If you’ve ever felt nauseous, dizzy or light-headed after using your vape, you’re not alone. Many new or even experienced vapers sometimes feel unwell after vaping, especially when trying a new device or stronger liquid.
So why does vaping make you feel sick? In this guide, we explain the common causes, what it might mean and how to stop it from happening again.
The most likely reason: too much nicotine
Nicotine is the main culprit behind feeling sick after vaping. If you take in more nicotine than your body is used to, you might experience:
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Headache
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Sweating
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Fast heart rate
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A general feeling of being unwell
This is known as nicotine overload or nicotine sickness, and it usually passes within 15 to 30 minutes. If you lie down, sip water and avoid vaping during that time, the symptoms often go away on their own.
What causes nicotine overload?
You might be taking in too much nicotine if:
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You have just switched from smoking to a strong vape
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You are using a nicotine strength that is too high
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You chain vape without breaks
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You are using a vape that delivers nicotine more efficiently than you realise
Devices like those in the Lost Mary BM6000 collection use nicotine salt for a smoother experience, but this also means the nicotine hits faster. If you are not used to it, you may end up absorbing more than you expected.
Could it be the flavour or ingredients?
Yes, for some people. Certain flavours, especially sweet or strong menthol blends, can trigger queasiness or irritation. This could be due to the intensity of the flavour or a sensitivity to one of the ingredients, such as:
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Propylene glycol (PG), which can cause throat dryness or irritation in some users
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Flavourings, especially if very artificial or chemical-tasting
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A mix of heat, vapour density and flavour that overwhelms your senses
If the sick feeling happens right after vaping a new flavour, consider switching to something lighter or more neutral to see if it improves.
Is it a sign of dehydration?
Vaping draws moisture from your mouth and throat, which can leave you slightly dehydrated over time. If you are not drinking enough water, this can lead to:
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Fatigue
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Headaches
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Nausea
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Dizziness
Make sure you are drinking water regularly throughout the day, especially if you are vaping frequently. A dry mouth is one of the earliest signs you need to take a break and rehydrate.
Other possible causes
While nicotine is the most common reason, feeling sick after vaping might also be related to:
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Vaping on an empty stomach – especially with high nicotine
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Heat from the coil irritating your throat or stomach
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Rapid puffing without pausing between hits
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An underlying health issue made worse by nicotine or vapour
If the feeling of sickness persists even after adjusting your habits, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional. You might be reacting to something specific in the vape or experiencing unrelated symptoms.
How to stop feeling sick after vaping
If you’re feeling unwell after vaping, try these quick tips:
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Stop vaping immediately
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Lie down and rest in a cool space
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Drink water slowly
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Avoid vaping again until you feel fully better
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Lower your nicotine strength next time
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Vape slower and with longer breaks between puffs
Once you’ve recovered, you can decide whether to change your device, switch flavour or reduce your nicotine strength to avoid it happening again.
Can you build a tolerance?
Yes. If you’ve recently switched from smoking to vaping or just moved up to a stronger liquid, your body may need time to adjust. Start with a nicotine strength that matches your previous smoking habit and work your way down gradually. There is no need to jump into the strongest liquid or chain vape to get the effect you want.
Want more support?
Our health guides cover side effects like headaches, sore throat, dizziness and tiredness. They are written for UK vapers and offer clear tips to manage your health and make vaping work for you.
Final thoughts
Vaping can make you feel sick if you use too much nicotine, vape too fast or try a strength that is too strong for your needs. It can also happen due to flavour intensity, dehydration or vaping on an empty stomach.
The good news is that these effects are usually short-lived and easy to avoid with small changes. Start slow, stay hydrated and choose a nicotine strength that suits your body.
Feeling dizzy or light-headed? Our article on how much nicotine is in a vape can help you avoid using too strong a liquid.
If nausea is paired with headaches, also check can vaping cause headaches.