But anytime you are having increased anxiety, talk to your physician.  Your brain fog in the beginning is frustrating.  but just remember, your body is healing.  Your brain receptors are rejuvenating.  You are getting more and more oxygen to your body and blood.  And yes, magnesium helped a great deal.  I always took it at night.  the restless leg drove me insane.  But all these symptoms are temporary and won't last forever.  I know you are thinking, but how long then?  I can only tell you my experience.  yours might be shorter or longer.  I had restless leg for around 2 1/2 weeks.  I had the brain fog for about 2 months and then it came and went.  My concentration finally straightened out at about 4 months.  I felt somewhat normal after 6 months.  I guess I didn't have much anxiety over my symptoms because I treated it like a science experiment.  I would track how long something would take.  I googled different homeopathic ways of relieving some symptoms, meditation, biofeedback.  Reading and reading and more reading on this site is going to be your best defense.  Knowledge is power in the quitting game.  The more you know the better you'll be at conquering this foe

[joeylicalzi]

Wow, I consider myself strong, but I have that mindset is killer. Well congrats on your freedom and being cigg free. It nice to know you had some of my symptoms. Yes my issue is I have anxiety so I automatically assume the worst and then it get worse. I need to remain calm and understand this is just my body working to get back to normal. I do talk with a therapist, so that helps as well. My anxiety came back full force with all the stuff going on in the world. Which is why I quit ciggs and caffeine, I wanted to completely clear my body of anything toxic and start fresh. Thank yu for this reply it has helped me knowing you had these symptoms for longer. so I know im not dying lol