A list of symptoms when quitting tobacco and changing to an ecigarette

[Stormee]

Nicotine in general gives me heartburn. I had it when I smoked analogs, when I chewed nicotine gum, and I have it very badly with vaping. When I was 100% nicotine free a few years back (for a total of about 3 weeks), I had zero heartburn. I guess it's a small price to pay for being analog free. I'll take the heartburn over the shortness of breath any day of the week.

Thanks for the mustard tip viny1. I actually like mustard enough to try that! It has to beat chewing on chalky antacids!

 

[Rhaevyn]

Wow... this thread has taken me two evenings to get through. And like others, many things here gave me great mental relief. I am on day 8 of vaping and quit analogs the day my package arrived. I am taking the few side affects with a grain of salt. I love my Vapor King!

I have dry/sore throat, mostly in the morning. I keep a full glass of water with me at all times. Today at work I got a very dry coughing fit which was both amusing and annoying since I have to talk to customers on the phone. But I went and ate lunch and it went away. The vapor definitely dries out the throat.

The first two days I did go into smoker's flu. I slept in on my days off for hours and the second of those days I even took a nap. I just couldn't keep my eyes open. I felt a little achy all over and thought, great, now I'm getting sick. But realized it was from quitting the analogs.

To those who seem unable to use e-cigs I am truly sorry for you. This has been a godsend for me. Nothing has made me quit. The truth of it was I like smoking. Hated cigs, but liked the action... blowing out the smoke. Now I can do that, control the amount of nicotine, and have different flavors. And - I have a cool lookin toy with a colored light on the end!

Good luck to all, and as many have said, I am so grateful for this forum. vaping and all of you people have changed my life.

 

[Oldguy]

I've been smoking for 43 years and discovered e-cigs last week. The only "possible" side effect that I've experienced is water weight gain. I'm gaining about 2 lbs a day. It started 2 days after I started the e-cig. The good news is that I go to the gym every other day and sweat it out. I weigh in every day because of the workouts so I noticed it immediately. I'll keep an eye on it and see what happens for a week or so. If anyone has had a simular situation, let me know what you did. I've been using this for 8 days and have smoked 7 cigarettes. I believe that this time smoking is toast for me. I love it!

 

[LABeachBum]

I've been smoking for 43 years and discovered e-cigs last week. The only "possible" side effect that I've experienced is water weight gain. I'm gaining about 2 lbs a day. It started 2 days after I started the e-cig. The good news is that I go to the gym every other day and sweat it out. I weigh in every day because of the workouts so I noticed it immediately. I'll keep an eye on it and see what happens for a week or so. If anyone has had a simular situation, let me know what you did. I've been using this for 8 days and have smoked 7 cigarettes. I believe that this time smoking is toast for me. I love it!

Water weight gain... is it mostly in your belly area? Are you still pooing the same as before? I'm *still* having issues with constipation and it has been like 2 months now... although I did break for a few days with full analogs just to reset things before starting again...

 

[arkangel]

I've been smoking for 43 years and discovered e-cigs last week. The only "possible" side effect that I've experienced is water weight gain. I'm gaining about 2 lbs a day. It started 2 days after I started the e-cig. The good news is that I go to the gym every other day and sweat it out. I weigh in every day because of the workouts so I noticed it immediately. I'll keep an eye on it and see what happens for a week or so. If anyone has had a simular situation, let me know what you did. I've been using this for 8 days and have smoked 7 cigarettes. I believe that this time smoking is toast for me. I love it!

This post has got me thinking...maybe it's the vaping....I noticed the same thing as Oldguy: I go to the gym 3 - 4 times a week, usually weigh myself to check my weight against my target, which I set 4 years ago after a major weight loss. I took a week off from the gym right around the time my first PV came in and I haven't had an analog since.

Usually when I take a week off from the gym, I'll go up 2 - 4 pounds, which comes off when I get back to my routine and then I hover within 1 lb of my target weight. Since I've gone off analogs, I've been having trouble getting those 2 - 4 pounds off again. I follow the same food and exercise regime as I have for the past 4 years, but suddenly it's not working like it used to...

