Can You Get a Headache from Vaping?

Some vapers have reported headaches soon after they started vaping. It could be a coincidence, but you can’t ignore the timing.

‘Vaping headaches’ as it is commonly called is one of the leading side effects of vaping, the second being dry mouth.

This blog will help you understand why you are getting headaches from vaping and also what you can do to counter the headaches.

What is a Vaping Headache?

The description of the vaping headaches vary. But, in most cases, the headache is described as a ‘low grade' but a consistent headache can last for some time in most cases.

The headaches are most common among new vapers. Most old hands claim that over time, the headaches get less frequent and eventually stop.

But, if you're not willing to wait and see if the problem is going to go away, it's best to find ways to address it now as you break into the experience of vaping.

What Causes Vaping Headaches?

It’s not clear what exactly causes the headaches when you vape. But, there are some possible explanations based on science that could explain it.

Dehydration

You must have noticed the dry mouth feeling left behind every time you hit the vape. The dry mouth is caused by the key ingredients in vaping liquids which are propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin have dehydrating properties meaning they suck up moisture from the body.

The dehydration not only contributes to a dry mouth. It can also cause you to have a sore throat and make you feel and dizzy and light-headed. It’s also possible to suffer mild or severe headaches because of the sudden loss of water.

Curbing this effect is relatively easy. You need to drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate. You can start by taking sips frequently and gradually develop a habit to drink more.

As your vaping is increasing, make sure you also drink more. If you’re drinking enough, your pee colour should be clear. 

E-liquid ingredients

It's possible your favourite e-juice could be causing your headaches. It's tough news to swallow, especially when you finally thought you have the perfect juice, but it could be true.

Unfortunately, it not certain which components of the e-liquids can cause a headache. But if you recently switched your brand of e-juice, it could be the cause of your woes.

Different people react to different ingredients. It's possible you could be reacting to too much VG or PG. If you notice high VG liquids give you a headache, you should try liquids with high PG and vice versa to see if it alleviates the problem.

Some vapers also complain that certain brands make them get headaches. This could also be the case with you. You can try a different brand. It’s best to try lots of different brands and see if there are those that offer you a better experience.

If that doesn’t help, you could also try some unflavoured e-liquids just in case the flavour is the problem. If you love the complicated flavours, you can try to dial it down a notch and see if there's any chance.

Once you find the right e-liquid, make sure you remember which ones don’t agree with you so you can avoid them in the feature.

Nicotine

The other factor that could be causing you headaches when you vape is nicotine. Nicotine can cause headaches when it’s delivered through combustible cigarettes and also in e-cigs.

Nicotine causes the blood vessels to narrow slightly reducing the blood flow, which can trigger a headache.

Why not also read: Are Nicotine Salts Safe?

If you have just switched from combustible cigarettes, you could also suffer from headaches because of the mode of delivery of the nicotine.

To counter this effect, start with a nicotine level that is best for you. You can start slow then work up the concentration ladder.

Test What Works For You

Nagging headaches can take away the joy and experience of vaping. Luckily, there’s something you can do about it. It starts with identifying the root cause of the headaches.

It might take a lot of trial and errors, but nothing is more important than the guarantee of enjoying your vaping experience without the nagging and buzzing headaches. If you're just starting out, start with nicotine-free vape liquids and only vape a few times a day drinking plenty of liquids in between. That will help curb any problems as you find the best brands, nicotine strength and PG to VG ratio for you!