Women who quit smoking tend to suffer more intense withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, poor concentration and weight gain, a new report says.
Whether men or women tend to be more successful at ending their cigarette habit was not determined by the report, published in the December issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. But the study noted that after gaining an average of 5 to 10 pounds during withdrawal, some women start smoking again.
"People need to realize that if they have a relapse, they can learn from it," Patrick Draper, a tobacco treatment specialist at the Mayo Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Center, said in a news release issued by the clinic. "The only way to stop smoking is to keep trying."
Most people require four to six tries before successfully quitting, and Draper suggested four key steps to help end the addiction:
Set a date or time frame for quitting: Whether you pick a day or say you'll do it in the next 30 to 60 days, stick to it.
Medications can help: Using medical options such as a nicotine patch, gum lozenge or inhaler can reduce nicotine cravings and double your chances of quitting. Antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix), can also help decrease nicotine withdrawal symptoms, the news release said.
Seek counsel: A tobacco treatment specialist can help set up a plan that works just for you.
Get support: Having someone for support -- whether a friend, family member or a connection made in an online support group -- helps.
It has helped me a lot with my depression and anger problems. For the first time in 9 years I don't wake up mad at the world, with homicidal thoughts. The side effects that I experienced are dizziness when I stand up too fast, and my loss of appetite (not a bad thing). I was over weight anyway. I've only been on it for 2 weeks, and have lost 13 pounds but it makes me feel so much better about myself.
