Question 1

can you have panic attacks and anxiety because of quitting smoking? and if yes, how to cope with?

Accepted Answer

Nicotine Withdraw: You could be getting anxiety form a nicotine withdraw.  There are over the counter medications that can safely taper and wean your nicotine down in a healthy fashion, so you do not experience the withdraw that you may be now.  Feel free to discus with your Dr. as well, Great JOB in quitting!

Question 2

will quitting smoking worsen my panic attacks?

Accepted Answer

Quitting smoking may: actually help you to stop having panic attacks.  PA are essentially a fear of being out of control--having another PA.  Smoking is something you can get control over.  Peace and good health.  This will also help your breathing, which folks w/PA get concerned about.

Question 3

i have been on zoloft (sertraline) 100mg for 10 months for my panic attacks.a heavy smoker for 13 years.considering quitting smoking using patches.whats ur advice?

Accepted Answer

Smoking cessation: is a difficult undertaking in almost all cases.  It is advisable to cut down slowly prior to trying to quit altogether.  Try smoking one fewer cigarettes/day until you get down to 3-4 cigarettes per day, then cut down more slowly, by smoking only 1/2 cig or 2-3 puffs.  Nicotine patches help with withdrawal symptoms, but do not address other issues related to cigarette smoking, eg. habit, social.

Question 4

anxiety, fear and dizziness after quitting smoking..it has been 3 months now since i left but its less now a days ..is it normal? how long it takes?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Like any other addiction your needs to re adjust . Continue the good work !

Question 5

thoughts? could quitting smoking effect my anxiety medicine?

Accepted Answer

Will help anxiety.: The use of nicotine puts you on an anxiety roller coaster.  Once you have stopped that and after a period of several months your anxiety will be much more treatable by effective meds like zoloft or lexapro (escitalopram).

Question 6

does quitting smoking help or hurt anxiety problems?

Accepted Answer

Quit smoking/anxiety: Initially there is more anxiety, with time it calms down.

Question 7

shortness of breath for the past week, is it anxiety or from me quitting smoking?

Accepted Answer

Short of breath: Likely anxiety but if still sob should get it checked out, should not ignore sob.

Question 8

do i have copd?! emphysema? almost 25. wheezing. i'm quitting smoking after 8 years. sob. history of anxiety. cough that tastes bad. doc says reflux

Accepted Answer

Your doctor's right : You've nailed it! stopping your smoking is the single best thing that you can do. Emphysema is a tough diagnosis to have, because it is not reversible. However you can keep it from progressing by taking care of your lungs now. You need to have your anxiety address, so that your need for craving for cigarettes can be replaced by something that's more healthy. So finding a good smoking cessation support group is helpful.

Question 9

i have bad anxiety problems i haven't been smoking ciggs lately because it triggers anxiety attacks. is ok to quit ciggs with anxiety?  or is it bad?

Accepted Answer

Always good to quit: Studies have show that anxiety related to quitting smoking is withdrawal from nicotine.  The nicotine is causing the withdrawal anxiety and smoking doesn't help anxiety.  It also causes depression and reduces the effectiveness of antidepressants.  Quit, you body and mind will appreciate it.

Question 10

i quit smoking hash in december '13. still get anxiety attacks when i go out. i'm fine in office and at home. have stopped drinking, meeting friends?

Accepted Answer

Well done: It's important to change bad habits. I understand it's not easy, takes discipline and will power. Well done. Social use with friends who do not smoke or drink. Think about the savings you are having for your pocket and health, use the savings for a good vacation in nature.

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Doctor answers about:

Anxiety attacks after quitting smoking

A member asked:

Can you have panic attacks and anxiety because of quitting smoking? and if yes, how to cope with?

A member asked:

Will quitting smoking worsen my panic attacks?

A member asked:

I have been on zoloft (sertraline) 100mg for 10 months for my panic attacks.a heavy smoker for 13 years.considering quitting smoking using patches.whats ur advice?

A member asked:

Anxiety, fear and dizziness after quitting smoking..it has been 3 months now since i left but its less now a days ..is it normal? how long it takes?

A member asked:

Thoughts? could quitting smoking effect my anxiety medicine?

A member asked:

Does quitting smoking help or hurt anxiety problems?

A member asked:

Shortness of breath for the past week, is it anxiety or from me quitting smoking?

A member asked:

Do i have copd?! emphysema? almost 25. wheezing. i'm quitting smoking after 8 years. sob. history of anxiety. cough that tastes bad. doc says reflux

A member asked:

I have bad anxiety problems i haven't been smoking ciggs lately because it triggers anxiety attacks. is ok to quit ciggs with anxiety? or is it bad?

A member asked:

I quit smoking hash in december '13. still get anxiety attacks when i go out. i'm fine in office and at home. have stopped drinking, meeting friends?

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