Most vapers know the feeling. You take a hit from your vape—and suddenly, you're running to the bathroom. A

nd, if you've just finished your morning coffee, you better be near your bathroom, or things could get real messy real quick. Let's look at the science behind why hitting your vape gives you the urge to poop. 

The Role of Nicotine in Digestion

Nicotine as a stimulant

Vapes heat e-liquid with a coil or heating element to produce vapor. Most traditional e-liquids contain nicotine, a stimulant that activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain and nervous system, releasing dopamine and serotonin.

Nicotine and the enteric nervous system

Nicotine interacts with the enteric nervous system (ENS) or second brain. When consumed, nicotine binds with receptors in the gut that control motility in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to an increase in the intestines. 

Increased peristalsis

When somebody inhales the vapor, the nicotine activates the parasympathetic nervous system, and the muscles in the intestines move around. This sudden movement can trigger a bowel movement, so you better be prepared before you take a hit. 

Vaping vs. Smoking: Is There a Difference?

Traditional smoking involves lighting a combustible cigarette and inhaling the smoke into your lungs. While the nicotine hit is faster than vaping, you’re also inhaling tar and more toxic chemicals.

Vaping works when a coil burns e-liquid to a high enough temperature, releasing the vapor for inhaling, which takes slightly longer for the nicotine to hit the bloodstream.

The faster nicotine delivery from smoking traditional cigarettes means a stronger gastrointestinal response and, subsequently, a bigger urge to poop.  

Other Factors That Contribute

Psychological conditioning

Coffee and nicotine can trigger a bowel movement in the body by interacting with the gastrointestinal system, but there’s also a psychological effect at play. If your morning routine involves vaping and/or a coffee and you have the urge to poop, the brain will start to associate these things with needing to go, even if they are not the trigger every single time.

Other compounds in vape juice

E-liquid contains several ingredients that may also trigger a bowel movement, especially in people with sensitive stomachs. Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) are carriers of nicotine and flavorings in vapes.

This ingredient can cause stomach irritation and have mild laxative effects. Some vapers also report that super sweet e-liquid can upset their stomach, too. 

Deep breathing and the vagus nerve

When you vape, you alter the length of time you breathe in and out. This action can stimulate the vagus nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system, which makes the digestive system more active and can also lead to a bowel movement. 

Is It Harmful?

While the sudden urge to poop after consuming a stimulant like nicotine or coffee isn’t harmful in the short term, chronic use may have lasting effects on a person’s digestive system.

A2022 study into the impact of electronic cigarettes on the gastrointestinal system “demonstrated an association between EC consumption and vomiting and diarrhea.” Some people may notice more frequent or loose stools. Another issue some users report is dependence on nicotine to poop. 

Conclusion

Vaping can make you poop due to stimulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. While it’s pretty common, people should be aware of dependency becoming an issue and gut microbiomes being affected by ingredients in vape juice over time. If digestive problems persist, consult your doctor.