Unfortunately, I still smoke. I do take Chantix for it. I seem to "space out" when I am smoking sometimes. Has anyone else experienced this and/or is there any documentation re: the link between smoking and seizure activity?
You are not alone: heavy smoking and seizures - that are identical to epilepsy - DO occur. I know; I've had them.
I live in the UK, and many years ago, when I first had these symptoms, I was suspected of suffering from epilepsy. A full body scan
proved that I was
NOT epileptic. At this point, the so-called 'Medical Profession' lost interest in me and walked away! Unfortunately, the UK 'Medical Profession' specifically deny that there is ANY link AT ALL between excessive smoking of nicotine ('ordinary cigarettes') and seizures. (
See 'reference' at end of this Post). I do not wish to sound unduly arrogant, but from personal experience, I know better. When I quit smoking, the seizures stopped. Some years later, I started smoking again. I was ok for quite a long time, until I became unemployed, the wife left me, I lost my house - the stress was unbelievable. And my smoking went 'through the roof' - and yes, the seizures returned. Later, I quit again. This time for good. No more trouble.
The symptoms are very, very clear. Usually, a distinct, sudden loss of concentration and 'focus' (not optical focus) on what you are doing is the first sign. If you are able to make the effort, you will find that you have stopped breathing
automatically: you have to make a
conscious effort to force air out of and into the lungs. The moment you do stop breathing, a very short burst of unconsciousness hits you, the head drops and consciousness is immediately regained - then it is lost - and the whole cycle repeats. It's all very frightening. It is often frequent at night when lying in bed trying to get to sleep; it may be that a darkened room & relaxing / lying down enhances the attack. The best way to deal with these attacks is to go outside, get plenty of deep breaths of fresh air and stay outside for at least 30 minutes. And do
not light up a ciggie thinking that that I really need one now! JUST DON'T DO THIS! You'll be right back to square one!
If you wish to talk further on this with me - e-mail me.
Reference: FS 7e - Leisure & Pleasure - Mar 08
The Smoker.