Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Dizziness And Headache After Smoking Cigarettes?

I have been smoking cigarettes lately and sometimes they make me feel kind of buzzed. Last night I smoked two on my porch and almost instantly felt ill. I became dizzy, lightheaded and my head started to throb. I walked in the house and noticed my equilibrium was off, my body felt warm and I went to lay down because I was feeling nauseous. As soon as I lay down I felt the urge to vomit which I did pretty violently. After I vomited I felt almost instantly better. Iv been smoking on and off for a month or so because of stress but could smoking really have made me that sick??? P.S Also I tryed to eat a little before I became sick and noticed even though I had not eaten all day I was not hungry or really in the mood to eat and just had a few bites b4 putting it away.
Mon, 31 Aug 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
We understand your concern.

Yes smoking heavily does cause such effects like lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, and occasionally vomiting.It is due to vasodialtation caused by nicotine.

And you other symptoms like stress since one month, increased smoking, decreased apatite could all be due to depression. I would suggest you to start treatment for depression instead of smoking. SSRI's like escitalopram, fluoxetine are used as first line of treatment.Consult a psychiatrist as you would need short course of antidepressants to come out of depression.

Hope the answer has helped you.
I find this answer helpful
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Dizziness And Headache After Smoking Cigarettes?

We understand your concern. Yes smoking heavily does cause such effects like lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, and occasionally vomiting.It is due to vasodialtation caused by nicotine. And you other symptoms like stress since one month, increased smoking, decreased apatite could all be due to depression. I would suggest you to start treatment for depression instead of smoking. SSRI s like escitalopram, fluoxetine are used as first line of treatment.Consult a psychiatrist as you would need short course of antidepressants to come out of depression. Hope the answer has helped you.