Tobacco.org

Advice from 'Dear Prudence'  

The Patch: My husband is trying to stop smoking. He started the patch this weekend. And he has turned into a complete jerk. He is mean and nasty and has said some really terrible things to me. He's also been really mean to our son. . . .

Arlington, Va.: Please, please, please advise the woman whose husband is trying to quit smoking to discuss this side-effect with his doctor immediately. My family has been devastated by a member who committed suicide shortly after beginning a drug-based regime designed to help him quit smoking. A reaction like her husband's shouldn't be ignored or trivialized. (Not that your original answer trivialized it, but please have them make sure it's not something more serious.)

Emily Yoffe: Medical alert! Wife with the husband quitting smoking who has developed a terrible personality -- have him call his doctor immediately. Thanks for the heads up.

Jump to full article »