If this is the only negative side effect of vaping, I'll gladly trade an adjustment to what I eat and maybe an increase in my exercise to be rid of the analogs for good!

 

[Dredbull]

So in my 48 hour self imposed hump without analogs, been going 1-4 a day since I got the thing. A dramatic improvement from where I used to be.

Got over the sore throat thing, breaking out like a teenie bopper, and even the farting thing.

It is the either the first thing smoke, or the first thing combo coffee while laying a duece that I am having issuses with. Fighting those morning cravings are a bear.

Did notice one thing tho, before I could get my morning vape going I heard a loud noise and went into full blown panic attack. FULL ON PANIC! heart went racing and the shakes started, I do hope this is a side effect of nic/analog withdraws not something I have had all along.

 

[martha1014]

I have serious nose bleeds. Before vaping I never had a nose bleed in my life so its got to be caused from vaping. It is always the right side of my nose. I also have serious heartburn. I have always had stomach problems but prior to vaping I rarely had the heartburn. I keep a bottle of Maalox on my desk.

 

[jj2]

When I first started vaping I lost weight. Then, because PG irritated my throat and mouth, I switched to VG and started gaining. At this point I was off nicotine too. I walk every day, and go to the pool two/three times a week for exercise classes. One day, I can be down a couple pounds and the next back up but never down to my low.

 

[moonlight]

This post has got me thinking...maybe it's the vaping....I noticed the same thing as Oldguy: I go to the gym 3 - 4 times a week, usually weigh myself to check my weight against my target, which I set 4 years ago after a major weight loss. I took a week off from the gym right around the time my first PV came in and I haven't had an analog since.

Usually when I take a week off from the gym, I'll go up 2 - 4 pounds, which comes off when I get back to my routine and then I hover within 1 lb of my target weight. Since I've gone off analogs, I've been having trouble getting those 2 - 4 pounds off again. I follow the same food and exercise regime as I have for the past 4 years, but suddenly it's not working like it used to...

If this is the only negative side effect of vaping, I'll gladly trade an adjustment to what I eat and maybe an increase in my exercise to be rid of the analogs for good!

EVERYTIME I've quit smoking in the past I've gained weight. To me, this sounds like a side effect of quitting smoking, not starting vaping....did you smoke before you started vaping?

This is the only time I have NOT gained weight...when I traded smoking for vaping. I've not had a ciggie for months and have not gained any weight. Haven't lost any either though.

 

[LABeachBum]

EVERYTIME I've quit smoking in the past I've gained weight. To me, this sounds like a side effect of quitting smoking, not starting vaping....did you smoke before you started vaping?

This is the only time I have NOT gained weight...when I traded smoking for vaping. I've not had a ciggie for months and have not gained any weight. Haven't lost any either though.

As we all know, smoking obviously reduces weight and increases metabolism. They say nicotine is responsible for 75% of weight loss, and the other 4000 chemicals are responsible for the remaining 25%. The 25 percent is supposedly related to the additional metabolic energy needed to combat the chemicals and tar in the smoke. And the 75 percent is related to the stimulative nature nicotine has on our digestive system.

Theoretically, does that means one should expect to gain back about 25% of weight (as compared to no smoke or nicotine) when switching to nicotine filled e-cigs? And then as one gradually eases off the nicotine in the e cig, would one see a gradual rise in body weight?

 

[Celeastar]

I've been vaping for 12 days now and I use to smoke a pack a day.

Here are my results.

Bad:

1. Dry throat. Seemed to drink more fluids, which is good thing. This could be the cause of some peoples ........ also. Just my two cents...

2. Afraid of losing e-cigs accessories. Especially when I go out and drink alcohol.

3. Notice how bad cigarettes smell now and other things also.

4. Do I have enough batteries?

5. Will the FDA screw me because of there ignorance and greed?

6. People ask a lot questions about what you are smoking.

7. How long will it take my e-liquid to get here?

8. Thinking that Chantix the mind altering drug was my last hope. I am not touching this drug! I work in a Pharmacy and I don't hear to many great things about this drug. You will end up taking more drugs to counter all the side effects causes. Does this sound like a gateway drug anybody? But it is FDA approved and they love you for your ignorance!

