Why Do I Feel Sick After Vaping?
Feeling sick after vaping is more common than you might think. Whether you’re new to vaping or have been using e-cigarettes for years, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms can sometimes occur.
In this guide, we’ll explain the main reasons why vaping might make you feel sick, what you can do about it, and when to seek medical advice.
⚠️ Important: If you feel unwell before or after vaping, stop immediately and speak to your GP or healthcare provider. Only a medical professional can diagnose and treat your symptoms.
Common Reasons You Feel Sick After Vaping
Several factors can contribute to nausea or general sickness after vaping. Let’s look at the most common causes and how to fix them.
1. Allergic Reactions to E-Liquid Ingredients
One of the first things to check when you feel unwell after vaping is the ingredients in your e-liquid. Some vape juices contain allergens that may cause mild to severe reactions.
At LiQuid, for example, every effort is made to minimise potential allergens in our e-liquids. However, certain flavour profiles can’t exist without specific compounds that may trigger sensitivities.
If you’re allergic to certain ingredients, check your e-liquid label carefully. Common allergens are usually listed in bold and marked as sensitisers.
What to Do:
Review the ingredient list on your vape juice packaging.
Avoid flavours that contain known allergens.
If your allergy is undiagnosed, consult your GP for allergy testing.
Even a minor allergic reaction can cause nausea, headaches, or throat irritation after vaping. High VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids, for example, often contain higher concentrations of flavouring, which could increase your exposure to certain allergens.
2. Burnt or Damaged Vape Coils
A burnt coil is another common reason you might feel ill after vaping. Coils have a limited lifespan, and when they degrade, they can produce burnt or contaminated vapour.
When a coil burns, it’s not just e-liquid you’re inhaling — you’re also breathing in smoke from the burnt wicking material, which can irritate your lungs and stomach.
Warning Signs of a Bad Coil:
What to Look Out For
A harsh, burnt taste when you inhale
Brown or discoloured e-liquid
A sudden change in flavour or vapour quality
Reduced vapour production or weak throat hit – if your vape feels less powerful or produces thinner clouds than usual, it could be a sign your coil is nearing the end of its life.
How to Fix It:
Quick Tips
Replace your coil regularly (every 1–2 weeks for frequent vapers).
For pod systems like the EDGE GO, replace the entire pod once it’s empty.
Check your tank for foreign objects or cracks, and clean it before refilling.
Prime new coils properly before use – add a few drops of e-liquid directly to the cotton and let it soak for 5–10 minutes to prevent burning and extend coil life.
Keeping your vape device clean and your coil fresh will help ensure you’re only inhaling vapour — not burnt residue.
3. Nicotine Overload or “Nicotine Sickness”
Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded after vaping?
You may be experiencing nicotine sickness, also known as nicotine overdose. This happens when your body absorbs more nicotine than it can comfortably handle. Nicotine is both a stimulant and a toxin, meaning it affects your brain, heart, and nervous system in noticeable ways.
When you vape too much or use an e-liquid with a high nicotine strength, your body can quickly become overwhelmed. Each puff delivers nicotine into your bloodstream, increasing your heart rate and releasing adrenaline — giving you that short-lived “buzz.” However, if you take in more nicotine than your system is used to, those stimulating effects can turn unpleasant.
In short, nicotine overdose from vaping isn’t usually dangerous when caught early, but it’s your body’s way of telling you to slow down, take a break, and reassess your nicotine strength or vaping habits.
Common Symptoms of Nicotine Sickness:
Nausea or vomiting – One of the first signs of too much nicotine is feeling queasy or physically sick. This happens because nicotine stimulates your stomach and digestive system, leading to discomfort or an upset stomach.
Dizziness and headaches – High levels of nicotine can reduce oxygen flow in the blood, which may cause light-headedness, blurred vision, or a throbbing headache. You might also feel disoriented or unsteady after a few puffs.
Rapid heartbeat – Nicotine is a stimulant that temporarily raises your heart rate and blood pressure. If you notice your pulse racing or feel heart palpitations after vaping, it’s a strong indicator that you’ve had too much.
Sweating or shaking – Excess nicotine can overstimulate your nervous system, causing your body to react as if it’s under stress. This often results in cold sweats, trembling hands, or a jittery feeling.
How to Prevent Nicotine Overload
Lower your nicotine strength.
If you’re currently using an 18mg e-liquid and often feel sick or dizzy after vaping, it could mean your nicotine level is too high for your tolerance. Try stepping down to a 12mg or even a 6mg strength. This gradual reduction allows your body to adjust while still satisfying cravings. Many vapers find that lowering nicotine levels not only reduces nausea but also improves overall enjoyment and flavour.
Take shorter puffs and avoid chain vaping.
Unlike smoking, where a cigarette naturally ends, vaping devices can deliver continuous nicotine with every puff. Chain vaping (taking hit after hit without breaks) can easily lead to nicotine buildup, especially with high-powered or sub-ohm devices. Take shorter, slower puffs and give yourself time between draws — this helps your body absorb nicotine at a steadier, safer rate.
Listen to your body — if you start feeling lightheaded, stop and take a break.
Your body gives clear signals when it’s had too much nicotine. Lightheaded-ness, nausea, or a racing heart are warning signs to pause. Step away from your vape, drink some water, and give yourself time to recover. It’s always better to take a break than push through discomfort, as doing so can worsen symptoms.
Finding the right nicotine strength takes time and patience.
Every vaper’s nicotine tolerance is different, depending on factors like how often you vape, the device you use, and your previous smoking habits. Start on the lower end of the scale and increase only if necessary — never the other way around. Over time, your cravings may naturally decrease, allowing you to comfortably lower your nicotine intake further.
When to See a Doctor
If your symptoms persist even after switching e-liquids, changing coils, and lowering nicotine strength, it’s best to seek medical advice. You could be dealing with:
- A hidden allergy
- An underlying health issue
- Sensitivity to propylene glycol (PG) or other vape ingredients
Your GP can help identify the root cause and suggest the safest way to continue (or stop) vaping.
Final Thoughts
Feeling sick after vaping doesn’t always mean something serious, but it’s a sign your body isn’t happy with what’s happening. Common causes include:
- Allergic reactions to e-liquid ingredients
- Burnt or dirty coils
- Nicotine overload
By paying attention to these factors — and making simple adjustments — most vapers can avoid feeling unwell and enjoy a smoother experience.
