I need advise please

[Agu8383]

I first experienced anxiety after stoping codeine which I was talking for migraine headache pains for about 3 years. At first I didn't know what I was experiencing but easy to work out it was anxiety . It has been 2,5 months and the anxiety is mild now but still there it hasn't gone away. I learned to deal with it and changed my lifestyle to adjust. I know is not medical because I have paid for all blood test to make sure I don't have any underlying conditions that can couse anxiety and panic attack. Now I am trying to quit smoking and went cold turkey like I did with the painkillers which worked for me. However the anxiety and panic attacks are so bad I think I am going to die or go crazy . I really don't know what to do I don't want to smoke any more but at the same time I cannot deal with the anxiety any more. Did anyone went through similar situation , any advice ?

[MrsG88]

I'm sorry you are having a hard time with that ... I know quitting smokin can be stressful for anyone even without anxiety issues ... Have you tried working out maybe as distraction.

I wish I can give you a good advice but I have it the other way around I love smoking but cannot smoke as I want cause it triggers my anxiety :/

[Agu8383 in reply to MrsG88]

I work out all the time now. I run three sometimes four times a week and it does help a lot but during the day when at work make it unbearable . Thank you for your advise . I know that it will not last forever and it will help with the anxiety long run but just to go throught the initial process of quitting is difficult.

[MrsG88 in reply to Agu8383]

Best of luck to you xx

[Agu8383 in reply to MrsG88]

I work out all the time now. I run three sometimes four times a week and it does help a lot but during the day when at work make it unbearable . Thank you for your advise . I know that it will not last forever and it will help with the anxiety long run but just to go throught the initial process of quitting is difficult.

[daisymay70]

Hi.Using codeine for 3 years means being exposed to opioids for a long term and the functionality of your brain was in relation and equilibrium by the use of that substance.I had a similar symptom when I stopped to take a tablet which control prolactine production and was something usually used to adjust tremor in Parkinson's disease patients based on stimulating the excitatory system in the brain.When I stopped, I was feeling depressed because it was the consequence of that substance and the purpose was to encourage the speed of the messages between brain cells.Sometimes we undervalue the effects of some drugs in our brain and mind thinking that has being given for let us feel better, but being exposed for so long time means that your brain is habituated to work in that condition.Smoking is breathing nicotine and again is an opioid considered by the brain as natural substance because we have some cells in our brain which receive nicotine as natural substance . You may feel more calm and relaxed after smoking, but that feeling stop when there is a craving for another cigarette and it become a vicious attitude.I suggest you to do something that involve yourself to be part of a group where you`ve to share space and interests with other people and of course the opportunity to make new friends and maybe able to share your feeling of anxiety. Could be a relaxing group(reading club for example) or a more active group(walking and running into the park)or a more intellectual one( college or university course).It`s up to you to find the way to cope with your anxiety,but more you isolate yourself from social interactions more your symptoms become worse,try to be busy in doing something, anything you enjoy and you`ll see that your symptoms will fading away.Take care dear.

[Agu8383 in reply to daisymay70]

Thank you . I will look into it and try to get some help.