Good:

1. Sinuses drains better.

2. Have more energy.

3. Fell better.

5. Food taste better. Has a real pop to it now.

6. Not getting out of breath as often as I did before. Example: Yard work or taking short walks. I still think it will probably take a couple months to notice any significant difference but was surprised with the results I got after 12 days.

7. Cigarettes taste like dirt now. I smoked a half cig during my first 3 days. The taste was the first thing I notice first then it was the smell (results my vary). Then I said the hell with cigs. E-cigs taste better.

8. No ashes in my car.

9. The smell of cigarettes has no appeal to me anymore.

10. My long term health. A true health care reform for me.

11. Smokers don't bother me (besides the smell and I thought I would never say this!) and doesn't make me want to smoke nor does drinking alcohol. Just realize the habits are in your mind and they can be rewired.

12. The psychological habits lose strength with e-cigs. You have a major fighting chance with e-cigs. This is why the patch, gum and cold turkey failed for me. Can you really stop a habit in one day? Think about it... It takes time but it can be done...

As a human computer, we are programmable. Depending on which realm of thought, 21-28 days to rewire the human habit. However, strong psychological happenings (trauma) can create pockets to change a habit much quicker. Don't suggest the latter, as we can get through this without the drama of trauma.

Take the good with the good. For my person, I have chosen to go with a cleansing diet to detoxify. With the H1N1 crapola floating in the ethers, it is a good time to be smoke free and clean the body to encourage body repair.

The best we can do is look at the fears we have and squash them. Vaping is like smoking, in the sense that it is a personal decision. Addiction to nicotine, is what it is. I look to the weaning process to get to an eventual 0 level. How long? Does not matter. How much money will I save? Health wise, there is a better answer. Comparing to the analog habit....I am spending so much more now than I have in months on analogs that it will be a long while before I see some type of savings.

My choice is the penstyle 801 as for the longer life and less refil. The flavor choices available are delicious and relatively economical. The atomizers, need to keep a few working and batteries, have enough to swap off. Yes, this is not an inexpensive venture. Yet, be real about the down the road health benefits from not smoking analogs.

There are so many talented people on this forum that have provided great information; that I am sure someone will create the perfect vaping product. As far as I can say for me, it is all in what works for the individual. I began on the 801 a month ago and plan to buy more atomizers and batteries to have the winter supply. This is such a difference from analogs in that I have greater pleasure and enjoy benefits that I appreciate.

Stopped analogs, spend money on vaping equipment, and get some of the most incredible nicotine loaded flavors imaginable! Even learn to make them! How awesome is that?

Feed the addiction and wean off of it, slowly. I smoked for 30 + years. My body has a lot of catching up to do. That is why I made a decision to do a body cleanse - and the body will take care of itself when given the proper nutrition.

How embarassing is that? Keep on vaping!

 

[bassn99]

I have to admit the weight gain thing is associated with quiting analogs. I have smoked for over thirty years. Every time I attempte to quit I would gain in excess of 20 lbs. Since I started vaping I have only gained a few pounds, no biggie.
As for all of the other symptoms described in this and other thread, I'm sure some people may have some of the same, but each individual will have some of their own.
I really don't know if any of the symptoms are associated with quitting analogs and don't care as long as I NEVER go back to them.

 

[JamieJ]

I only had a facial breakout. Other than that I didnt have any side effects other than good ones! I can smell taste and dont get out of breath. I dont cough and I think this is the best thing I have purchased in many years!

 

[solaar]

First post and firstly - hello everybody.

I started vaping just a couple of weeks ago and I'm ...-free ever since. This is an interesting forum and I thought I'll add my beginner's experience. I was an average smoker (15/day) for 30 years.

I'm lucky enough having had none of the symptoms listed in the initial post, except for a dramatic shift in my sleep cycle. I sometimes wake up at 5am and feel fresh enough to get up and start the day. Something that would have never happened before in my whole life. I've never been an early bird at all. You may call it a positive symptom but it can be a bit debilitating, especially on weekends, as I tend to get knackered around 10pm now.

The other thing is that certain juices have a slightly nauseating effect whereas others are perfectly fine, although they all claim to have about the same nicotine concentration. I'm feel fine with the 12mg menthol ones from absolutelyecigs but the 11mg Camel from totallywicked make me a bit sick.

