Symptoms include intense cravings for nicotine, anger or irritability, anxiety, depression, impatience, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hunger, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.

[1] Nicotine withdrawal is recognized in both the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

Withdrawal is most common and intense in cigarette smokers[2][3] and intermediate in smokeless and e-cigarette users.

Following the initial withdrawal period, many individuals experience improvements in anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life.

When nicotine intake is decreased, the brain's opposing force is now unopposed and this causes withdrawal symptoms.

It also appears that opiate, serotonergic, glutamic, cannabinoid, and corticotrophin receptors may play a role in nicotine withdrawal.

In the brain, the dorsal striatum may be associated with physical (motor) but not affective withdrawal sign.