If you vape and have experienced moments of anxiety, racing thoughts or restlessness, you might be wondering whether your vape could be part of the reason. It is a question many vapers ask, especially if they have recently increased their nicotine use or started a new device.
In this article, we will look at the link between vaping and anxiety, how nicotine affects your mood, and what you can do if you think your vape is contributing to anxious feelings.
Can vaping cause anxiety?
It can in some cases. While not everyone will experience it, there is growing awareness that nicotine may play a role in anxiety for some users. Vaping introduces nicotine into the body quickly, especially when using devices with nicotine salt. This fast delivery can cause physical symptoms that overlap with anxiety, such as:
-
Increased heart rate
-
Feeling jittery or restless
-
Shallow breathing
-
Difficulty focusing
These symptoms are usually short-lived, but for people who are already prone to anxiety or panic, they can feel more intense and difficult to manage.
Why does nicotine affect anxiety?
Nicotine is a stimulant. That means it speeds up certain processes in the body, including heart rate, blood pressure and the release of stress-related hormones. While it can initially feel calming or help with focus, repeated use may create a cycle of dependence that leads to increased anxiety over time.
When the nicotine wears off, withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, tension and unease. This often leads people to reach for their vape again, which temporarily relieves the discomfort but continues the cycle.
Devices like the Lost Mary BM6000 use nicotine salt e-liquid at 20 milligrams per millilitre, which delivers a smooth but potent dose. For many users this works well, but if you are feeling anxious, you might want to review your usage pattern, strength and how frequently you vape.
Can vaping help with stress?
Some people find that vaping helps them feel more relaxed, especially during moments of stress. It can become part of a routine or a way to pause and focus, similar to how others might sip tea or step outside for fresh air.
However, if you are using vaping to manage daily stress or anxiety regularly, it is important to understand how it affects your mood long term. The relief might feel instant, but it does not deal with the root cause of anxiety. In some cases, it may even mask it or make it harder to manage without nicotine.
What about vaping without nicotine?
If nicotine is the issue, switching to a nicotine-free vape may help reduce the physical symptoms linked to anxiety. Nicotine-free options still deliver flavour and the act of vaping, but without the stimulant effect.
That said, if you have built a strong habit around vaping with nicotine, switching to zero-nicotine too quickly may feel uncomfortable at first. Reducing your strength gradually might be a more realistic option if you are aiming to cut down.
How to spot if vaping is affecting your anxiety
You might want to reflect on the following:
-
Do you feel more anxious shortly after vaping or when you have not vaped in a while?
-
Are you using your vape to calm down, then feeling worse once the effect wears off?
-
Have you noticed physical symptoms like a racing heart or restlessness linked to your vape sessions?
-
Are you vaping more often than you used to in order to feel the same relief?
If the answer is yes to one or more of these, it could be worth tracking your vape use alongside your mood to see if there is a pattern.
What can you do?
If you think vaping is making your anxiety worse, here are a few things to try:
-
Lower your nicotine strength gradually
-
Take breaks between vape sessions to give your body time to reset
-
Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep
-
Try breathing exercises or mindfulness as alternatives when feeling anxious
-
Speak to your GP or a mental health professional if your anxiety is ongoing
There is no shame in needing support. Anxiety is common, and making small changes to your routine can make a big difference over time.
Want more health content?
Our full health guides section covers side effects, cravings, oral health, sleep and more. Every article is written for UK vapers looking to stay informed and in control of their habits.
Final thoughts
Vaping does not cause anxiety for everyone, but it can make symptoms worse in some people, especially when nicotine is involved. Because nicotine is a stimulant, it can trigger physical effects that feel like anxiety or make existing symptoms harder to manage.
If you are concerned, try adjusting your nicotine strength or how often you vape. Pay attention to how your body responds and give yourself time to reset. If needed, speak to a professional who can support you in finding a balance that works.
If your mood has been affected, also check does vaping cause bad breath for how physical side effects can influence mental wellbeing.
You might also want to explore why does vaping make me feel sick for physical symptoms that might contribute to unease.