The relationship between caffeine and headaches is a two-edged sword. It can relieve a headache or cause a headache. Caffeine is a natural substance that is found in beverages, food, over-the-counter pain relievers and migraine medication. Caffeine is a stimulant and constricts blood vessels, thereby relieving the headache. Alternatively excessive caffeine or suddenly stopping regular caffeine intake can cause withdrawal-related headaches.
Withdrawal
According to the "National Headache Foundation," those who suddenly stop a coffee habit of 500 mg or five cups of coffee a day are at risk of caffeine withdrawal headaches. It was also reported that a person has to consume 15 mg of caffeine every day for a month of to feel the effects of withdrawal. To avoid withdrawal, decrease caffeine amount gradually, reduce caffeine consumption frequency and avoid food containing caffeine.
Overuse of Medication
Overuse of medication containing caffeine will cause rebound headaches. The solution for rebound headache is to discontinue medication. The "National Headache Foundation" states the majority of people who overuse caffeine-containing migraine medication are reported at headache clinics.
Analgesic Misuse
Misuse of analgesics containing caffeine can also cause a rebound headache or put the person in a cycle of chronic headaches. The "Headache Clinic" states one type of misuse of caffeine is when an individual takes the analgesic in anticipation of a headache. Ceasing medication is the only way to break the cycle of chronic headaches.
Member Comments