Advise needed, side effect when transitioning off cigs

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jhy78

Full Member
Sep 15, 2014
25
10
Atlanta
So i got blu e-gigs (low cartridges) because I smoke Marlboro ultra lights. Anyways I started to slowly transition to the blu's so I would substitute a analog for blu every few hours and noticed I was getting pretty bad headache's until I would smoke a regular cig. I would also feel a bit edgy and not fully satisfied. So I spoke to some people and actually called blu. They recommended I went to the medium level cartridges. So I did. I like blu, I don't mind the price and like the taste etc. anyways, the medium cartridges arrive and I give them a shot. Used the blu instead of my regular analog and felt fine. Felt satisfied. Didn't feel edgy or craving a analog at all. So I went ahead and used the blu in place of my next 4 analogs. (I smoke 1 cig a hour, Im on a routine). So I went 5 hours without smoking while awake which I haven't done in YEARS. However a few hours before I go to bed I smoke one more time so I figured hey I won't do too much right away I will have a regular analog for my last one and tomorrow I will cut back more and more etc. I'm feeling great, excited and thankful that this looks like a real possibility that I can get off analogs. Just a tidbit of info I have had anxiety/panic attacks for years so i seem to notice every little change in my body. But honestly I'm feeling confident and great. Well I go to bed (same time every night, again the routine). And I can't sleep to save my life. Which is totally not normal for me. Im on anti anxiety meds and small amounts of xanax so sleep is never a issue for me. Anyways, I end up only sleeping maybe 2 hours... I wasn't anxious or anything I just could not sleep at all, my brain would not shut off. Anyways Ive spoken to my doctor and he gave me the go ahead to switch and has many patients who have and actually recommended it. So me being over analyzing etc. this totally threw me off track and today I just smoked analogs as usual while trying to do some research. I'm just trying to wrap my mind around what could of caused this insomnia. I know everyone is different and I'm looking for medical advice just opinions and support and maybe some suggestions from anyone who may have had a similar experience. I am determined to switch, however Im trying to limit the side effects or ease into them as much as possible (if you couldn't already tell). Anyways thanks for reading and I really truly appreciate anyone's sincere advice/thoughts/feedback.
 

jhy78

Full Member
Sep 15, 2014
25
10
Atlanta
Thank you I checked it out and did see
"A racing pulse and inability to sleep are symptoms of nicotine OD that may be experienced by those who have never before had any symptom of excess nicotine consumption. It is not clear if these symptoms are due to a batch of e-liquid that was considerably stronger than labeled, or an eventual reaction to excess nicotine. The solution might be to reduce the nic strength to a minimum sufficient to produce the required results (removal of cravings, adequate life functionality, stress relief, etc.) and no more."

The strange thing is, when I smoke I take 10-12 inhales, so with the blu using the medium strength cartridge I took 10 inhales. Is it possible I got a nicotine OD from doing that 4 time (1 hour apart) of course, but the odd thing is when I used the lower strength I still get the cravings and jittery feelings. and blu is 100% VG. I'm not sure what to try lol on the low I get cravings/headache/jitteriness and with the medium I did get the inability to sleep, but no other side effects.

Do you think I need to slowly adjust from analogs to the medium level cartridges maybe by substituting one a night, then the next day two, etc etc.? I know its all different and subject to opinion and what works for you. I suppose I'm just trying to figure out the best approach to see what works for me.
 

Rickajho

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Apr 23, 2011
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Hi

With the anxiety disorders... you probably have a tendency to over analyze. Two things to keep in mind about switching:

Most people go through a phase of disturbed sleep patterns when they are quitting smoking. You get a lot of "stuff" from smoking that vaping does not replace. So with or without vaping smoking withdrawal can screw with your sleep patterns. Me? I had insomnia for my first two months after I quit smoking - even with all the vaping I did. (Smoking isn't just about nicotine.)

Anxiety problems can actually get better when you quit smoking. If you are one of those people who are tuned into body sensations, there is a lot of 'roller coaster' surfing that smoking puts you through - like riding your heart rate up every time you smoke. You can actually chain smoke yourself right into a panic attack. With vaping... you don't get that instant jump in heart rate like you do from firing up a cigarette. The intensity of your anxiety and frequency/severity of panic attacks can actually lessen the further you get away from smoking.
 

