What is Caffeine Withdrawal
Caffeine withdrawal is a group of symptoms that can develop when a person who consumes a lot of caffeine every day suddenly stops or greatly reduces his or her caffeine intake.
Caffeine is a drug that is usually found in coffee, tea, soda, cocoa, chocolate milk, chocolate, and some over-the-counter pain relievers and medicines. If you consume too much caffeine for a long period of time, you may go through caffeine withdrawal when you stop or reduce your intake.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by having less caffeine than your body is used to having.
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
- Having a history of other substance use disorders.
- Having a history of a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, psychiatric disorder, or eating disorder.
- Being in a situation that restricts caffeine use, such as pregnancy, fasting, medical procedures, or hospitalization.
- Using energy drinks.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Feeling more tired than usual.
- Headaches.
- Having trouble concentrating or staying alert.
- Feeling irritable.
- Feeling like you have the flu.
- Craving caffeine.
- Depression.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Joint stiffness or aching muscles.
Your symptoms may be more or less severe, depending on how much caffeine you consume or have been consuming over time.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and your recent history of caffeine use. Your health care provider may ask you about any history of stimulant abuse or use of other substances. In some cases, you may be asked to use a food journal to keep track of how much caffeine you have every day.
How is this treated?
Treatment for this condition will focus on addressing the symptoms. Your health care provider may recommend that you:
- Consume more caffeine at first to help end the withdrawal symptoms.
- Slowly reduce your caffeine use over time to avoid symptoms of caffeine withdrawal while removing it from your diet. Your health care provider can help you decide if you want to limit (cut back on) or eliminate caffeine from your diet.
Other treatments may be recommended to help with any underlying reasons for your high caffeine use. Your health care provider may also recommend techniques to manage stress.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Do notstop having caffeine all at once. Doing that may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
- To avoid withdrawal symptoms, do not have more than 50 mg of caffeine—equal to ½ cup of coffee—in one day.
- Cut back on caffeine slowly over time as directed by your health care provider. For example, try mixing a caffeinated soda with a decaf (decaffeinated) soda.
- Try replacing coffee, tea, or soda with a decaf drink.
- Find
ways to manage stress, such as by:
- Meditating.
- Being more active.
Using deep breathing exercises.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your headaches or other withdrawal symptoms do not go away after several days of reduced usage, or they do not go away after you start using caffeine again.
Get help right away if:
- You feel depressed or have suicidal thoughts.
- You are vomiting or have severe dehydration.
You can go to your nearest emergency department or call:
- Your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
- A suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This is open 24 hours a day.
Summary
- Caffeine withdrawal is a group of symptoms that can develop when a person who consumes a lot of caffeine every day suddenly stops or greatly reduces his or her caffeine intake.
- Your withdrawal symptoms may be more or less severe, depending on how much caffeine you consume or have been consuming over time.
- Your health care provider can help you decide if you want to limit (cut back on) or eliminate caffeine from your diet.
- To avoid withdrawal symptoms, do nothave more than 50 mg of caffeine—equal to ½ cup of coffee—in one day.
