Time course of cigarette withdrawal symptoms while using nicotine gum.

Ratings of withdrawal symptoms were provided at weekly intervals by 147 smokers clinic clients who managed complete abstinence for 4 weeks. The ratings followed a similar temporal pattern regardless of amount of nicotine gum used. Irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating and restlessness peaked in the 1st week or two and returned to baseline by week 4. Hunger was more persistent. Craving was reported to be the most troublesome withdrawal symptom at first, although by the 4th week hunger was cited almost as often. Across all subjects, evenings were cited most often as the worst time of day for craving but among heavier smokers and those who used more nicotine gum mornings were considered worst.