23/03/2026
Common symptoms you may experience during your recovery include:
cravings – these may be strong at first, but they usually only last a few minutes. If you resist each one they will get less powerful in time
restlessness and trouble concentrating or sleeping – these will pass as your body gets used to not smoking. Relaxation and deep breathing can help.
irritability, anger, anxiety, depressed mood – this is all normal: don’t panic. Just accept that you will be emotional for a while and that it will pass
increase in appetite and weight gain – this may last several weeks. Planning ahead can help. Better Health Channel has tips on managing weight gain when you quit.
Less common symptoms you may experience – which will also pass – include:
cold symptoms such as coughing and sneezing
constipation
dizziness or light-headedness
mouth ulcers.
As time passes, you will find these symptoms grow weaker, and you will think about smoking less. If you have severe or long-lasting symptoms, it might help to discuss them with a health professional or a Quitline counsellor. It might also help to use ni****ne replacement therapy or prescribed stop smoking tablets.
Caffeine (for example, in coffee, chocolate and cola soft drinks) and alcohol are also affected by to***co smoke. Cutting down on drinks or foods with caffeine when you stop smoking is recommended. It’s important to talk with your doctor about stopping smoking if you drink alcohol.
