It is usually nicotene that gives you that "queasy" feeling. A lump of sugar under the tongue generally will make that go away fairly quickly (seconds). Maybe buy a box of sugar cubes and keep them handy till you become more acclimated.

Another thing, were you smoking the cigar on an emtpy stomach, first thing in the morning or late in the evening, these things sometimes lower the tolerance level too. Being dehydrated certainly can play a factor as well.