Feeling nicotine sickness or nic sick from vaping or other tobacco products is how your body responds to absorbing too much nicotine too quickly. If you’ve ever vaped and suddenly felt dizzy, nauseous or like your heart is racing, you’re in the right place.
This isn't in your head. You might be nic sick, and here's what you need to know about the vaping side effects behind it, what to expect, and when to get help.
What Does Nic Sick Mean?
Nic sick refers to the unpleasant physical symptoms you experience when your body takes in more nicotine than it can handle. It could be a mild form or the beginning phases of nicotine poisoning or nicotine overdose. Typically, nicotine sickness is not an emergency but a real signal from your body that something is not right.
With the popularity of vaping, the term "nic sick" has caught on and become more common amongst teens and first-time users.
One vape pod often contains as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. Plus, many vapes use nicotine salts, which can cause nicotine to be absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly.
What Are the Symptoms of Nic Sick?
The beginning nicotine poisoning symptoms typically show up within 15 to 60 minutes of vaping, using nicotine pouches, smoking, or using other tobacco products. Early-phase symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Stomachache and loss of appetite
- Skin paleness
- Sweating or excess saliva
The good news is that mild nic sick typically goes away on its own when you stop using nicotine and give your body time to process it. While there's no need to panic, you should stop using to prevent further poisoning.
If symptoms progress or get worse, seek medical attention. For more information, read our full guide on nicotine poisoning symptoms here.
What to Do if You Are Nic Sick.
Duration | How Long Does Nic Sick Last?
Mild symptoms of nicotine exposure typically last one to two hours, though the exact time can vary. The more nicotine your body took in, the longer it could take to feel relief. More severe cases may last up to 24 hours. It's most important to stop vaping or using nicotine and give your body time to recover.
Treatment Options | What Helps Nic Sick Go Away?
Stop using nicotine, get some fresh air, take deep breaths, eat simple carbs like crackers or toast to settle your stomach, let your body rest in a cool room, and sip water slowly to clear out the toxins. Vaping or taking in more nicotine WILL NOT help. It will make it worse. There's no shortcut here, so be sure to treat your body with care.
Severity | Should I Go to the Hospital for Nic Sick?
Most mild cases of nic sick don't require a hospital visit. But if symptoms escalate to shallow breathing, slow heart rate, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness, you should call 911 or get to an emergency room immediately. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention for nic sick, if needed.
Alternatively, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for more help. If left untreated, severe nicotine poisoning can lead to serious illness or death.
Is Nicotine Bad for You? What Nic Sick Is Really Saying.
Yes, nicotine is harmful to your health and wellness. Getting nic sick is not normal. It's your body flagging something worth paying attention to. Nicotine is a toxic substance, and your body knows it. The dangers of vaping go beyond one uncomfortable experience, and you can learn more about the effects of vaping here.
Curious how else nicotine affects you? Read about surprising ways nicotine impacts your body and health, or check out signs you may already be addicted.
No Need to Do This Alone
If you have ever felt sick after using tobacco products like vapes, your body was saying it's had too much. It is not something to push through or ignore. Whether you want to cut back or just want more information about vaping risks and what's actually in e-cigarettes, you can find it all here.
If you're looking to quit, the SD QuitLine offers free, confidential ways for you to leave nicotine in the past. Visit sdquitline.com to learn more.
Sources: American Lung Association, Cleveland Clinic, Truth Initiative, Quit Tobacco SD