One of the reasons that I might not be so extremely hit by the cold turkey symptoms is that I was a quite 'superficial' smoker. I never inhaled really deeply like what I've seen in many other smokers. Also I got used to finishing a cig in less than 3 minutes... I'm paid by the hour, so breaks must be short

 

[Oldguy]

The water is all over: legs & feet, hands, neck & belly but I'm keeping it under control. I don't consider it as a major problem & have no plan to stop vaping at all. This is so much better than tobacco & I imagine that the coughing while inhaling the e cig will go away as I get used to it.

 

[kerrie]

I finally found what worked for me- I have nasty allergies to just about everything and was dealing with sneezing, throat itch, and basically feeling nasty while and after vaping- - I just switched to VG juice and it has made all the difference. No nasty sneeze and allergy attack with throat itch etc. For anyone experiencing throat itch, I would recommend trying the VG versus PG liquids. Now I am a happy vaper

 

[w1zard]

Unlike many of your other posters i am not a smoker, having given up 6 months ago and gone through all the side effects associated with cigarette withdrawl. I can safely say that some of what you are suffering is indeed withdrawl, but in my opinion a lot is down to the pg based fluid that you are all inhaling. I purchased an ecig 2 weeks ago because i missed the nicoteen but didnt want to go back to smoking, my side effects to date have been. an extreme sore throat, wheezy chest, scratching in the lower part of my throat and dizziness these i all put down to the pg component of the fluid in the cart. It was then that i remembered i had similar syptoms with fog machines when i was an entertainer, and after some research i see that the whole idea of ecigs was probably based on the function of a smoke machine, and also using the same chemicals in the process, i feel i need to make you aware of some important points, ecigs have only been going for 3 years so no solid data on ill effects, but smoke machines have been going for decades and plenty is printed on the ill effects of those, just like the report below:
In May 2005, a study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine , conducted by the School of Environment and Health at the University of British Columbia, looked at adverse respiratory effects in crew members on a wide variety of entertainment venues ranging from live theatres, concerts, television and film productions to a video arcade. This study determined that cumulative exposure to glycol-based fogs were associated with acute and chronic adverse effects on respiratory health. This study found that short-term exposure to glycol fog was associated with coughing, dry throat, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and tiredness. This study also found long-term exposure to smoke and fog was associated with both short-term and long-term respiratory problems such as chest tightness and wheezing. Personnel working closest to the fog machines had reduced lung function results.
Short term exposure to glycol fog can be associated with headaches, dizziness, drowsiness and tiredness. Long term exposure to smoke and fog can be related to upper airway and voice symptoms. Extended (multi-year) exposure to smoke and fog has been associated with both short-term and long-term respiratory health problems. Efforts should be made to reduce exposure to theatrical smoke to as low a level as possible.
this report advises that prolonged exposure to the smoke is very hazadous, and folks we are breathing this in every day!
i agree that even with this knowledge the ecig is safer than cigarettes, but we really need a safer alternative to pg in the fluid, any thoughts out there as to what?
P.S I HAVE HEARD THAT THE HEATED VAPOUR OF VG IS CARCIOGENIC?

 

[Dredbull]

Those fog machines can use some dirty stuff to produce the vapor, also consider the stuff it is picking up in the surrounding space.

A few fog machines use a dry ice mix, so ya headache away.

 

[Angela]

I am not going to address the main jist of your thread as this is dealt with in so many other places on the forum (including links to full testing and trials going back to the 1940's) However, I do want to address this:

P.S I HAVE HEARD THAT THE HEATED VAPOUR OF VG IS CARCIOGENIC?

Where have you heard this? Please cite your sources? Whilst we do all want as much real information as is pssible, it is not a good idea to post unsubstantiated, scare-mongering statements!

 

[crashtestjeep]

MY Symptoms:

Muscle cramps until I added more water to my diet, lost a few lbs from increased water intake (YAY)

Hiccups!!! I get these on the regular now!(then I drink even MORE water,lol!)

Other than that, good to go-smell, taste and breathe better! NO more smokers hack every morning, and its not until I started vaping that I was able to admit it was just that!