Sugar Land, TX
A 36-year-old male asked:
Having wisdom tooth pulled tomorrow, doctor said i have to quit smoking (cold turkey). how best to alleviate withdrawals. i'm rx'd klonopin (clonazepam) for anxiety already.
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Holly Maesanswered
Pediatrics 38 years experience
Nicotine patch: It is going to be really hard to go cold turkey if you have underlying anxiety issues. It would be safe and probably easier for you to get a nicotine patch system that will help you step down your nicotine addiciton over the next days-weeks. There are a number of patches available for this very purpose, and are far better than a dry socket or dental abcess after wisdom tooth extraction!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mitchell Cohenanswered
Psychiatry 39 years experience
Caffeine & bupropion: Nicotine is an unusual drug because it alerts at the same time that it calms us; hence, the smoking by students studying for finals. Caffeine and bupropion can both prevent the fatigue you may feel with abrupt nicotine withdrawal. Caffeine also may prevent withdrawal headaches and bupropion may reduce nicotine cravings. Ask your doctor about a bupropion prescription & iincrease daytime caffeine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Pamela Asseffanswered
Dentistry 30 years experience
Quit for 3 days: Try not smoking for the first 3 days after the extraction. This helps to prevent a dry socket. The dry socket is exceptionally painful and you want to avoid it if at all possible. If you can make it the 3 days, try not to smoke for a few more days. You just might be able to quit!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Gary Sandler commented
Dentistry 56 years experience
Great common sense advice and good luck! It's well worth the effort.
Jul 26, 2013
Last updated Dec 27, 2020
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