I find myself getting light headed and nauseated from a cigar that I am absolutely loving.
Am I puffing to often? Maybe too many small puffs instead of an less frequent larger puff?
I wonder if a little lower RH would produce cigars which would not need to be puffed as often to keep lit? I keep mine at 68-69%
If you are getting lightheaded or feeling nic-kick with regularity, then it's quite possible you are especially susceptible to the effects of nicotine. My advice is to smoke more so that your system can acclimate.
If this isn't possible, then have something sweet to eat or drink either prior to or along with your cigar. I usually have a coffee with one sugar and one cream. Having sugar in your accompaniment should do the trick. Remember, diet colas will not have the same ameliorative effect.
If you are especially sensitive, then have some sugar packets on hand. If the sweet drink is not enough, pound down a packet or two with a glass of water. The effect on your palate will be minimal and once the sugar starts calming your system down, you can get back to business.
As for the draw, first of all be absolutely sure you are not inadvertently inhaling a small stream of smoke with your draw. If you're not a converted ciggy smoker, this shouldn't be a problem as getting even a whiff of direct cigar smoke in the bronchi is pretty eye opening. The strength of the cigar and the draw rate will have some effect on how the nicotine affects you. The nicotine delivery will be related to smoke volume rate of intake so drawing more frequently OR more deeply will both deliver more nicotine to your system. If you are indeed sensitive and want to minimize the impact, then:
1. draw lightly
2. draw less frequently
3. hold the smoke in mouth for a shorter period of time
4. spit
5. drink sweet or eat sweet
6. have sugar packets ready
If these tactics don't do it for you, then you can always switch to chewing gum. I hear the Cubans make some really kick ass gum.
Wilkey