What is nicotine strength and how do you avoid overdoing it?

Nicotine strength is not something to take lightly. In too great a quantity, nicotine can cause symptoms of varying severity. Here is everything you need to know about nicotine strength and, above all, how to avoid taking too much.

What is nicotine strength?

Nicotine strength is, as the name suggests, the level of nicotine contained in your e-liquids. It is genuinely different from the nicotine level in conventional cigarettes: even at a low strength, an e-liquid is said to remain stronger than conventional tobacco. In other words, it is strongly advisable to watch out for overdosing, which is not uncommon, particularly among beginners.

Taking in too much nicotine with your electronic cigarette can bring on a number of symptoms. Some are minor, such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, a faster heart rate, throat irritation or trembling. Others, however, can lead to very serious conditions such as breathing difficulties, convulsions and even mental confusion.

As soon as you feel the effects of an overdose, stop vaping and see your doctor or go to a pharmacy. The poison control centre can also give you precise answers.

How can you avoid a nicotine overdose?

Like the conventional cigarette, vaping carries risks. A nicotine overdose is one of them and should not be taken lightly. Vaping is not advised for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, for people with breathing or heart problems, or for anyone following a course of medical treatment.

It may seem obvious, but it is essential to choose e-liquids with a nicotine level suited to your tolerance. If you are unsure, start with a low strength and increase it gradually if you are not satisfied. If you did not smoke before, there is no point taking nicotine in your e-liquids at all.

Every manufacturer provides important information on its labels, so be careful to follow the recommendations and the stated strength in order not to overdo the nicotine in your e-cigarette.

Finally, as with the conventional cigarette, caution is called for. Do not vape more than is reasonable. Not only is it bad for your health, but constant use of your electronic cigarette increases the risk of a nicotine overdose.