Original E-Mail to AskJoel

Hello Joel, Thank you for this web site. I have not had a puff since 10/28 after 40 yr habit. I figured after 8 weeks I would have some relief but the anxiety has suddenly got much worse. Is this normal, was hoping that after this long some relief should be coming to me. No concentration on anything & no particular interest in anybody or anything either. Sleep would be such a relief it is minimal as well (about 3 hrs at a time) - anxiety medication is not helping. Is there a time when these brain triggers will slow down or give up? I do understand that even after years they can be woken up but this is awful. I tried a quit about 6 years ago with the patch & lasted about 6 weeks for same reasons. I do not want to go through this again other people smoking does not bother me it's just the lack of concentration & control over a normal day of life. When will clarity come back or will it?

My response:

Before I try to assess what may be happening can you give me a little more detailed information. You said that you have not smoked since October 28. Have you been off all nicotine since that time, meaning that you have not used any nicotine containing products like patches, gums, inhalers, lozenges, etc. Also, have you used any other medications to help you quit, like Zyban or Welbutrin? It would also be helpful to know if you are using any other medications for other conditions, like thyroid, blood sugar issues, etc. Let me know and I will try to clarify issues that may be going on. Joel

Joel, Thank you for your reply. I have not used any quit smoking product just stopped cold turkey & reduced the coffee intake. 1 cup maybe 2 some days instead of pots of it ongoing with the smokes. I do take thyroid medication 125m of levothyroxine & can take .25 of xanex. I am looking at 60yrs old & wonder if the damage is so done and there is not enough time left for me to calm down. I will not puff yet I am committed for now - I do like the freedom .

My response:

I suspect the thyroid medication may be the issue at hand here. Your medication level was adjusting around you as a smoker. As an ex-smoker, that dosage may no longer be right. You need to talk to your doctor who is treating your thyroid and describe what is happening here. Is it okay if I put this up at the AskJoel board, removing your name and email of course? Then I can attach some articles addressing this issue. I think you will find them helpful and others who may also face similar circumstances.

Joel