Why Do I Get Lightheaded When I Vape?

Vaping can sometimes lead to unexpected reactions. One reaction reported by some vapers is a sensation of feeling lightheaded or dizzy during or after usage. Below, we explore why this might happen as well as delve into some tips to prevent feeling lightheaded to help improve your vaping experience! 

Why Do I Feel So Lightheaded After Vaping?

There are several reasons you might find yourself lightheaded or dizzy while using your vape or shortly after. Let’s cover some of these reasons so you can better understand your own reaction to vaping.

Dehydration

When your body doesn't have an adequate supply of water, it can cause dehydration, leading to feeling lightheaded or dizzy (especially after vaping). Dehydration can be caused by inadequate water intake, increased sweating due to physical activity, and even excessive vapour inhalation.

Dehydration may begin as a feeling of dry mouth in the throat, and combined with inadequate water intake, this can easily lead you to feel lightheaded. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially on days you vape. Your head and body will thank you.

Vaping Too Frequently

If you tend to vape a lot in one sitting, then it's likely that your body won't be able to process the amount of vapour or nicotine within it in such a short span of time. Vaping frequently in one session can also limit how much oxygen you intake. 

All of this together can lead to a feeling of dizziness. It's best to limit yourself, giving yourself breaks throughout the day between vaping. Be sure to breathe deeply between puffs to ensure you get ample oxygen.

Vape Settings

Your vape settings might also be a factor in lightheadedness. If you're using a sub-ohm device or a vape kit with adjustable settings and wattages set too high, you may be intaking more e-liquid than you intended and thus getting too much nicotine at once. 

Again, this can bring on symptoms of lightheadedness similar to vaping too frequently. Ensure you turn the wattage down on these devices to reduce feelings of lightheadedness. Or, instead of choosing adjustable vapes that leave too much room for error, opt for something with standard settings that can't be adjusted, like those we offer at RELX.

Nicotine Levels

Your choice of e-liquid can also be a factor in feeling lightheaded, which could be the culprit if you're using an e-liquid with too much nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant with common side effects that include dizziness, headaches, or shortness of breath, which can all contribute to the feeling of lightheadedness.

Nicotine levels in disposable vape devices can range from 0-50mg/mL, but most commercially available options are between 3 and 18 mg/mL. If you're newer to vaping or trying to reduce dizziness when vaping, don't head for the high nicotine ranges. Stick to lower doses and only increase your nicotine levels if you feel good while vaping and afterwards.

Inhaling Too Deeply

It's common to take large inhales with your vape – especially for those who want to create impressive clouds (which require a lot of vapour in to produce a lot of vapour out). However, taking deep breaths when vaping can cause the nicotine to move through your body too quickly, leading to a headrush and sudden feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. 

Try to moderate the amount you're inhaling at once to avoid taking in too much too fast. Take a smaller pull, cut down your puff by a few seconds, or think about inhaling more shallowly.

Allergic Reactions

Finally, it's possible that what you're feeling is an allergic reaction or sensitivity to one of the ingredients in your e-liquid. Symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, headaches, rash, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and more.

If this is the case, visit a doctor to discuss the potential for an allergy and ways to prevent it from happening again. They can help you identify what ingredient you may be allergic to so you don't run into the issue again.

Tips to Prevent Feeling Lightheaded When Vaping

Don't want to stop vaping but looking for ways to avoid that dreaded lightheaded feeling during or after use? You're in luck. Try out these tips to keep you feeling level-headed and healthy.

Aim for Low or No Nicotine Options

The best way to keep yourself from feeling lightheaded is to opt for e-liquids with low or no nicotine. Many vapers prefer this option regardless, as it helps them reduce their nicotine cravings without the harshness and throat hit of higher levels. You won't take in too much nicotine at once, leading to a more comfortable vaping experience without a headrush.

Keep Some Water at Hand

We’ve all heard a lot about how important it is to drink plenty of water. As mentioned before, dehydration can lead to a feeling of lightheadedness. Have a bottle handy and take regular sips throughout the day, with particular attention to taking frequent sips while vaping or shortly after. You'll minimise your chances of feeling dizzy, help keep your dry mouth at bay, and keep your body refreshed with the hydration it craves.

Take Breaks and Don't Pull as Deep

Try vaping less throughout the day and instead opt for taking regular breaks in between. Doing so will help give your body a chance to breathe, rest, and relax — all of which can prevent feelings of lightheadedness during or after vaping. 

You'll also want to manage how deeply you inhale each time you use the vape. Bigger draws lead to a bigger possibility of feeling dizzy since you absorb more nicotine.

Know Your Settings or Avoid Them Altogether

If you're using a device with adjustable wattage settings, make sure you know the limits of your device and keep it in a safe spot where you won't be taking in too much nicotine. You can also opt for a RELX product with standard settings that can't be adjusted, so no matter how hard or deep you pull, they'll consistently deliver the same amount — no surprises. Stick with vapes like this that eliminate the guessing game, and you may not get as dizzy when vaping, leading to a better overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Pass Out From Vaping?

Passing out from vaping is rare but possible and could be due to several factors, such as taking in too much nicotine at once or having an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the e-liquid. If you're lightheaded after vaping, try reducing the strength of nicotine or frequency of use. Always ask a doctor for health advice.

Final Thoughts

Vaping lightheadedness is a common issue for new and experienced vapers alike, but you don't have to suffer in silence. While it may seem complicated to avoid, there are steps you can take that will help reduce the chances of feeling a headrush that makes you dizzy after vaping. 

Knowing your nicotine levels, drinking plenty of water, taking regular breaks, and opting for lower nicotine levels and settings can help ensure that vaping remains an enjoyable experience without any unwanted feelings of lightheadedness.

If you're looking for a vape device you don't have to fiddle with to ensure the proper settings, check out our selection at RELX. We have plenty of options and flavours so you can find the ideal vape device for you without complicated settings to adjust.