A person suffering from caffeine withdrawal headache. A person suffering from caffeine withdrawal headache.

Caffeine Withdrawal Headache: 5 Easy Ways to Treat It

It is a perfect morning. You sit by the window, looking at the rising sun, craving something refreshing to knock off those sleepy eyes and long yawns. You turn to the kitchen. Go to the coffee pot. Add some coffee beans to your machine. And wait for a strong brew to fall into your pot. Then with some milk or cream and sugar, you enjoy this hot brew, ravishing your mind with caffeine1.

An illustration of a coffee cup with a smile made on it.
Image by cromaconceptovisual from Pixabay Copyrights 2020

1. Caffeine Withdrawal Headache

At night, you have left a lot of work pending. You are in dire need of staying awake and finishing your work. Twelve cups of coffee do the trick!

On a trip? Need an energizing drink? You turn to Energizer drinks and many others to get that caffeine kick.

Most people regularly drink coffee or tea and have regular caffeine consumption. 2Why is it that caffeine is so important in our lives? And what happens if we decide to quit it?

A woman putting her hand on her head, suffering from caffeine withdrawal headache.
Photo by Mehrpouya H on Unsplash Copyrights 2019

2. The Withdrawal from Caffeine 

When consumed for a longer duration and frequency, we find ourselves addicted to any medication, drug, drink, or substance. Similarly, caffeine also becomes an addiction for those who use it frequently.

It always starts with 1 cup of coffee or 1 drink. Soon, your brain and body need more caffeine to give you the same kick a few days later. And you keep increasing the dosage or amount, resulting in an uncontrolled addiction.

When we try to get an addiction under control, we can either gradually reduce it or stop it suddenly. Either way, you will face symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. For example, an important and major one is a caffeine withdrawal headache!

Consuming caffeine in proportion is alright, but caffeine intake increases too much leading to caffeine dependence. We must monitor how much caffeine we consume in a day. Caffeinated beverages range from coffee to soft drinks, especially energy drinks! Too much caffeine is very harmful. You may also experience symptoms of caffeine withdrawal.3

A picture of Coffee pouring into the cup.
Photo by Lood Goosen from Pexels Copyrights 2018

Caffeine withdrawal headaches feel similar to migraine pain. Understanding caffeine headaches is important so that we can help ourselves and others around us. Regularly drinking coffee causes a caffeine habit. You may experience headache pain, feel like a migraine patient, have sleep disorders and muscle tension, experience tension-type headaches, rebound headaches, and experience mental fogginess.

It is important to ease the symptoms by studying lifestyle factors, avoiding caffeine, and reducing daily caffeine intake.

3. Things to Know about Caffeine Withdrawal Headache

Quitting caffeine4 causes headaches. Caffeine withdrawal headache is common within 12 hours after stopping caffeine and will most likely begin to worsen after 20-50 hours. The time can be as little as 10 days.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant commonly present with coffee and other foods such as chocolate and soda drinks. Drinking too much coffee causes many unpleasant withdrawals like nausea and vomiting, fatigue, irritability, depressed mood, etc. It can be detrimental to the health of people who consume caffeine and can lead the person into depression.

After a caffeine withdrawal headache, the body can stop using the drug and take more caffeine. In addition to caffeine consumption, caffeine helps to relieve withdrawal headaches, while many home remedies effectively treat the symptoms.

How can caffeine withdrawal be controlled safely? Caffeine is an addictive substance used in drinks, beverages, and foods. Contains the class of stimulating phenyl xanthine whose actions affect the cellular system of the human brain.

Many people believe caffeine withdrawal symptoms from the system are associated with excessive caffeine use. Peppermint ice therapy can reduce the amount of caffeine you consume. It reduces brain pressure. Your veins grow wider.

A woman sitting on wooden fence and suffering from Caffeine Withdrawal Headache
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels Copyrights 2016

3.1. Where Is Caffeine Withdrawal Headache Located?

Caffeine withdrawal headaches can present primarily in pain that pushes away from the head. Starting at eye level, the head may be moved to the rear. Reversible symptoms may include headache or migraine symptoms.

3.2. Causes

Caffeine is believed to be the most widely used medicine globally, with over 90% of Americans consuming coffee daily. While caffeine is often considered a drug, experts disagree about its addictiveness.

Research has demonstrated that caffeine can cause dependence and increased tolerance; however, a study conducted on rats showed no correlation. The study found that consuming caffeine did not satisfy the criteria for pathological addiction.5

3.3. Sources

While coffee is among the best-selling beverages, it is also a common source. Some dietary supplements may contain caffeine, including Research has theorized that prescription and unused caffeine products such as Excedrin and Fioricet. Fiorin may cause headaches or migraines.

