If you’re a smoker, chances are you’ve heard the term “nic-sick” before. But what does it mean to be nic-sick?
Simply put, being nic-sick means that you’re experiencing the side effects of taking in too much nicotine into your system.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what it means to be nic-sick, as well as some of the most common symptoms. We’ll also provide some tips on how to deal with nic-sickness if you’re trying to quit smoking.
What is Nic-Sick?
As we mentioned, nic-sickness is simply the result of taking in too much nicotine.
This can happen if you smoke more cigarettes than usual or if you switch to a higher nicotine concentration in your e-liquid if you vape.
It’s also possible to experience nic-sickness if you use tobacco products after not using them for a while (this is often referred to as “relapsing”).
No matter how it happens, too much nicotine in your system can lead to some pretty unpleasant side effects.
Symptoms of Being Nic-Sick
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Mouthwatering
- Dyspnea
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
If you experience any of these symptoms after smoking or vaping, it’s likely that you’re nic-sick. It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary in intensity.
Some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others may find them to be more severe. If your symptoms get worse, it’s important to seek medical help right away. In some cases, nic-sickness can lead to more serious health problems.
What Does Being Nic-Sick Feel Like?
In general, being nic-sick feels a lot like having the flu. You may feel fatigued, nauseous, and generally unwell.
Some people also report feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Others say that they have trouble thinking clearly or experience anxiety.
It’s also not uncommon to lose your appetite or to start salivating more than usual when you’re nic-sick. In severe cases, you may also vomit or have diarrhea.
How Long Does Nic-Sickness Last?
After that, the symptoms should start to improve and eventually go away completely. In some cases, it may take a few days for all of the symptoms to disappear.
How to Get Rid of Being Nic-Sick?
The best thing you can do is to try and ride out the symptoms until they go away on their own.
If your symptoms are particularly severe, you may want to consider seeking medical help. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help ease the symptoms of nic-sickness.
Some people may also find relief by taking over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines or antacids.
It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids and get rest while you’re dealing with nic-sickness.
Is There a Nic-Sick Cure?
If you’re a smoker, the best way to avoid nic-sickness is to cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. If you’re trying to quit smoking, make sure to do it gradually to avoid taking in too much nicotine at once.
If you vape, you can also avoid nic-sickness by using e-liquids with lower nicotine concentrations.
What is Nicotine Poisoning?
It has become a growing concern over recent years as the popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has increased. While they’re often marketed as a safe alternative to smoking, e-cigarettes can still be dangerous if used incorrectly.
In general, e-cigarettes have a higher concentration of nicotine than traditional cigarettes. This is one of the most common causes of nicotine poisoning.
Final Thoughts
If your symptoms are particularly severe, it may be wise to seek medical help. In some cases, medication can be prescribed to help ease the symptoms.
Otherwise, the best thing you can do is to drink plenty of fluids and get rest. Over-the-counter medications may also provide relief for some people.
Nic-sickness is an unpleasant experience but, with a little time and patience, you’ll be back to feeling like yourself again in no time.
Written by:
John Landry, BS, RRT
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.
References
- “What It Means to Be Nic-Sick.” American Lung Association, 1 Oct. 2018, www.lung.org/blog/nic-sick.
- Purushothaman, Vidya, et al. “Content Analysis of Nicotine Poisoning (Nic Sick) Videos on TikTok: Retrospective Observational Infodemiology Study.” National Library of Medicine, 30 Mar. 2022, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35353056.
- “Nicotine: Systemic Agent | NIOSH | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750028.html. Accessed 21 Apr. 2022.