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About Depression Caused by Quiting Nicotine

Quitting smoking is a very difficult task that may lead to some adverse side effects such as depression. However, smoking is detrimental to one's health and should be avoided if at all possible. Smoking can contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death today.

  1. Sad Feelings

    • According to cancer.gov, sadness is a normal emotion felt when one quits smoking. This sadness may trigger the desire for a cigarette. However, giving into this desire may only cause more depressive feelings about the failure to fight the nicotine urges (see Resources).

    Cigarette Smoke as an AntiDepressant

    • According to psychcentral.com, some research has indicated that cigarette smoke may have substances that serve as an antidepressant. Therefore, the mind and body have become adjusted to these substances and in turn depression will occur as a withdrawal symptom.

    Previous Depression

    • Some studies have indicated that those with previous depression are more likely to have an episode of acute depression soon after giving up cigarettes (see Resources).

    Length of Depression

    • Those individuals who experience a slight depression after quitting smoking will usually be affected by the depression for a month or less. Those with a history of depression may deal with depression indefinitely.

    Medications

    • Wellbutrin (also know as Zyban) is often prescribed to alleviate depression when individuals quit smoking.

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