Side effects of Smoking (quitting)

Home

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Side Effects of Quitting

Nicotine affects the brain with seconds of inhaling cigarette smoke. It increases the heart rate and blood pressure, constricts the small blood vessels under your skin, causes changes in blood composition and metabolism, and increases the production of hormones. Nicotine can also affect your mood and behaviour.

Withdrawal from nicotine can cause (within 24 hours):

depressed mood,
difficulty in sleeping,
irritability,
frustration or anger,
anxiety,
difficulty with concentration,
restlessness,
decreased heart rate,
dizziness,
and increased appetite.

As soon as you stop your body starts to clear itself of the toxins in tobacco smoke.

Your blood pressure and pulse rate will quickly drop (within an hour of stopping).
Carbon monoxide levels will return to normal (within 2 days).
Your sense of taste and smell will improve (within a couple of days).
Your circulation (the movement of blood around your body) will improve (within a few weeks).