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[mrmoody]

I smoke and I shouldnt I know. But my question is this, if I am stressed already does nicotine heighten my anxiety. Its just that it seems to be making my heart go faster and race. I tried stopping for a day but my mood seemed to worsen. I had quit for 3 years prior to my break up with my ex and the stress from that break up made me want to smoke again

[rachface]

i heard that it does make anxiety worse and so does caffeine. but i really don't know, as i am not a doctor. i would advise against it in my amateur studies of brains and stuff like that :P

[mrmoody]

I avoid caffeine already as I know that makes anxiety worse. Maybe now is the time to quit for good

[Shattered Soldier]

Back when I had terrible anxiety I had to quit smoking. Just one puff would send me into overdrive, I could actually feel the effect right away. Nicotine definitely caused problems for me but I really hated the fact that I had to quit. I have never had withdrawal symptoms, and I've gone cold turkey many times, so I don't know what they are like. I'm sorry to hear that you're caught between a rock and a hard place. I hope whatever path you choose works out for you.

[govinda]

Yes, nicotine does aggrivate anxiety. Physiologically it makes it worse. For more info on this you dan wee my other post on this forum under quitting smoking.

To make a long story short, if you can quit, it would be helpful to you.

Good luck- there are programs and meds out there to help quit smoking if you want to.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[nocturneangel]

Nicotine can indeed cause anxiety, despite being known for its relaxing effect. As far as I know, it increases the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin (which leads to satisfaction and relaxation), but also adrenaline (which leads to symptoms associated with anxiety, like increased heart rate, shortness of breath, etc).

It is normal that you'll feel worse just after you quit, this is usually the case. Your body is addicted to the nicotine, and has to compensate for the lacking stimulant when it's gone. The withdrawal effects become less with time, but it's very unpleasant at first. Personally, I'm against smoking, so I'd recommend you to try and quit. I know it will be hard though.

[govinda]

You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1