What is Caffeine Withdrawal?
Caffeine is a substance that acts as a stimulant to the brain and is part of the ‘methylxanthine’ group. It’s one of the most commonly used drugs around the world. Compared to other drugs that affect the brain, it’s legal, inexpensive and is not closely regulated in most places. Habitual drinking of beverages that contain caffeine may lead to physical, emotional, and mental reliance on it. It could also cause ‘caffeine withdrawal syndrome’ – a condition that results when a person suddenly stops consuming caffeine. Several studies have confirmed that caffeine withdrawal syndrome is a clinically recognized condition and it’s included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) – an authoritative guide to diagnosing mental health conditions.
Doctors who work in hospitals and emergency departments must know about this syndrome. They need to understand that symptoms can be similar to anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and insomnia. In addition, it could cause changes in vital signs like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and abnormal blood pressure. So, it could cause people to be diagnosed incorrectly or make the doctor perform extra tests in the emergency department.
What Causes Caffeine Withdrawal?
People usually drink beverages with caffeine to avoid feeling sleepy, stimulate their brain and nervous system, and enhance their performance. Consuming caffeine regularly and over a long period can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Various research studies show that the fear of potentially uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms plays a significant role in continuous caffeine consumption.
Caffeine can be found in several common foods and drinks. Some of the most abundant sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, green tea, yerba mate, energy drinks, caffeinated soda like cola, and chocolate bars, especially dark chocolate.
Risk Factors and Frequency for Caffeine Withdrawal
It’s tough to determine the exact number of people affected by caffeine withdrawal syndrome. However, in North America, regular caffeine use is very common, with 80% to 90% of adults consuming it. The average daily intake of caffeine in the United States is about 280 mg. This is about the same amount as in one or two mugs of coffee or three to five soft drinks. The main sources of caffeine in the United States are coffee, tea, and soft drinks, but energy drinks are also becoming more popular.
- The average adult in the US consumes about 280 mg of caffeine daily.
- This is about the same amount as one or two mugs of coffee or three to five soft drinks.
- The main sources of caffeine in the US are coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
- Energy drinks are also becoming a popular source of caffeine.
- The safe amount of caffeine intake is considered to be no more than 400 mg per day, which is approximately four cups of coffee, ten cans of cola, or two energy drinks.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the amount of caffeine in beverages can vary quite a bit.
Signs and Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal
Withdrawing from caffeine can lead to different levels of discomfort and disruption to everyday activities. Different people experience a range of symptoms including a headache, tiredness, lower energy or activity, reduced alertness, drowsiness, feeling less content, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritation, and feeling foggy or unclear. The intensity of these symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually gets worse with higher daily doses. But keep in mind that even giving up small amounts of caffeine, such as the quantity in a small cup of coffee, can still cause withdrawal symptoms.
Research indicates that around half of people might experience headaches during withdrawal, while 13% could feel a significant impact on their daily life or mood. These symptoms typically start around 12 to 24 hours after stopping caffeine intake, reach their peak in about 20 to 51 hours, and could potentially last for two to nine days.
In one study, symptoms of caffeine withdrawal were seen after just three days of exposure to caffeine, and the severity increased after seven to 14 days of continuous use.
Therefore, if you’re speaking with a healthcare provider about potential caffeine withdrawal, make sure to provide information about the daily amount of caffeine you consume, how long you’ve been consuming it, the last time you consumed caffeine, and if applicable, any past experiences with caffeine withdrawal and the severity of those instances.
Some other signs of caffeine withdrawal can also include:
- Impaired behavior and cognitive performance
- Changes in blood pressure
- Reduced motor activity
- An increased heart rate
- Hand tremors
- An increase in urination
- Flushing of the skin
- Symptoms similar to the flu
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Muscle stiffness
- Joint pains
- Abdominal pain
Testing for Caffeine Withdrawal
If you go to the doctor with symptoms that suggest you might be experiencing caffeine withdrawal, the physician will first run a series of checks to rule out other serious conditions. These might include migraines, brain inflammation or infections, internal brain bleeding, brain tumors, carbon monoxide poisoning, certain pregnancy-related conditions, high blood pressure disorders, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eye pressure issues (acute glaucoma), dehydration, overuse of painkillers or other substances, and mood disorders.
Doctors must be vigilant (maintain a high index of suspicion) when diagnosing caffeine withdrawal. To conclude if you’re suffering from this condition, your doctor will ask you some thorough questions about your symptoms (taking a history), and perform a physical check-up. This process should usually be enough to diagnose caffeine withdrawal syndrome.
Treatment Options for Caffeine Withdrawal
If you’re trying to quit caffeine and are feeling withdrawal symptoms, having some caffeine can quickly help. However, if you’re committed to overcoming caffeine dependence, it’s often best to gradually reduce your caffeine intake to avoid these withdrawal symptoms.
Common withdrawal symptoms may include headaches and stomach issues like nausea or vomiting. These can often be managed using medications you can buy at your local pharmacy without a prescription. Frequently, people may also experience constipation during caffeine withdrawal; this can be improved by increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, or getting over-the-counter medicines that help with bowel movements. Staying hydrated with fluids and getting enough rest or sleep can also be very helpful in easing many symptoms of caffeine withdrawal.
What else can Caffeine Withdrawal be?
When trying to diagnose caffeine withdrawal, doctors need to consider other possibilities that might cause similar symptoms, such as:
- Other types of headaches, like migraines
- Lack of sleep or constant tiredness
- Underactive thyroid, also called hypothyroidism
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Infections
Preventing Caffeine Withdrawal
People tend to think of caffeine as a harmless substance, especially when compared to other drugs. However, caffeine is actually the most commonly used drug worldwide, which makes it a significant health issue. Lots of people who become addicted to caffeine find it difficult to cut down on it, even when they experience recurring health problems as a result of continuous caffeine use. Certain groups of people are more at risk than others, such as teenagers, young adults, students, workers with physically demanding jobs, and individuals who work night shifts especially.
If these individuals start experiencing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, a reduction in energy levels or alertness, feelings of sleepiness, unhappiness, trouble concentrating, irritability, or a lack of mental clarity, it might be a sign of caffeine withdrawal.
For those who are determined to break their caffeine addiction, the best approach is typically to slowly reduce their caffeine intake. This method helps to prevent a group of symptoms known as caffeine withdrawal syndrome.
