What Does A Vape Headache Feel Like?

Vaping is not likely to cause severe side effects. Serious respiratory issues due to vaping are extremely rare. Yet, most studies and research articles focus on vaping and lung health. However, people who vape are more likely to report minor issues like infrequent headaches, dry throat, cough, pharyngitis, and some other minor issues. Headaches are not rare with vaping. So, what does a vape headache feel like?

Before we explore what does a vape headache feels like, it is vital to understand how common these issues are. Regretfully, there is no official data about headaches due to CBD vape pens. Moreover, people interpret terms like headaches differently.

Doctors would generally treat only severe and debilitating headaches. However, less severe headaches often go untreated. This is because people are not likely to seek treatment for less severe headaches.

Vaping rarely causes any severe kind of headaches. It means that most vape headaches go unreported. One of the studies analysed what vaping side effects people are discussing on various forums. It found that people often ask about headaches. The study found that mild headaches are pretty common among those who vape.[1]

Before we explore the intricacies of vape headaches, it's essential to understand the basics of vaping. Vaping involves inhaling a vapour produced by an electronic device, typically an e-cigarette or vape pen.

The vapour is created by heating a liquid, known as e-liquid or vape juice, which often contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. There are also nicotine-free vapes. CBD vapes are also gaining popularity these days.

Vaping has become a preferred choice for many due to the perception that it's less harmful than smoking. While it may be less harmful in many respects, it is not without its side effects. These side effects can range from mild to severe, and one of the milder but more common issues is the vape headache.

A vape headache, as the name suggests, is a headache that occurs after or during vaping. This type of headache is often described as a mild to moderate pain in the head, with various characteristics, including:

• Pressure or Tightness: Many individuals experience a sensation of pressure or tightness in their forehead, temples, or the back of their head.
• Throbbing or Pulsating: Some vapers report a throbbing or pulsating sensation, which can be particularly discomforting.
• Dull or Aching: The pain is usually described as dull or aching and may persist for a few hours or even longer in some cases.
• Location: Vape headaches tend to be centred around the head, but their exact location may vary from person to person.

It is important to note that the severity and duration of these headaches can vary. Some vapers may experience them infrequently and with minimal discomfort, while others might have more intense and frequent episodes.

Several factors can contribute to the development of vape headaches. While not everyone who vapes will experience these headaches, understanding their potential causes can help minimise the risk.

Before we look at headaches caused by vaping, it is also vital to understand that not all kinds of vapes cause headaches. Thus, for example, CBD vapes are least likely to cause headaches. CBD vapes may even help manage headaches.[2]

Nonetheless, vape headaches may occur, and some of the reasons are:

• Dehydration: Vaping can lead to dehydration, which is a common trigger for headaches. The act of inhaling vapour may lead to increased thirst, and if vapers don't adequately hydrate themselves, it can result in a headache.
• Nicotine Overload: Nicotine is an addictive substance found in many vape juices. Consuming too much nicotine too quickly can lead to headaches. This is especially true for individuals who are new to vaping or those who have recently increased their nicotine intake.
• Chemical Sensitivity: Some individuals may be sensitive to certain chemicals or flavourings in e-liquids. These sensitivities can manifest as headaches.
• Caffeine or Alcohol Interaction: Mixing vaping with caffeine or alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to headaches, as these substances can interact in ways that trigger or exacerbate head pain.
• Lack of Proper Breaks: Continuous vaping without breaks can lead to excessive exposure to vape juice, which, in turn, can increase the risk of a headache.

Vape headache is not rare. Fortunately, it is not severe, and people rarely seek medical help for the condition. Most people who experience such headaches would benefit from home remedies. Therefore, if you experience such headaches, remember to stay hydrated. It is also a good idea to reduce nicotine intake. Instead, switching to CBD vaping may help.

Another way to avoid headaches is to choose high-quality vapes. Avoid mixing vaping with caffeine or alcohol. Practicing relaxing techniques may also help.

By being mindful of your vaping habits and taking the appropriate steps, you can minimise the risk of experiencing these discomforting headaches.

1. Hua M, Sadah S, Hristidis V, et al. Health Effects Associated With Electronic Cigarette Use: Automated Mining of Online Forums. J Med Internet Res. 2020;22:e15684.
2. Poudel S, Quinonez J, Choudhari J, et al. Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines: A Review of the Current Literature. Cureus. 13:e17407.