Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are common among people trying to stop the smoking addiction. These symptoms usually peak in the first 3 days and slowly subside over a period of 3-4 weeks. Common side effects include:

• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Reduced concentration
• Restlessness
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Worsening pre-existing ulcerative colitis

Depression - Depression associated with quitting is usually mild, but in some people it can be serious enough to impair their social functioning. A study of 76 smokers with major depression found that those who quit smoking had a higher risk of relapse at 6 months than those who smoked (Glassman 2001). Please see your GP for psychological counseling and treatment.

Worsening ulcerative colitis - Some literature (Motley 1987) have found that smokers who have ulcerative colitis complain of worsening bowel symptoms when they cease smoking.