Lummpy5

Full Member
Sep 30, 2014
11
1
Congrats on switching, and it can be a tough switch. I tried the blu e-cigs a few years back, and i really did not like them. I could never fully stop analogs with them especially after a long day, part of that was because they were not consistent when taking multiple puffs and they did not have the throat hit i was looking for imo. I also got minor headaches when using blu but im still not sure why.
But since i recently quit (almost at 1 month) i think i lucked out with a good starter vaping setup, and it feels good to add up the $$$ im saving not to mention how much better i feel. I was at about 1-1.5 packs of newport reds before i switched, and i have only smoked 6 analogs while transitioning.
Good luck on the transition!
 

jhy78

Full Member
Sep 15, 2014
25
10
Atlanta
Hi

With the anxiety disorders... you probably have a tendency to over analyze. Two things to keep in mind about switching:

Most people go through a phase of disturbed sleep patterns when they are quitting smoking. You get a lot of "stuff" from smoking that vaping does not replace. So with or without vaping smoking withdrawal can screw with your sleep patterns. Me? I had insomnia for my first two months after I quit smoking - even with all the vaping I did. (Smoking isn't just about nicotine.)

Anxiety problems can actually get better when you quit smoking. If you are one of those people who are tuned into body sensations, there is a lot of 'roller coaster' surfing that smoking puts you through - like riding your heart rate up every time you smoke. You can actually chain smoke yourself right into a panic attack. With vaping... you don't get that instant jump in heart rate like you do from firing up a cigarette. The intensity of your anxiety and frequency/severity of panic attacks can actually lessen the further you get away from smoking.
Yes, thats among other reasons is why I am so committed to making this happen and quoting. It will help me, like all of you, in every way. And like you said, with me being a person who has anxiety and panic attacks I do tend to be very intone with my body and any changes. I guess where I'm at now is asking myself if I should stay on the medium strength and ride out any issues that come or move down to the low and possibly take more inhales than I was previously. I really appreciate your replies and info you don't know how much it means.
 

Katya

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Feb 23, 2010
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Congrats on switching, and it can be a tough switch. I tried the blu e-cigs a few years back, and i really did not like them. I could never fully stop analogs with them especially after a long day, part of that was because they were not consistent when taking multiple puffs and they did not have the throat hit i was looking for imo. I also got minor headaches when using blu but im still not sure why.
But since i recently quit (almost at 1 month) i think i lucked out with a good starter vaping setup, and it feels good to add up the $$$ im saving not to mention how much better i feel. I was at about 1-1.5 packs of newport reds before i switched, and i have only smoked 6 analogs while transitioning.
Good luck on the transition!

Having good gear is critical--it can make all the difference between success and failure.
 

Katya

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Yes, thats among other reasons is why I am so committed to making this happen and quoting. It will help me, like all of you, in every way. And like you said, with me being a person who has anxiety and panic attacks I do tend to be very intone with my body and any changes. I guess where I'm at now is asking myself if I should stay on the medium strength and ride out any issues that come or move down to the low and possibly take more inhales than I was previously. I really appreciate your replies and info you don't know how much it means.

It's a process. Very few people manage to quit overnight. It takes time and sticktoitness, but it can be done. Take your time and remember that we are here to support you.

Good luck!
 

edyle

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Oct 23, 2013
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Yes, thats among other reasons is why I am so committed to making this happen and quoting. It will help me, like all of you, in every way. And like you said, with me being a person who has anxiety and panic attacks I do tend to be very intone with my body and any changes. I guess where I'm at now is asking myself if I should stay on the medium strength and ride out any issues that come or move down to the low and possibly take more inhales than I was previously. I really appreciate your replies and info you don't know how much it means.

Keep both available.

Use the medium in the morning;

at night try the low.

I noticed when I started vaping last year that if I vaped at night before bed, I tended to have a harder time falling asleep.
 