3.4. How Long Does a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache Last?

After two days of absence from caffeine, symptoms typically peak and last for 2 to 9 days. Caffeine headaches aren’t always dosage-related, but some of these factors can affect the severity, such as genetic factors affecting caffeine metabolism.

Why Does Skipping Coffee Give Me Headaches?

3.5. What Does a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache Feel Like?

Caffeine withdrawal migraines may also be seen in people who have headaches. Caffeine withdrawal headaches are typically accompanied by intense pain or stress, which pushes outwards from the brain to the brain. The eye starts under the chin and then moves toward the forehead. 16th December 2020.

3.6. How Long Does It Take to Detox from Caffeine?

Symptoms can last from two days to a full day and up to nine days. Caffeine can be helpful for adults requiring help concentrating. However, it can be very dangerous if we do something unattended about it.

4. Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal

If you regularly drink a 6oz. A Cup or more of caffeine each morning, interrupt or delay this caffeine-consuming activity. It doesn’t matter whether you’re getting caffeine-related headaches or have a specific symptom of caffeine.

The headaches are usually mildly to severe on either side, are usually located in the upper head, and can worsen with activity. The pain usually lasts a few days with no caffeine but lasts about three or nine days.

Caffeine Withdrawal Headache
Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels Copyrights 2021

Typically caffeine is taken off after people stop drinking coffee regularly. Most people who regularly drink caffeine experience these symptoms. In the morning, you will have fewer caffeine cravings. They vary in severity if you consume a regular amount of caffeine. Headaches and headache pain are most often a symptom of withdrawal.

It’s common to feel pain or fatigue. The negative symptoms then make people take up coffee to relieve the pain. Blood flow, blood vessels, and blood pressure may also be affected.

4.1. Dizziness or Light-Headedness

Lightheadedness and dizziness are common side effects of caffeine-induced withdrawal. A gradual decrease is good, but don’t put yourself out in a hurry. Try to relax and reduce your caffeine consumption. Even if fainting is rare, people can push themselves when they feel lightheaded or confused.

The withdrawal symptoms normally appear between 12 and 24 hours from the last time you were administered, and the whole withdrawal procedure can last anywhere from 2 to 9 days.

4.2. Headache

Coffee withdrawal symptoms often include headaches. A DSM-5 report suggests gradual, throbbing, or severe headaches. The headache associated with caffeine withdrawal might look like a migraine or other symptoms, and withdrawal symptoms can also occur. Nevertheless, more research must be done for this to determine their relationship. Occasionally caffeine withdrawal causes migraines. Two.

4.3. Mental Fog

The symptoms listed are different and related. Results of laboratory tests suggest caffeine withdrawal has lowered cognitive ability and poorer memory skills. 3. Mood fogginess results from the stimulatory and performance-boosting effects of caffeine. Adding caffeine to your diet is a simple way of perpetuating that cycle. You can also reduce your caffeine intake.

4.4. Negative Mood

Caffeinated withdrawal causes numerous negative mood states, including anxiety, irritability, and depression. Remember, these emotions are generally temporary and can fade after withdrawal.

4.5. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and stomach discomfort are more commonly associated with caffeine withdrawal symptoms than vomiting. Nausea: noxious quickness.

5 Signs and Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal

5. Treatments for Caffeine Withdrawal Headache

The easiest “treatment” for caffeine withdrawal headaches is to drink a caffeine-infused beverage; the relief can last for a full hour when consuming 100 g of caffeine daily. One 2017 study on migraines showed that adding acetaminophen to coffee helped improve symptoms.

The caffeine content of coffee can vary greatly if the coffee mixture and brewing process are selected: The average 8-oz cup usually contains between 80-150 mg of caffeine, although some brews contain around 250 mg. As in coffee, caffeine levels in tea depend on several factors, such as mixing temperature and steeping time.

Having regular caffeine intake may help with migraines or tension headaches. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol may cause headaches. Depending on the severity of the withdrawal, you may need to cut out caffeine if the effects are severe.

Peer-reviewed studies, randomized controlled trials, diagnostic and statistical manuals, adenosine receptors, acute treatment, pain receptors, and targeted neck cooling are used to study and treat caffeine withdrawal headaches. Medical reviewers have also confirmed the rebound effect and the need to ease symptoms.

The effect of peppermint oil has also been studied. Caffeinated foods cause chronic headaches. Herbal tea helps relieve headaches. It is important to quit caffeine when experiencing severe symptoms. People suffering from mental disorders and high blood pressure must stay clear of it.

Caffeine withdrawal symptoms and caffeine withdrawal headaches may range from a few hours to about a week, two to nine days, or even two to three weeks.

5.1. Don’t Stop Abruptly

It is possible to reduce coffee intake to treat withdrawal gradually. The quantity of caffeine you can remove in the morning each day and the duration for eliminating it can be different; most recommendations suggest gradual reduction for two or six months to prevent withdrawal.

