hello I'm new here

[sixberryb]

Hi my name is Bonnie I am 51 and have had seizures ever since I can remember but was not diagnosed till I was 16.I have been trying to quit smoking for a couple of years now but every time I go two full days without smoking I start to have small seizures. I've been using the nicotine lozenges they help.Does anyone know if it's the nicotine aids that cause the seizures or if it's the withdrawals or some other chemical in the cigarettes that your not getting when you quit?

 

[Chaz1]

Hello sixberryb

Warm welcome...

As there are so many chemicals in cigarettes it is inevitable the withdrawal is huge, are you on meds?

Would suggest to talk to your doctor (may be surprised of the warm welcome on this subject at doc) and no doubt some of the (ex) smokers on CWE with E may have tips.

Wishing you best of luck knocking the smoking on the head.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Bonnie, welcome to CWE!

I'm guessing that it's the nicotine withdrawal rather than the lozenges that's triggering your seizures. Nicotine has such a powerful effect on the central nervous system, withdrawing from it is like withdrawing from cocaine, or any other highly addictive drug. So the seizures are comparable to getting the DTs in alcohol withdrawal. Even though you are taking the lozenges, your brain is missing the direct rapid dose of nicotine that you would usually get by inhaling.

There have been studies testing Vigabatrin (an epilepsy medicine) to see if it will help with nicotine withdrawal. I don't know the status of those studies, but you might ask your doc about it. The other drugs used in nicotine withdrawal (like Buprion), are risky for people with seizure disorders.