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I have a headache and fatigue. Is it a side effect of smoking?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I started smoking four years ago, and now my smoking habit is continuous. Sometimes I feel very nervous and tired. I also have a headache. Is my symptom because of smoking?

Please suggest.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The nicotine present in cigarettes causes blood vessels to narrow, which will reduce the blood flow to the brain, triggering a headache. So, yes, in a way, we can say that smoking is causing these side effects.

Now, coming to the nervousness and tiredness, recent studies say that though nicotine produces temporary calming down, in the long run, it causes anxiety and other side effects.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At October 8, 2017
Reviewed AtFebruary 17, 2026

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