Yes, although not fatal, you can overdose on nicotine pouches. Since nicotine pouches work through your mucous membranes, they don't pose any direct threat. However, if you use too much nicotine, you could experience a rush of neurochemicals that could lead to nausea, indigestion, headaches, palpitations, vomiting, or a stomach ache.
It's why we always advise using a nicotine pouch based on your tolerance levels. Although nicotine pouches rarely cause nicotine poisoning, there have been some rare cases. If you experience nicotine poisoning, contact your doctor right away. There are some common signs of nicotine poisoning that you should stay on the lookout for.
What Are The Symptoms of a Nicotine Overdose?
Nicotine poisoning has 8 common symptoms that you can use to identify your situation. Nicotine poisoning usually happens in two stages.
Stage 1 of Nicotine Overdose
The symptoms for the initial stage are as follows:
- Nausea
- Stomach Ache
- Vomiting
- Incessant Buzzing
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Excessive Sweating
- Headache
Normally, these symptoms follow the initial nicotine buzz. For reference, a nicotine buzz is the feeling of lightness and elevation you feel when you put the nicotine pouch under your upper lip. If you use a very strong nicotine pouch that exceeds the levels of nicotine you can tolerate, the buzz will morph into a nightmare.
Initially, you'll feel nausea and slight dizziness. If the situation continues to unravel, you'll sweat profusely while feeling a heaviness in your chest and stomach. It'll feel like being stuck in a crowded room on a hot summer afternoon. After which you will most likely vomit.
Typically, the symptoms end when you do that. But occasionally the symptoms go into the later stages, especially if a child or pet has accidentally ingested liquid nicotine or any other substance that contains pure nicotine.
Stage 2 of Nicotine Overdose
The 6 severe symptoms of nicotine poisoning are:
- Shallow Breathing (Other Respiratory Issues)
- Diarrhea
- Slow Heartbeat
- Extreme Lethargy
- Seizure (Extreme Case)
- Respiratory Failure (Extreme Case)
If you or the patient experience any of the symptoms above, run to the nearest poison control center. We always recommend consulting a local poison control center or your doctor if things become unbearable. You probably have plenty of questions on your mind right now, like…
Is There A Lethal Dose of Nicotine?
There is no generally accepted lethal dose of nicotine. Different people of varying shapes, sizes, and situations tolerate different amounts of nicotine. However, according to the CDC, 50 to 60 mg of nicotine could prove dangerous for inexperienced, healthy males (weighing roughly 70 kg).
A smoker may have a higher tolerance. Children and pets are way more vulnerable and have lower nicotine tolerance. They could get nicotine poisoning more easily, which is why you need to keep any products away from their reach. Now, let's talk about the reasons.
Causes of Nicotine Poisoning
The most common cause of nicotine poisoning is excessive use of nicotine products. At this point, we aren't just talking about nicotine pouches. Nicotine intoxication can occur due to any form of nicotine, including nicotine liquid, vapes, cigarettes, snus, nicotine gum, etc. Anything that contains nicotine can cause nicotine poisoning if used excessively.
Even cigarettes can cause nicotine poisoning if ingested accidentally. One cigarette won't be fatal, but chain-smoking 10 to 20 could make you queasy. In fact, the buds of cigarettes can cause even more issues. Nicotine poisoning is also possible if you don't follow the standard consumption method for nicopods. For example, if someone accidentally swallows a nicopod.
Vapes are by far the most dangerous and can cause nicotine poisoning very easily. We've experienced it firsthand when we used our vape for too long continuously. Additionally, since vapes usually use nicotine liquids that are flavored like candy, children could ingest them easily.
A spoonful or half teaspoon of liquid nicotine can easily cause nicotine poisoning. Moreover, liquid nicotine can be fatal to pets. Smokeless tobacco products like snus can also cause poisoning if ingested. All in all, nicotine poisoning occurs when you have too much nicotine in your body.
How To Prevent Nicotine Poisoning?
The easiest way to avoid and prevent nicotine poisoning is to not use too many e-cigarettes, snus, tobacco, and nicotine at once. Furthermore, you should avoid vaping and cigarettes altogether. You can easily quit e-cigarette use and quit smoking with nicopods, which are much safer.
You should start using nicopods with nicotine levels that match your tolerance. You should start with VELO or ZYN nicopods that are moderately to mildly strong. ZYN nicotine pouches are safe to use, and are a great nicotine replacement product for vapers and smokers. Getting nicotine poisoning from mild nicotine pouches is practically impossible unless you swallow a nicotine pouch. You should read our guide on how to use nicotine pouches to avoid accidental ingestion.
No matter what you use, you should keep nicotine-containing products out of the reach of children and pets. If you use a product, dispose of it safely. Don't leave cigarette buds, used nicopods, or vapes lying around the house. If you or anyone around you swallows any nicotine product accidentally, call the American Association of Poison Control Center via 1-800-222-1222 or any other local doctor.
How Do You Flush Out Nicotine Quickly?
The immediate effects of nicotine poisoning may take a few hours to subside. The best way to flush out the effects is to stay hydrated and drink lots of juice. If you can find pomegranate, peach, or mango juice, then that's even better. Additionally, you should eat healthy and rest for a few hours.
As soon as the side effects subside, start being active. Go for a walk or do some jumping jacks. The more active you are, the faster the nicotine leaves your body. You should also follow your doctor's advice. And don't worry, nicotine poisoning doesn't have any long-term effects.
You can make a full recovery without much effort in a matter of hours if you follow the instructions carefully.
Conclusion
Nicotine overdose, or nicotine poisoning, refers to the toxic effects that impact your body after the consumption of nicotine in copious amounts. The risk of nicotine overdose from nicotine pouches is very low, but not zero. Meanwhile, if you use other nicotine products like vapes and electronic cigarettes, you could experience nicotine poisoning more easily.
The most common cause of a nicotine overdose is accidental ingestion of pure nicotine or tobacco. To avoid this, you should always use nicopods and other nicotine products carefully. Use a nicotine product that suits your tolerance level. For more help on this, read our best tobacco-free nicotine pouch list.
After consuming your nicotine product, put it in a place away from children and pets. In case of accidental ingestion or deliberate mistake, please contact your doctor. Don't wait for the severe symptoms to exhibit themselves. Take proactive steps to ensure your, your children's and pets safety. Your health matters more than anything. Stay safe and healthy!