HgA1C

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Jan 5, 2009
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As far as OD of Nicotine, I would have to say by your intake amounts it should not be possible. Switching is not a 1:1 it is more like 1:2-4. If you are serious about making the switch read this thread http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/261114-tobacco-cigarette-vs-e-cigarette-nicotine-equivalency.html


Most pack a day smokers up their vaping time substantially compared to their smoking time. They than back off when they feel satiated (satisfied) or they feel the signs of too much nicotine. This is generally lightheartedness, or a nauseated feeling. Many heavy smokers feel these symptoms (excess use of vaping) and there have been no known cases of vaping related hospitalization due to nicotine overdose, at least that I am aware of.

Finally, most posters on the forums have quit smoking. Some on the first day, and some like myself are transitioning off of cigarettes. The important thing is to find a vaping experience you enjoy and can keep doing. Eventually the cigarettes should start losing their appeal. Nicotine has about the same health risks as caffeine when used in the manner we vapers do. I am not aware of any stories where a smoker increased their intake of cigarettes due to excessive vaping. Personally I vape about 10 times the amount I smoked, but I have also lowered my nicotine level to 1.2% or 12mg, as we usually say, from 1.8% or 18mg. I felt the nauseated feeling and the lightheartedness and it forced me to back off on the vaping. Just relax and vape away.
 

Warpigs

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Mar 27, 2014
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Everyone seems to have some symptoms that are alike, and not alike. I was a 2-3 pack of Marlboro Reds a day smoker. I also Chewed 2-3 bags of Red Man a week. I had a horrible time quitting. I sweart I went through every withdrawl possible, including not sleeping well. It took about 2-3 months of vaping exclusivly before I got over the hump. Getting over that hump is different for everyone. What keeps me off the cig's/chew is I think. If I start this cycle again with smoking/chewing. Do I really want to go through all that again if I want to quit again.
 
Cngrats, i have been vaping for a little over a year, i went to a mech mod about 4 months ago because i just wasnt satisfied, i to had the insomnia problem, but that does go away with time, it may seem like forever but trust me it gets way better, one thing i am unsure of is if someone has had the same experience, i actually got sick off of vaping, like extremly sick, i went to the doctor and they actually told me it was from the lack of nicotine in my system, i quit within a week of vaping like no analogs period, i figured that is why i got sick, still not sure thougj i do know it wasnt vaping that got me sick
 

Krashman Von Stinkputin

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Dec 31, 2013
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The Blu starter pack which it sounds like you have since you mentioned cartridges are 16mg.
I found this out after purchasing one after enjoying the taste of the Natural Tobacco BLU Disposables.

However the disposables are 24mg. I just couldn't get satisfaction from the BLU kit replacement cartridges.

I spent about 2 1/2 weeks transitioning from analogs to ecigs specifically to ween myself all the other additives I was getting from regular smokes.
I still occasionally purchase BLU disposables however as others have mentioned there are many devices that can produce more satisfaction.

My only comment (take it for what it's worth) is that you prolly have smoked alot of cigs in your life and now your looking to make a major change.
It's not a race.
Take your time if you need to. Set small achievable goals (Eg: Only smoke 1 cig on way to work when usually smoke 3)
Claim as a "victory" EVERY TIME you are vaping and not smoking a cigarette--BECAUSE IT IS!
Consciously recognize every victory---(Hey I smoked less cigarettes today than I normally do)
This will be reinforced by how much better you feel when you smoke less.

Watch youtube reviewers on different gear (PBusardo is really entertaining), read the forums,go to a vape shop and have fun with flavors------these can be your "support group"
Good Luck!
 

cbrite

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Jan 29, 2014
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I don't know if this has anything to do with vaping or not, but my body clock did a big switch. I went from going to bed at 10 and up at 6 to going to bed at midnight or later and getting up and 9 or 10. Luckily I am retired, so no biggie, really. I don't have insomnia when I do go to bed, but I just am not at all sleepy early any more. It has some advantages--I can actually watch shows that come on TV at 10 and stay up for a whole Monday Night football game. But it just is different and started after I started vaping.
 

Bean72

Full Member
Apr 29, 2014
13
1
Canada
Switching to ecigs can be a slow transition, for a while when I first started to vape I was still smoking cigs occasionally. I went through insomnia as well when I first started vaping, I felt it was the withdrawal from cigs. I found the best method for me was not to torture myself and have a cig occasionally. Now I am analog free, once in a while I will have the odd craving for a cig, but I just vape and it takes my mind off!
 
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