Causes Of A Caffeine Headache

Caffeine is a stimulant commonly found in coffee, tea, chocolate, soda and energy drinks. The benefits of caffeine include increased energy and alertness, accompanied by a decrease in fatigue. The effects of caffeine occur rather quickly upon consumption and are sustained with continued use. Unfortunately, like other drugs, caffeine use can be addictive, and excessive use can have negative side effects, especially headaches.

Reduced Use

Like other drugs, your body may build up a tolerance for caffeine. In other words, a certain amount of caffeine is needed in order for your body to feel its effects. The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition" warns heavy use is not necessarily required to build up a tolerance; it may result from just 100 mg per day. Even the slightest reductions in daily caffeine intake can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and drowsiness.

Inconsistent Use

Habitual use of caffeine may cause your body to physically crave it. Therefore, in addition to the quantity, a temporal relationship develops between your body and your caffeine intake. For example, if you leave the house without having your usual cup of coffee in the morning, you may develop a headache that won't subside until you have fulfilled your body's need for caffeine. Also, if you only drink coffee, tea or soda during the week, you may be at risk for weekend headaches. However, these headaches can be alleviated by the consumption of caffeine.

Discontinued Use

Quitting any bad habit cold turkey is rather difficult. This difficulty is heightened for caffeine addicts due to their physical and psychological dependency on it. In addition to headaches, caffeine addicts tend to experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, depression, drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. In the September 2004 issue of "Psychopharmacology," Dr. Roland Griffiths and Dr. Laura Juliano suggest a gradual reduction in caffeine consumption to avoid recurring headaches associated with discontinued use.

Empty Stomach

Caffeinated beverages tend to have a greater effect when ingested on an empty stomach. This is especially true when a lot of sugar is ingested simultaneously. Although the effects of both caffeine and sugar are heightened on an empty stomach, so are the withdrawal symptoms. Rapid changes in blood sugar level can result in a more serious type of headache, such as a migraine. According to FamilyDoctor.org, this is because changes in blood sugar levels are associated with changes in the level of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that is believed to be an influential factor in the development of migraine headaches.