Adverse effects of Propylene Glycol?

[RighteousRob]

I've yet to come across a brand of e-cigg that uses a base aside from PG. I've used many brands starting with the blu kits with separate atomizers and cartridges. I've used njoy, Esmoke, A clean cigarette, and many other brands all the way from the 10$ disposables (which in all honesty happen to be my favorite aside from the cost) up to the $200 kits.

It has taken me a while to establish a correlation between usage and possible negative effects from over consumption of the ingredient PG. I am sure it is not isolated to the e-ciggs because many products contain the same ingredient. I am a user who spends most of their waking hours working on technical equipment and troubleshooting/problem solving issues with software/hardware. The E-cigg was perfect for me because I can literally sit and vape anywhere all day long.

That is likely the problem. I generally go for the strongest level menthol nicotine available, but I have never had adverse reactions to nicotine despite using gum, patches, and lozenges while smoking my regular newports. I have however noticed when I over consume cartridges (2-4/day) and often will take a puff with the tip elevated allowing the liquid to seep out that I experience some random adverse affects.

It does not appear to be a brand, strength, battery, atomizer, cartridge or other issue insofar as the product is concerned. Currently I use a combination of regular smokes and my E-cigg and have no adverse affects.

I am interested to know if anyone else may have encountered similar problems as follows:

Rapid onset of lightheadedness, similar to a rapid rise or decrease in blood pressure/sugar levels. Nighttime seizures with awareness at onset or after one occurs.

The last time I stopped using an E-cigg I experienced vertigo for approximately 2 weeks. This may be unrelated however.

I've mixed my own liquids, created my own flavors and am fairly well versed in the technology behind the product. I have another question that may or may not be allowed. If so I apologize in advance.
I would like to take a tincture or similar extraction method of ... and combine it with the PG. This is medically relevant as I can only stand the edible version of the product but thought this might be a more suitable delivery system.

Please feel free to message me if I am wrong.

 

[OnnaB]

I can't answer your question completely, but...there are some people who appear to have a sensitivity to PG. I have never heard the symptoms you mention. Usually, the problems tend to be sore throat, flush face, etc. Seizures? Never seen that one...and I would be concerned, too. Heart racing and lightheadedness could be too high a level of nicotine. You can look around at some of the vendors. They do sell vegetable glycerine, or VG. You might start there. Truly, having dealt with seizures in my early adulthood, I would see a doctor....

 

[Cloud Wizard]

There's lots of juice vendors that sell pure VG (vegetable glycerin vs. propylene glycol), some even organic and/or kosher. I have seen folks post about PG allergies, but I've fortunately never had any.

As for your "medical" question, sorry no help for you there. I'm sure you could google for info about that.


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[Acher1]

First off, I'm not a doctor.

If you have seizures, see a doctor immediately. Seizures are serious symptom in any situation.

That said, all of the things you mention are potential symptoms of nicotine poisoning, so take it easier/move to a lower-nicotine liquid. Perhaps even a no-nicotine juice for random grazing, and a separate nicotine one that you use deliberately on a schedule.

Inhaled Propylene Glycol is used in one other major application that I'm aware of, and that is in asthma inhalers. Apparently there have been studies that show that inhaled PG can cause irritation, but I don't have a reference, I'm just basing that on Health Canada's warning about e-cigs. I consider their warning rather lame, but that's one of the things it said.

I don't think the issue is the PG, it's the nicotine imo. (Remembering that I'm not a doctor).

 

[JQside]

I see no reason why you can't use 100% VG so you can eliminate your worries about PG. Haven't use PG, not because of the side effects concerns, but because VG produces more vapor. The thicker the liquid for me the better as long as it is still absorbable by the filler material. TH can be enhanced by adding more nic and menthol crystals (if you like menthol).

 

[simply me]

Are you sure your not diabetic? Or maybe you should lower your nic mgs. This sounds like you have something more going on in your body. I'm diabetic and I get all of the above. Nothing to do with e cigs or the nic.

 

[Snoopielyn]

Now keep in mind that I'm new at this, but I have to say that my immediate thought is that you're coming into contact with the full strength liquid a bit too often, perhaps. If you're puffing on it while liquid is seeping out due to having it tilted up, you could end up with quite a bit on your lips. Nicotine is a toxin, and is absorbed through the skin.

Of course this may not be an issue, and I just misunderstood, but it was just a thought.

 

[PaporPlas]

Strange as it sounds, you do need to avoid getting any of the liquid nicotine in your mouth, or on your skin. When you DIY you should use gloves. Unlike smoking, vaping delivers its nicotine via your mouth and nostrils, so taking some of the fluid into your mouth (accidentally, or otherwise) is a fast way to get a Nic OD that will create symptoms like you have described (not sure about the seizures). And, getting it on your skin. I used CE2's for a a couple of months (love the flavor and vapor they put out) but they leak and ooze juice all the time. I had many of the symptoms you have described (less the seizures). Once I got rid of the leaky CE2's - no problems.

Good luck!