Headaches
Actually, headaches, along with nausea and vomiting, are more commonly associated with nicotine overdose.
While the Ward study notes a modest increase in headaches on day-three, no study has yet identified headaches as a significant abrupt nicotine cessation recovery concern. In fact, the Ward study suggests that just one week of remaining smoke-free may actually reduce headaches.
It found that 33% of smokers reported having headaches immediately before commencing recovery. Those reporting headaches peaked on day three (72 hours) at 44%, dropped to 17% on day seven, and declined to a low of just 11% by day fourteen.[1]
Ward's finding of a greater incidence of headaches in active smokers is supported by other studies, which suggest nicotine, a known vasoconstrictor, as a primary culprit.[2]
Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, with restriction or slowing of blood flow, caused by contraction of the vessel's muscular wall.[3]
Among smokers, once nicotine's arrival ends, brain blood-oxygen and carbon monoxide levels are restored to normal within twelve hours.
Should a headache occur, according to the U.S. National Institute of Health, "the most common type of headache is a tension headache. Tension headaches may be due to tight muscles in our shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety."[4]
Relaxation and slow deep breathing, rest, mind-clearing with thought focusing exercises, a warm bath or shower, or physical exercise may help relieve tension and bring relief. Aspirin and a host of other over-the-counter headache medications are available.
Two specific diet changes can also trigger headaches: "fasting and the relatively mild reactive hypoglycemia that can follow large carbohydrate ingestions."[5]
Other potential recovery-related causes include headaches related to coughing strains, strenuous exercise, alcohol use, or carbon monoxide poisoning (too many cigarettes too fast).
Headaches can also indicate life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical attention such as a brain tumor, brain aneurysm, or concussion. Don't hesitate to call your health care provider and get seen if concerned or headaches persist.
Nausea
Nausea is "an uneasy or unsettled feeling in the stomach together with an urge to vomit. Usually, it isn't serious and benefits by avoiding solid foods for at least six hours."[6]
The Ward study found that 16% reported nausea on day one, as compared to 2% at pre-cessation baseline. The rate dropped to 11% on day three, 16% on day seven, 9% at two weeks, and 4% on day twenty-eight.
Take heart, 37% of Chantix and Champix users report nausea, and in some cases it's severe.[7]
References:
2. Payne TJ, The impact of cigarette smoking on headache activity in headache patients, Headache, May 1991, Volume 31(5), Pages 329-332.
3. National Institutes of Health and U.S. National Library of Medicine, Vasoconstriction, Medline Plus, Medical Encyclopedia, web page updated January 22, 2007, http://nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/002338.htm
4. National Institutes of Health and U.S. National Library of Medicine, Headache, Medline Plus, Medical Encyclopedia, web page updated July 18, 2008, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/headache.html
5.Hufnagl KN and Peroutka SJ, Glucose regulation in headache: implications for dietary management, Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, May 2002, Volume 2(3), Pages 311-317.
6. National Institutes of Health and U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nausea and Vomiting, Medline Plus, Medical Encyclopedia, web page updated July 28, 2008, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/nauseaandvomiting.html
7. Aubin HJ, et al, Varenicline versus transdermal nicotine patch for smoking cessation: results from a randomised open-label trial, Thorax, August 2008, Volume 63(8), Pages 717-724.
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