What Causes Headaches When Smoking Vape?

Vaping has become a widely accepted alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. It’s often viewed as a cleaner, more customizable, and potentially less harmful habit. But for some users, vaping comes with an unexpected and uncomfortable side effect: headaches. If you’ve ever experienced a throbbing head shortly after a vaping session, you’re not alone. Many users report similar symptoms, especially when trying a new device or e-liquid.

So, what causes headaches when smoking vape? The answer isn’t always straightforward—it could be due to a combination of nicotine levels, dehydration, ingredients in vape juice, device settings, or even user behavior. Let’s explore the most common reasons behind vape-related headaches and how you can prevent them.

1. Nicotine Overdose: The Leading Culprit

The most common cause of vaping-related headaches is too much nicotine. Whether you’re a former smoker or a first-time vaper, your body reacts to nicotine intake—and that reaction can sometimes trigger headaches.

Why it happens:

• Nicotine is a stimulant. It constricts blood vessels, increases heart rate, and alters brain chemistry.

• In high doses, nicotine can lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and yes—headaches.

• Many new vapers unknowingly inhale more nicotine than they would from smoking a cigarette, especially with high-strength nicotine salts.

What to do:

• Check your nicotine level. If you’re using 50mg/ml nicotine salt and getting headaches, consider switching to 25mg/ml or even 10mg/ml.

• Reduce puff frequency. Take fewer, shorter drags to prevent overwhelming your system.

• Switch to nicotine-free or low-nicotine vape juice if you’re a light user.

2. Dehydration: A Silent Side Effect of Vaping

Dehydration is another sneaky cause of vaping-related headaches. Vaping, particularly juices high in propylene glycol (PG), can draw moisture from your mouth, throat, and even your body.

Why it happens:

• PG is hygroscopic—it absorbs water.

• Repeated vaping can dry out your mucous membranes and mildly dehydrate you.

• Even a small degree of dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and irritability.

What to do:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you vape often.

• Consider switching to high VG (vegetable glycerin) juices, which are less drying.

• Avoid vaping first thing in the morning or when you haven’t had enough fluids.

3. Vape Juice Sensitivities and Allergies

Sometimes, the headache isn’t from nicotine or dehydration, but from an ingredient sensitivity. Many vape juices contain a blend of PG, VG, flavorings, and additives.

Common culprits:

• High PG content (some people are sensitive to PG)

• Artificial sweeteners and flavorings, such as sucralose or diacetyl

• Caffeine-based flavors, like coffee or energy drink vapes, which may affect sensitive users

• Menthol or cooling agents, which can cause sinus pressure and headaches in some

What to do:

• Test different PG/VG ratios. A 70VG/30PG blend is often smoother than a 50/50.

• Try unflavored vape juice to see if flavors are the issue.

• Avoid overly strong or sweet flavors until you know how your body reacts.

4. Incorrect Device Settings

Your vape device settings can also contribute to discomfort. If you’re using a powerful sub-ohm mod or running your device at high wattage, it could lead to headaches.

Why it happens:

• High power settings produce more vapor—meaning more nicotine and more potential dehydration.

• Hot vapor can irritate the throat and sinuses, which can trigger tension headaches.

• Inconsistent hits or dry burns from poorly primed coils can cause physical discomfort.

What to do:

• Lower your wattage or voltage, especially if you’re using high-nicotine juice.

• Prime your coils properly to avoid dry hits.

• Use appropriate coils for your e-liquid—mesh coils often provide smoother vapor at lower power.

5. Chain Vaping and Inhalation Habits

How you vape matters just as much as what you vape. Chain vaping—taking puff after puff without pause—can overload your system.

Effects of chain vaping:

• Leads to a rapid buildup of nicotine

• Causes oxygen deprivation if you’re taking deep inhales frequently

• Increases risk of dehydration and throat irritation

What to do:

• Take breaks between puffs. Let your body process the nicotine before taking another hit.

• Avoid long, deep inhales, especially with strong e-liquid.

• Breathe normally between hits to avoid oxygen imbalance.

6. Environmental and Psychological Factors

Not all headaches caused during vaping are purely physical. Sometimes, external factors like stress, lighting, posture, or screen time can combine with vaping to trigger a headache.

Examples:

• Vaping while gaming or working at a computer can lead to eye strain and tension headaches.

• Stressful environments can make you tense your jaw or shoulders, worsening discomfort.

• Loud music, flashing lights, or poor air circulation can amplify symptoms.

What to do:

• Be mindful of your surroundings when vaping.

• Relax your body, especially your neck and shoulders.

• Take breaks from screens and stay in well-ventilated areas.

7. Withdrawal or Transition Effects

If you’re switching from cigarettes to vaping—or reducing nicotine intake—your body may go through withdrawal or adjustment periods, and headaches are common during this phase.

Why it happens:

• Nicotine withdrawal causes tension, irritability, and headaches.

• Changing delivery methods (smoking to vaping) affects how quickly nicotine reaches your brain.

• Your brain may need time to rebalance neurotransmitters.

What to do:

• Stay consistent with vaping while reducing nicotine gradually.

• Use slow-release nicotine methods like patches or gums alongside vaping if needed.

• Drink water, rest, and give your body time to adapt.

8. When to See a Doctor

While vaping-related headaches are often temporary and manageable, persistent or severe headaches could indicate:

• Underlying medical conditions

• Severe sensitivity to ingredients

• Migraine disorders

If you experience:

• Frequent, severe headaches after vaping

• Blurred vision, nausea, or light sensitivity

• Symptoms that last for hours or days

…it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions.

9. Vaping Smart Means Vaping Comfortably

Headaches from vaping are real—but they’re also preventable. By understanding the potential causes—from nicotine strength and hydration to device settings and ingredient sensitivities—you can take control of your experience and make adjustments to avoid discomfort.

Here’s a quick checklist to prevent vape-related headaches:

• Use the correct nicotine level for your body

•  Stay hydrated

•  Choose high-quality, clean vape juices

•  Adjust your device settings for smoother vapor

•  Avoid chain vaping and take regular breaks

•  Pay attention to your body’s signals

Vaping is meant to be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. If headaches are getting in the way, a few simple changes might be all you need to restore comfort and keep your sessions headache-free.