Hi all,

I've been lurking for quite awhile, and have been smoking for a couple years; usually once or twice per week. I've found my favorites to be Padron Anniversary 1964, Ashton VSG, CAO MX2, and my newest discovery, the Montecristo White Court.

I have a problem, though, and I thought I'd ask you guys if there is any help. Every so often (too often), when I'm enjoying a smoke, I get a nasty headache and feel kinda dizzy. It doesn't happen every time, but more often than I'd like. No drugs, like Tylenol or Advil seem to help.

I know that the nicotine headache is a common pitfall of a newbie smoker, but I think I've graduated past that rank.

Is there anything I can do to reduce this happening to me, or do I just have to resign myself to the fact that I'm a lightweight who can't handle his tobacco?

Thanks,

kjed

Are you inhaleing?

Well,kjed, I'm somewhat in that category too. I'm kind of a substance lightweight in general (3 beers the absolute max in one evening and haven't tried that for years). Some cigars are more headache-causing than others. Oliva "O" is one I've had that has pretty full flavor but didn't result in a headache.

have you tried any mild smokes to see if it is in fact the cigar?

maybe something like an AVO #2, these are pretty mild.

quote:

Originally posted by BadFish:
have you tried any mild smokes to see if it is in fact the cigar?

maybe something like an AVO #2, these are pretty mild.

If you're not inhaleing then this is what you should do IMHBDAO. The Casa Toranos would be another good one.

Smokie, no, I don't inhale. Sorry, I should have mentioned that. Maybe I'm inhaling more than I think without realizing it. Sometimes the smoke will come out of my nose, so I guess sometimes I breathe too deeply.

BadFish, I've tried mild cigars as well, such as regular Ashtons, and one of my current favorites, the Montecristo White Court, which I smoked Saturday night, and got pretty dizzy.

It doesn't always happen; I can smoke a VSG, which is pretty full-bodied, and not have a problem, and then the next day, smoke a Montecristo, and get a headache. I'll try the AVO, though, and see how it goes.

One thought: when I smoke, I drag on it a lot; some cigar purists say to enjoy the smoke very casually, to puff, let it sit in the ashtray for a few minutes, puff again, etc. I tend to puff much more voraciously. Maybe I'm just drawing in too much headache-causing stuff. How do y'all smoke your cigars, casually or aggressively?

kjed

You named fairly full-bodied smokes, so even with a minimal amount of inhalation, as well as minimal epithelial absorption, you are probably getting your small, but fair, share of nicotine.

I have experienced the same with the Mx2, the Partagas Black Label, and such. I have made a conscious effort to take my time with the draw, the tasting and exhalation of the stronger cigars., and I rarely catch the unwelcome buzz. And I'm the type who can drink all the diet coke I want, without caffiene aftereffects.

I also blow out the smoke periodically and get a cooler, more flavorful, less smoky and dizzy time of it.

I think you nailed it kjed. You're probably smoking the cigars too aggressivly and in turn accidentally inhaleing more smoke than you realize. Next time you smoke one, try taking a good puff about every minute or so. Another downside of smoking your cigars too quickly is that you can cause the cigar to smoke hot and become harsh, ruining some of the flavors. So next time you light up, just sit back and relax and take some time enjoying your smoke .

Thanks for all your quick responses with advice. I'll slow down and try to enjoy my smokes more.

It's really great to have a group like this, where someone can ask a question, no matter how strange it seems, and people just pitch in and help. It's a true community, and hopefully, I'll be able to contribute in the future.

kjed

quote:

Originally posted by sungunner:
epithelial

Good advice, SG. Where'd you get that word that I can't even pronounce? Are you Dr.? Just curious.

To kjed, maybe if you do something while you're smoking it'll help you take in less nicotine -- drive, walk the dog, read, write stuff in CA, ...

You have yet to see the strange crap we can conjure up. Could give ya the heebie jeebies!

Welcome

Epithelial cells are the pink ones all over the inside of your mouth and gums.

smoke more. that'll cure it

kjed,

I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that you are inhaling a bit without realizing it.

Also, the classic "pace" for smoking a cigar is one draw per minute. This isn't to say that you can't/won't give your cigar a couple puffs before to take your draw...that's okay. But if you're taking more than a draw a minute, your power herfing...which can make you ill.

Your list of smokes is on the fuller side taste and strength-wise too. If you like the taste there's no reason to go milder. Just make sure you've eaten prior to smoking and take a little more time between draws.

Ruger

Saul,

I always seem to have an adult beverage when I smoke, so maybe if I did less while I smoked, I wouldn't have a problem! Rum just seems to go with cigars, it's hard to resist...

kjed

Ruger,

"Power herfing," great term! That's what I've been doing; I'll slow down and enjoy more.

Thanks,
Keith

quote:

Originally posted by kjed:
Saul,

I always seem to have an adult beverage when I smoke, so maybe if I did less while I smoked, I wouldn't have a problem! Rum just seems to go with cigars, it's hard to resist...

kjed

Oh come on now...you didn't tell us that you were face down in the gutter when you experienced this headache and dizziness...were your pants unbuttoned and your wallet gone too!

Sungunner,

Hey! Did you find my wallet?

kjed

Maybe you're just weird.

No really...I swear...I'll call ya! Sure I respect ya!

What's this dried up thing in your wallet?


(I'm done)