5.2. OTC Pain Relievers

Inhalation of caffeine may help treat withdrawal symptoms.

Pain relievers can relieve the effects of caffeine on the headache. The drug can cause headaches to rebound, particularly if it can last more than a few weeks.

5.3. Drink Water

A picture of a glass of water splashing out of the glass. Drinking water reduces the effect of caffeine.
Photo by Nicolas Ruiz on Unsplash Copyrights 2020

Staying hydrated may help reduce caffeine withdrawal headaches, especially when a migraine occurs (that may be due to dehydration).

5.4. Long-Term Treatment for Caffeine Withdrawal

The withdrawal from caffeine is generally easy to manage and is mild and manageable using self-care and medication. It is easy to drink or consume caffeine without knowing it once the withdrawal has started.

If you are avoiding caffeine, be aware of the consumable products containing caffeine and keep an eye on the amount you consume. Make a conscious effort to understand food and beverages that contain caffeine and take medication for the use of the drug. When someone takes in a little caffeine, they should take it slowly.

6. Warnings

The FDA requires all products that contain caffeine on their label, which doesn’t apply to natural foods containing caffeine. It is not necessary to list caffeine content in any foods or beverages.

This can make monitoring your caffeine consumption6 difficult for a person. Try to see which foods and drinks are full of caffeine. Mood change usually disappears as soon as you get over the withdrawal.

7. Things to Remember for Avoiding or Limiting Caffeine

A smiling woman sitting on a couch and drinking coffee. When caffeine reduction is applied, it reduces the chances of having withdrawal effects. Hence, reducing the caffeine withdrawal headache.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels Copyrights 2018

Depending on who is affected by caffeine, the effects of it can cause severe side effects and cause permanent impairments. It is best to discuss caffeine with a healthcare professional to determine how to limit or eliminate it completely.

Caffeine may cause diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, to worsen as well. Some drugs or supplements have interactions with caffeine. Make sure to talk to a healthcare provider about the amount or dosage of caffeine.

How do I reduce my coffee consumption by 10% every 2 weeks? You may eventually reduce the amount of caffeine you consume to be completely caffeine-free. When a caffeine reduction is applied, it reduces your chances of having withdrawal effects, and you can easily substitute a caffeinated beverage for an alcoholic beverage.

Start with keeping a caffeine diary – writing everything with caffeine. Always check any medication for any caffeine in it.

8. Ending Note

So, if you are facing caffeine addiction or caffeine withdrawal symptoms, do not fear. Try some home remedies. Do not stop caffeine completely.

To gain proper control, you must work on it slowly and gradually. Consult professional medical advice to ensure your caffeine withdrawal headache pain does not recur.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

9.1. What is a caffeine withdrawal headache like?

A feeling of pressure and pain that pushes away from the head. Starting at eye level, the head may be moved to the rear. It can be like a throbbing pain.

9.2. Can I stop the headaches if I stop drinking coffee?

No. The withdrawal headache occurs when the person who consumes caffeine regularly stops it abruptly. To stop the addiction to caffeine, one should reduce caffeine slowly and gradually.

9.3. Does drinking water reduce the effects of caffeine?

Yes! Drinking water helps in reducing the effect of caffeine in a shorter time.

 
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  1. Vorderman, Carol, and Linda Bird. Eat Yourself Clever: A 28-Day Plan to Help you Lose Weight, Improve Brain Power and Boost Wellbeing. Random House, 2012. ↩︎
  2. Rogers, Peter J., and Claire Dernoncourt. “Regular caffeine consumption: a balance of adverse and beneficial effects for mood and psychomotor performance.” Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 59.4 (1998): 1039-1045. ↩︎
  3. Juliano, Laura M., and Roland R. Griffiths. “A critical review of caffeine withdrawal: empirical validation of symptoms and signs, incidence, severity, and associated features.” Psychopharmacology 176 (2004): 1-29. ↩︎
  4. Behling, Morgan, and Blaine Winters. “Methods to Stop Caffeine Use and Minimize Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms in the State of Caffeine Dependence: A Literature Review.” (2021). ↩︎
  5. Lüthi, Andreas, and Christian Lüscher. “Pathological circuit function underlying addiction and anxiety disorders.” Nature neuroscience 17.12 (2014): 1635-1643. ↩︎
  6. Glatter, Kathryn A., Richard Myers, and Nipavan Chiamvimonvat. “Recommendations regarding dietary intake and caffeine and alcohol consumption in patients with cardiac arrhythmias: what do you tell your patients to do or not to do?.” Current treatment options in cardiovascular medicine 14 (2012): 529-535. ↩︎

Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology

Author

Srishti Sonavane

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