If you decide to quit smoking, you can expect certain annoying side effects at first. The side effects are due to the sudden withdrawal of nicotine from the body and are entirely normal.

There are 8 symptoms you may experience soon after you quit the habit:

1. Nervousness. You might be nervous, jittery, easily upset during the first few days. Tell your family, friends and co-workers you've quit smoking so that they can allow for the nervous effect - and allow for it yourself. It will disappear.

2. Lethargy. The vast majority of those who quit fell dull and depressed for the first few days.

3. Restlessness. About one in ten, instead of feeling lethargic, become hyperactive, and some have trouble sleeping.

4. Increased appetite. You will very likely develop a bigger appetite. It occurs in at least 85% of the cases.

5. Weight gain. Six out of ten people who stop smoking will gain weight in the first six months. Don't be disappointed if you cannot get rid of the excess weight during that time.

6. Headache. If you get headaches, it means that nicotine-constricted blood vessels are expanding back to normal. The headaches will disappear, usually by the third day.

7. Sore throat. Don't worry. It means the nerves of the lungs, mouth and throat are working properly again.

8. Breathlessness. Smokers are more aware of lung action than nonsmokers, so when they quit smoking, the reduced sensation of lung action makes them fear they aren't breathing at all.

Some of these symptoms may not be pleasant but they won't last. And they are a small price to pay in order to free yourself from the life-threatening smoking habit.