Feeling sick after vaping, often referred to as "nic sick," is a clear sign that your body has received more nicotine than it can handle. While the sensation is typically temporary and not life-threatening, it is your body's signal to slow down or stop. Symptoms can range from mild nausea and dizziness to more severe issues like a racing heart and headache. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward finding relief and preventing future discomfort.
Immediate Steps to Alleviate Nic Sick Symptoms
If you begin to feel unwell after vaping, taking immediate action can help your body recover faster.
- Stop Vaping Immediately: Remove the nicotine source. Continuing to vape will only worsen your symptoms.
- Rest and Breathe: Move to a calm, well-ventilated area and sit or lie down. Close your eyes and focus on slow, deep breaths to help calm your nervous system.
- Hydrate with Water: Drink plenty of water. Nicotine is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration, which exacerbates feelings of sickness and headaches. Water helps flush the nicotine and other toxins from your system.
- Eat a Small Snack: If your stomach feels unsettled, eating a small, plain snack like crackers or toast can help settle it. Avoid vaping on an empty stomach in the future, as it can intensify nausea.
- Try Home Remedies: Some people find that sipping on ginger ale or peppermint tea helps soothe a nauseous stomach.
Causes of Feeling Sick After Vaping
Several factors can contribute to nicotine sickness, from the e-liquid itself to your vaping habits.
Excessive Nicotine
The most common cause is an intake of excessive nicotine, which can come from using a high-nicotine e-liquid, particularly nicotine salts, or from chain-vaping without breaks. Nicotine stimulates the central nervous system, and an overstimulation can lead to the symptoms of nicotine toxicity.
Dehydration
The base liquids in many vapes, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from their surroundings. This can cause a dry mouth and dehydration, which in turn can lead to headaches and dizziness.
Improper Vaping Technique
New users, or those switching devices, may use an improper inhalation technique. Taking deep, long drags, especially with a high-powered device, can deliver a large dose of nicotine very quickly, overwhelming the body's ability to process it and causing discomfort.
Flavorings and Allergens
Some individuals may have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to specific flavorings or ingredients in e-liquids. Chemicals like diacetyl, though linked to lung disease, can also cause irritation and nausea in some individuals.
How to Prevent Future Sickness from Vaping
For those who choose to continue vaping, a few adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of feeling sick again.
Adjusting Your Vaping Habits
- Lower Nicotine Strength: Switch to an e-liquid with a lower nicotine concentration, especially if you are using high-potency nicotine salts.
- Reduce Wattage: If your device has adjustable wattage, a higher setting can increase nicotine delivery. Lowering the wattage can help manage your intake.
- Pace Yourself: Take smaller, shorter puffs with longer breaks in between. Avoid chain-vaping to give your body time to process the nicotine.
Choosing the Right E-liquid
- Experiment with PG/VG Ratios: If you suspect an ingredient sensitivity, try changing the ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG). Some find higher VG liquids less irritating.
- Select Nicotine-Free Options: For those who enjoy the ritual of vaping but want to eliminate the health risks of nicotine, many nicotine-free e-liquids are available.
Vaping Symptoms: Mild vs. Severe
It is important to distinguish between mild nicotine sickness and severe nicotine poisoning, which requires immediate medical attention.
| Symptom | Mild Nic Sick (Nicotine Overdose) | Severe Nicotine Poisoning |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | Often the first sign, can be relieved by stopping vaping and resting. | Severe, persistent nausea, and vomiting. |
| Headache | Mild to moderate headache. | Intense, persistent headache. |
| Heart Rate | Increased, rapid heart rate (tachycardia). | Irregular, severe palpitations, potentially followed by a slow heart rate. |
| Dizziness | Lightheadedness or feeling off-balance. | Confusion, disorientation, and fainting. |
| Sweating | Excessive sweating or clamminess. | Pale skin and extreme fatigue. |
| Breathing | No significant changes. | Difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or respiratory failure. |
| Other | Jitters or anxiety. | Muscle twitching, seizures, or coma. |
Conclusion
Feeling sick after vaping is a common but uncomfortable experience that serves as a warning from your body. In most cases, mild symptoms can be managed by stopping nicotine intake, staying hydrated, resting, and eating a snack. However, if symptoms are severe, such as seizures or difficulty breathing, it's crucial to seek immediate medical help. For long-term prevention, consider reducing your nicotine strength, pacing your vaping sessions, or transitioning to nicotine-free products. Ultimately, the safest and healthiest option is to quit vaping entirely and address nicotine dependence with the help of a healthcare provider.
Beyond Nic Sick: Considering Long-Term Health Risks
While addressing immediate symptoms is important, it is also crucial to acknowledge that vaping carries potential long-term health risks. Studies funded by the National Institutes of Health have found that long-term e-cigarette use can impair blood vessel function, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Chronic exposure is also linked to potential lung damage and respiratory conditions. Therefore, experiencing "nic sick" can be an important catalyst for re-evaluating your relationship with vaping and seeking support for cessation. You can find more information about quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal from the CDC(https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/features/e-cigarettes-qa/index.html).
Seeking Professional Help
If you find yourself consistently feeling unwell from vaping or struggle to reduce your nicotine intake, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. They can help you create a personalized plan to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms safely, potentially using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
