Nausea When Quitting Vaping: Causes & Quick Relief
Feeling nauseous after quitting vaping? Learn why withdrawal affects your stomach and discover remedies to feel better fast.
Key Takeaways
Nausea is less common than other symptoms but can be uncomfortable when it occurs.
- Why: Nicotine affected your digestive system, and your gut is readjusting.
- Timeline: Usually mild, peaks Days 1-3, resolves within 1-2 weeks.
- Best Relief: Small bland meals, ginger, staying hydrated, and fresh air.
While not as common as headaches or anxiety, some people experience nausea and digestive upset when quitting vaping. If your stomach is giving you trouble, know that it's a recognized withdrawal symptom and there are ways to find relief.
Why Does Quitting Cause Nausea?
Nicotine interacts with your digestive system in several ways:
- Gut-brain connection: Nicotine affects the vagus nerve, which controls digestion. Withdrawal disrupts this communication.
- Appetite changes: Your appetite may increase dramatically, leading to overeating and stomach upset.
- Stress response: Anxiety and stress from withdrawal can trigger nausea (the "nervous stomach" effect).
- Blood sugar fluctuations: Changes in eating patterns can cause blood sugar swings that contribute to nausea.
- Detoxification: Your body is processing and eliminating toxins from vaping.
Nausea Timeline
Days 1-3
Nausea may appear as nicotine leaves your system. Often accompanied by appetite changes.
Days 4-7
Symptoms typically begin improving. Digestive system starts to normalize.
Week 2+
Nausea is usually resolved. Digestion and appetite return to normal.
Quick Relief Remedies
Ginger
Ginger is a proven anti-nausea remedy. Try ginger tea, ginger ale (real ginger), ginger chews, or ginger capsules.
Small, Bland Meals
Eat small amounts frequently. Stick to bland foods: crackers, toast, rice, bananas, plain chicken.
Stay Hydrated
Sip water, clear broth, or electrolyte drinks throughout the day. Dehydration worsens nausea.
Fresh Air
Step outside or open windows. Fresh air and cool temperatures can quickly relieve nausea.
More Remedies
- Peppermint: Peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint oil can soothe the stomach.
- Avoid strong smells: Cooking odors, perfumes, and other strong scents can trigger nausea.
- Don't lie flat: Keep your head elevated. Lying flat can worsen nausea.
- Acupressure: Press the P6 point (inside of wrist, about 2 inches from the crease) for relief.
- Avoid greasy/spicy foods: These are harder to digest and can worsen symptoms.
- Eat before you're starving: An empty stomach can increase nausea. Don't skip meals.
The BRAT Diet
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
Over-the-Counter Options
If natural remedies aren't enough:
- Antacids: Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox if nausea is accompanied by heartburn.
- Bismuth subsalicylate: Pepto-Bismol can help with general stomach upset.
- Dramamine: While meant for motion sickness, it can help with general nausea.
When to See a Doctor
- You can't keep any food or water down for 24+ hours
- You're experiencing severe vomiting
- Nausea is accompanied by severe abdominal pain
- You see blood in vomit or stool
- Symptoms last more than 2 weeks
- You're showing signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
Is It Really Withdrawal?
Keep in mind that nausea can have many causes. If you're unsure whether your nausea is from withdrawal or something else, consider:
- Did it start within a few days of quitting?
- Is it accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms?
- Is it improving over time rather than worsening?
If nausea appeared later, is getting worse, or seems unrelated to quitting, it's worth checking with a doctor to rule out other causes.