If a person suddenly stops consuming heavily caffeinated drinks such as coffee or tea, especially after a period of overuse, there is a possibility of getting caffeine withdrawal in the form of a headache. Although this event isn't likely to be a regular problem, it can be accompanied by lack of alertness and nausea. Those suffering from a lapse of caffeine intake can take steps to alleviate the problem.
Hair of the Dog
One obvious solution is to restore the level of caffeine in your system, with either a cup of java, tea, a chocolate drink or a pain reliever that contains caffeine. Many medications include caffeine as part of the delivery system because of the increased heart and blood circulation that accompanies caffeine--just check the label. While this method may not be helpful for a person who is hyper-sensitive to caffeine and has taken some accidentally or to a person trying to stop caffeine use, it may be the easiest solution for a person who simply has interrupted a daily intake of caffeine that he fully intends to continue.
Don't Go Cold Turkey
Medical sources such as the Mayo Clinic advise a gradual reduction of caffeine intake. A gradual lessening of caffeine amounts usually has no withdrawal side effect and may be the most common-sense approach for the person trying to kick the caffeine habit. It is the sudden "cold turkey" effect of the caffeine absence that seems to cause withdrawal headaches.
Hydrate
Consuming more water flushes and dilutes the negative effects of caffeinated drinks. It also helps replace the natural oral stimulation for a coffee drinker. Because part of the coffee/caffeine habit is in the act of drinking, the impulse to take in a liquid might be replaced with drinking water.
Decaf Substitution
For the person who craves her coffee but wants to switch to decaf, a gradual substitution process might do the trick. About 100 mg of caffeine is in each regular cup of coffee, according to the Cleveland Clinic. By substituting one cup of decaffeinated coffee every two days from your normal intake, over a week to 10 days you should be able to switch to all decaf without a rebound headache. The process may even help you sleep better and feel calmer.
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