Nicotine withdrawal timeline: what to expect

Nicotine withdrawal is uncomfortable, and official health sources describe it as temporary for most people. This page sets out what they say about each stage, and where they disagree.

One thing to know first: most official timelines were written about quitting smoking. Vaping pages give fewer timings. The CDC says quitting vaping is likely similar to quitting smoking, because both involve nicotine addiction, and that quitting may lead to withdrawal symptoms (CDC). Everyone is different, so treat the timings below as what’s common, not a schedule you have to match.

The first day

The NHS says withdrawal can start within a few hours of your last cigarette. Health Canada gives a later start: within one to two days.

The NHS timing comes from its page on managing withdrawal (NHS), and Health Canada’s from its guide to life after you quit (Health Canada). NSW Health says many people find withdrawal is worst in the first 24 to 48 hours (NSW Health).

Smokefree.gov says your first day without vaping can be tough, and that it might help to take it one hour or one craving at a time (smokefree.gov).

The NHS lists these possible symptoms when you quit nicotine vaping (NHS):

• strong cravings to smoke or vape
• feeling irritable or low in mood
• trouble concentrating
• feeling hungrier than usual
• difficulty sleeping

Smokefree.gov’s vaping list also includes headaches, feeling anxious and feeling tired or groggy (smokefree.gov). Australian sources add others, such as dizziness and constipation (Department of Health).

Days 2 to 3

The NHS says symptoms are usually strongest during the first week, especially in the first 3 days.

That’s from the same NHS page on managing withdrawal (NHS). NSW Health puts the worst point slightly earlier, in the first 24 to 48 hours.

Some symptoms can start to ease in this window. NSW Health says difficulty concentrating can start to improve after a few days, and that dizziness usually passes in a few days.

Cravings come and go rather than lasting all day. The NHS says cravings usually only last a few minutes (NHS), and HealthEd, part of Health New Zealand, says usually 5 to 10 minutes (HealthEd).

The first two weeks

Most official sources say the first week is the hardest. Several say the worst symptoms ease within about two weeks.

• Health Canada says symptoms peak in the first week.
• The Australian Government Department of Health says the first week is the hardest, as your body has become used to regular nicotine “hits”.
• Smokefree.gov says the worst symptoms only last a few days to a couple of weeks.
• NSW Health says that after about two weeks, symptoms are usually less severe.
• HealthEd says that at two weeks, you may feel some withdrawal symptoms start to fade.

New Zealand’s guidance on stopping vaping says withdrawal symptoms and cravings can feel strong in the first few weeks (Health New Zealand).

Weeks 3 to 4

Several sources say symptoms have usually faded or gone by weeks 3 to 4. They disagree slightly on the typical length.

• The NHS says that on average, symptoms last 3 to 4 weeks.
• Health Canada says symptoms last about 2 to 4 weeks.
• The Better Health Channel, run by the Victorian Government, says many people find symptoms disappear completely after two to four weeks (Better Health Channel).
• The Australian Government Department of Health says symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks, and that it’s different for every person.

Cravings can take a little longer. The NHS says cravings are hardest in the first 28 days as your body adjusts to no nicotine, and often start to get easier after that. The Better Health Channel says increased appetite may last several weeks.

After a month

Most of the sources above say symptoms have usually eased by now, but not for everyone. The NHS says some people feel symptoms for longer, sometimes for a few months.

The Australian Government Department of Health says most people feel much better after a month, though as the NHS notes, some people have symptoms for longer. Cravings can still turn up, though: New Zealand’s quitting vaping guidance says cravings can come out of the blue for some time after you’ve stopped. The same ways through a craving still apply, and our guide on how to quit vaping has some ideas.

Does cutting down first change this?

Official sources don’t say whether cutting down first makes withdrawal milder or shorter. They do describe it as an option.

The NHS says cutting down on nicotine vaping gradually can make quitting easier, because it gives your body time to adjust to lower nicotine levels. It also says that if you find yourself vaping more after lowering your nicotine strength, it may be a sign you’ve reduced it too quickly (NHS). New Zealand’s guidance says some people stop vaping gradually by reducing how often they vape or the nicotine strength of their e-liquid.

None of the sources we checked gives a separate withdrawal timeline for people who cut down first. If you want to try it, the taper planner turns your current puffs into a week-by-week plan with a quit date.

When to get help

Talk to a doctor, pharmacist or your local quit service if symptoms worry you, feel unmanageable or don’t ease. Sources give different points at which to check in.

• The CDC says that if you don’t feel better in a couple of weeks, or your symptoms feel unmanageable, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider (CDC).
• Health Canada says to talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about any withdrawal symptoms, or if you feel sad or depressed and those feelings don’t go away within three weeks of your quit date.
• The Australian Government Department of Health says to see your doctor if depression is intense or doesn’t go away.
• The Better Health Channel says that if you have severe or long-lasting symptoms, it might help to talk to a health professional or a Quitline counsellor.

Smokefree.gov says not to ignore depression or extreme sadness, or keep those feelings to yourself: let someone who cares about you know, and talk to a doctor or another trusted health professional. In the US, it points to 988 (call or text) for 24-hour support.

Your country’s quitline is listed below this guide. Quit services can also help you choose an approach that suits you.