Newbie questions

[mon114]

I've been smoking for 13 years and I've finally reached the point where the cigarettes have to go. In the last 5 days I've been suffering from insomnia and and as a result smoked 9 packs of cigarettes. Normally, I'm a pack a day smoker, so you can imagine how my lungs feel. (I don't think the insomnia is caused by my tobacco use as it's been an intermittent problem for the last year or so, and I still get tired - oh so tired - but I just can't sleep for more than a couple hours at a time.)

Anyway, after feeling like my lungs were full of ground glass, I decided to give e-cigs a try. I went to the local smoke shop and picked up a PureSmoke menthol starter kit (they ran out of the full flavor, which is the only other option). It looks impressive, seems easy to use, and in general seems like a great way to make the switch.

Unfortunately, once I got it charged and took my first puff I got a headache within about 30 seconds. Additionally, I felt my heart start racing and I started to get dizzy. This lasted about 20 minutes. Since I didn't do any research, my first thought was that each puff was giving me all the nicotine in a whole cigarette. A visit to PureSmoke's site set me straight on that. Since then, I've tried several more puffs with the same result, and have had to temporarily go back to smoking.

My preferred cigs are lights (or I guess they're "Blues" now), but I've often had to substitute full flavor or menthols, and have had no issues. The only time I've gotten headaches from smoking is occasionally from Phillip Morris products.

So, my question is, has anyone else noticed this problem? With so many possible causes, I don't know where to start. And I don't want to spend all kinds of money trying different brands if they're all going to affect me the same way.

With so many different possible causes (nicotine content of cartridge, diluting agent, flavoring, etc) it makes it very difficult for me to know how to move forward.

Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

[wizard27]

I'm pretty new to all this also, so the only thing I can compare my experiences to would be my first time. I did as the directions told me to do putting it together, took my first drag/vape and got a rush of a headache. Headache eventually went away and tried again, same thing. Did some research and on another forum somebody stated my same experience also. The problem was believed to be the Primer or plain e-juice that the factory puts on the atomiser to prevent rust/corrosion in shipping and storage before they are sold. Its not supposed to be anything other than a plain non-flavored e-juice, but tastes like crap, smells like crap, must be crap... So try blowing through the hole on the battery end of the atomiser and put a paper towl or the likes on the cartridge end, gently but thoroughly, and get the factory crud to come out, prime it with some good stuff after. I've been doing that to fresh atty's and haven't had a problem again since.

See if that helps, did for me.

If not, I am sure somebody else can give you some more pointers.

 

[xg4bx]

it's probably either too much nicotine or an allergic reaction.

 

[908Tracy]

If after blowing out the attys you still are getting instant headaches, I would suggest two possible things...either the nic content is too high for you or you are reacting to the PG in the juice. (I do much better with VG juices...PG gives me an instant headache) HTH!

edited to add...I am not familiar with your PV but only if it is a 3 piece model will you be able to blow out the atty. Sorry, I don't want to confuse you with those instructions if you have a 2 piece model. Just trying to be clear.

 

[Katya]

Mon, I don't know what is causing your headaches, what's the juice you're using? Nic strength? PG/VG ratio? Did you clean your atomizers?

Having said that, can you return this kit? It really isn't a very good unit, and if you can, maybe you should consider doing just that and starting over. You may be interested in reviewing this thread.

 

[deback]

The primer liquid that's on the atomizer when it's new is nasty tasting. I've found that just blowing through the atomizer will not always remove all the primer liquid, so I'll soak atomizers in isopropyl alcohol for a while, rinse thoroughly with water, and then let them dry thoroughly.

You could have had a reaction to the primer liquid or PG or VG or too much nicotine. Good luck on figuring it out, and I hope you'll continue until you find what works for you!

 

[mon114]

Thanks, everyone, for your helpful responses.

Over the last couple of days I've been trying the PV, to see if it was just an adjustment issue (spent too much money on the real thing so I won't be able to try a new PV yet.) When I woke up this morning I tried it again, while reading your advice and the headaches are pretty much gone, or at least no worse than a normal one.

I'm gonna try your suggestions anyway. I definitely think at the very least I need to go with a lower Nic strength, regardless. I know I would eventually develop a tolerance, but unlike most people I know who started smoking I didn't do it for the rush and was quite glad when that stopped.

 

[mon114]

BTW, as far as PG/VG ratios, I didn't find that information anywhere on the PureSmoke site. They do say their starter kits come with 2 11mg and 2 18mg cartridges. So it could be that I just happened to start with the wrong cartridge.