Headache since quitting....

[ItsRob]

So my last cigarette was on New years Eve (10:30pm to be precise!); since new years day i've had a persistant headache. I was using patches and inhallator but stopped patches as headaches seemed worse when they were on. I only use my inhallator after breakfast or while i'm at work (as thats when i smoked mainly, hardley ever smoked at home).

Any one else get headache after quitting? Just read the migrane post below this but it ain't migrane.

Painkillers relieve it slightly it but its always there.....

[EmJay Partner]

Hi there, welcome to our online stop smoking community

You've done well so far and it's really important to understand that if you didn't stop smoking then you wouldn't be feeling this way. So please see it as a positive.

Not everyone will get headaches but they are quite common. It's a sign that your body is recognising that you've stopped feeding it that addictive nicotine and that all those poisonous toxins are leaving your system

Try drinking plenty of water and try some deep breathing exercise.

Obviously if you are concerned, make an appointment to see your GP and tell him/her that you've stopped smoking.

Depending on how many you smoked, it may have been that the patches were too strong for you and you may have been better on the next strength down. The patches are a really good product and works quite well with the inhalator.

The inhalator is also a great therapy, on it's own or as a combination therapy. Just make sure you use it correctly. By this I mean try not to inhale on it, just put the mouthpiece just behind your top teeth and kind of 'tutt' on it, or as if you you are going to give a kiss (!). This helps release a small amount of nicotine from it and it will go through the mucous membrane within your mouth then.

The good thing about the inhalator is that you are only getting the nicotine as and when you need it.

You're doing brilliantly, so keep up your good efforts and let us know how you get on. We'll pop your name up on our 'Wall of Winners' - the place where every quitter is a winner

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer]

Aup Rob, welcome to this lovely quit smoking site and a big well done to you for quitting the smokes

Erm I think the gals have said the rest, you stick with it and keep focused on your quit, you will do it

Pete

[ItsRob]

I've drank lots, had plenty fresh air, just the headaches are quite nasty.

I've been using 15mg/hour patches but chucked them as they made headache worse. Also, inhallator is like inhalling dust so i don't particularly like that and don't think i'll use it for much longer. I don't feel the need for NRT really as I've found it pretty easy to not smoke.

The only "urges" i get are due to the habits i formed as a smoker so:

-once i leave the house to go to work,

-after a meal

-on a break at work

-on the way home from work

-after finishing something like doing the dishes or tidying up etc

-had a skinful of booze at new year and not smoking didn't really bother me then either

I'm 26 and have smoked for about 10 years, 10-15/day & more if on the lash.

Mine was more of a habit than a real serious addiction so i'm kinda happy about that, i just enjoyed it a lot!

Thanks for your messages people!

[ItsRob]

I've noticed many other people describe teeth pain! I've also got sinus pain and pressure, pain in my top teeth....could be caused by all the crap coming off my chest and increased mucus? Pass the tablets -.-

[Hidden in reply to ItsRob]

Hi Rob, are your headaches any better? You've not had a cold recently have you? From your description it sounds like it may be sinusitis and the fact you've stopped smoking may be pure coincidence. Infected sinuses do cause quite horrendous headaches, I only ever had it once, many, many years ago but I still remember it, just getting slightly out of breath as you do going upstairs makes your head pound so much that you feel you have to hold your head to get up the stairs. Might be worth a trip to the Doctors as antibiotics would help if it is infected sinuses.

[Kazzachoc 2 YEAR WINNER]

Hi Rob

Well done on giving up smoking, day 5 for you which is brilliant.

I had problems with my gums when I first gave up and as you say a few people seem to have this problem. I went to the dentist and was given some antibiotics. EmJay has said that the reason for the pain in the gums is because now you have give up smoking the oxygen is circulating more easily round your body and this lack of oxygen prior to giving up can mask any problems you might have. Some people say this will pass on it's own but if not I would take a trip to the dentist but at least you will have healthy gums now you have quit.

I will see if I can find EmJay's blog on this.

Keep up the good work Rob.

[Kazzachoc 2 YEAR WINNER]

Hi Rob

Below is EmJay's response to a similar question:

Sore gums is a positive sign that your body is repairing itself and getting back to normal As a smoker you are taking carbon monoxide into your system. Carbon monoxide sticks to your blood cells far more readily than good old oxygen does. This means that the smaller amount of oxygen you have must be sent around to the vital organs, the places where it is needed most.

Since stopping smoking and not putting any more dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into your body, oxygen is back up to it's regular levels in your circulation and reaching all the right places. This also includes your gums

Given time you should notice that the pain becomes less and eventually will stop. If it were any where else in your body, you would probably experience it as pins and needles.

There is an old post in the following link that has information included from another of our members, Jillygirl. Have a read through it and see what you think;

quitsupport.healthunlocked....

Remember to stay positive and recognise any withdrawal symptoms as a sign of recovery.

If you have any more questions, please give us a shout.

[Tammy46g]

I quit smoking for three days now and i have headaches