Why Do I Feel a Nicotine Buzz After Vaping?

One of the main reasons people return to nicotine repeatedly is the associated buzz they get after consuming it. Nicotine is often found in rechargeable and disposable vapes in varying percentages, directly affecting your central nervous system. That buzz you feel is a biological response to the stimulant you've introduced, but how does it all work?

Well, that's precisely what we will answer in this guide! We've heard all your burning questions about the famed nicotine buzz, and we're here to answer every last one. 

What Is a Nicotine Buzz?

There's a reason why nicotine is the second most popular stimulant in the world, beaten only by caffeine. This is primarily due to the buzz it provides after consumption, but what is a nicotine buzz, and what does it feel like? This question isn't easy to answer, as it can feel completely different between people!

For instance, some people feel calm and relaxed after consuming nicotine, which isn't necessarily what you would assume from the word 'buzz’. Others describe feeling more alert and focused, demonstrating increased concentration. Depending on their height, weight, and age, it affects people differently, but the dosage also plays a significant role. 

Generally speaking, smaller doses of nicotine act as a stimulant, whereas larger doses act as more of a sedative. Either way, you're more likely to experience a buzz if you are new to nicotine or take a larger hit than usual. This is because your body isn't used to the chemicals. 

The Science Behind the Nicotine Buzz

When nicotine enters your bloodstream, it moves through your body to your brain in search of nicotinic cholinergic receptors to bind to. These receptors then release dopamine and other similar neurotransmitters to produce a pleasurable and rewarding feeling. In doing so, your blood vessels will tighten, and your heart rate will rise temporarily. This is why some people report feeling lightheaded or a little dizzy right after consuming nicotine. 

Despite this release of pleasurable neurotransmitters, a nicotine buzz isn't always an enjoyable experience. In some people, it may cause nausea or disorientation. This is particularly common among people who do not consume nicotine often or suddenly increase their dose beyond what their body is used to. 

Possible Side-Effects

A nicotine buzz has many side effects, including a mix of good and not-so-good. It's impossible to say how your body will respond with absolute certainty, as everyone is different. If you're not used to consuming nicotine, however, it's strongly advised to start with lower doses (or no nicotine at all) and work your way up. This will minimize the risk of unpleasant side effects.

Possible side effects include:

• Breathing problems
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Elevated mood
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased alertness or focus
• Increased blood pressure

This list is not conclusive. As a stimulant, people often associate nicotine with increased energy, but this is ordinarily only the case with small doses. 

Can Vaping Give You a Nicotine Buzz?

Yes, it can. Any product containing nicotine can give you a buzz, especially if your body isn't used to it. Vape pens, vape pods, e-cigarettes, and many other devices are capable of providing you with a nicotine buzz due to the presence of nicotine in e-liquid. 

Some juices contain more nicotine than others, so it's essential to consider how much you consume. If you're new to vaping, it's recommended that you start with lower levels of nicotine. This is usually represented in percentages. 

What Does a Nicotine Buzz Feel Like?

It varies from person to person, but generally speaking, a nicotine buzz feels like a rush of lightheadedness followed by an increased mood. However, it isn't always a perfect experience. A nicotine buzz can also make you feel nauseous, mess with your respiratory system, and increase your heart rate. 

If you experience adverse side effects after your first hit of nicotine, it is likely because the dose was too high for your body. It's vitally important that you don't blindly chase a nicotine buzz. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and respond accordingly. 

How Long Does a Nicotine Buzz Last?

In most cases, not particularly long. In fact, some nicotine highs will last only a few seconds before fading away. This is especially true for people who have been consuming nicotine for a while as their body gradually gets used to the stimulant, weakening the effect. However, if you've pushed through your comfort zone and increased your dose significantly, you could experience a buzz for up to half an hour. 

Be careful when experimenting with doses, however. As stated above, a nicotine buzz isn't a guaranteed pleasurable experience. Sometimes it can result in dizziness or even vomiting. You could be in for a nasty surprise if you overestimate your ability to handle a higher nicotine dose. Like with any substance, if you're interested in increasing your dose, you must do so incrementally and thoughtfully. 

Why Does Nicotine Stop Giving a Buzz?

Like any stimulant, the effects on your body weaken over time. It's the same with caffeine. Those not used to caffeine will feel energized and focused from just one cup of coffee, but seasoned coffee drinkers will need much more to feel even a fraction of that original feeling. The same is true for nicotine consumers.

This is because the nicotine receptors in your brain don't possess an unlimited capacity of neurotransmitters. Once full, additional nicotine will not affect them, meaning you'll receive no dopamine hit. If you habitually consume nicotine, your receptors will almost always be full, resulting in a total loss of nicotine buzz. 

Can You Get Your Nicotine Buzz Back?

Yes, but it involves reducing your nicotine intake significantly so that your nicotinic receptors become empty once more. This can be a difficult task due to the addictive quality of nicotine. If you want to get the most out of a nicotine buzz, vaping habitually isn't a good idea. Your body will undoubtedly get used to the hit and stop providing you with those pleasant neurotransmitters. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Normal To Feel Buzzed After Vaping?

Yes, especially if you're new to vaping. Your body, and more specifically your nicotinic receptors, aren't used to the stimulant. This causes them to react more substantially than usual, resulting in the associated buzz. This feeling will fade over time as your body becomes more accustomed to your chosen dose. 

Why Do I Feel Buzzed After Hitting Nicotine?

You feel a buzz after consuming nicotine because it affects your central nervous system. It stimulates it to release particular hormones and neurotransmitters, namely dopamine and epinephrine. Dopamine causes a pleasurable response, leading to increased focus and improved mood. Epinephrine causes increased heart rate and breathing. 

Conclusion

Whether you're completely new to vaping or a seasoned veteran, there's always something new and exciting to discover. It could be a brand-new flavour or an entirely new device. Vaping never gets boring, even after your nicotine buzz has long since faded away. If you're searching for the latest thing to excite you, check out our full collection of devices, pods, and disposables for inspiration.