According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," 80 to 85 pervent of adults in the United States consume caffeine. Severity of withdrawal symptoms is affected by individual sensitivities to caffeine and amount and pattern of usage. Some regular caffeine drinkers do not experience any withdrawal symptoms.
Sleep Disturbances
Both caffeine use and its withdrawal may cause sleep disturbances in some users. Since caffeine alters brain functioning, at least for short time periods, its effect on sleep patterns occurs whenever caffeine is used or withdrawn.
Headache
One of the most common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal is headache. According to a review of caffeine withdrawal research studies published in "Psychopharmacology" in 2004, headache is a very well-supported symptom. Research regarding caffeine's effects on the brain and vascular system suggests variable levels of blood flow may cause this and other symptoms.
Fatigue and Drowsiness
Caffeine withdrawal causes tiredness or fatigue and related feelings for an estimated 21 to 56 percent of people participating in caffeine withdrawal research, according to "Psychopharmacology." A related symptom is drowsiness, occurring in approximately 45 percent of people reported in the studies reviewed.
Decreased Energy
For approximately 36 percent of people studied, withdrawal from caffeine related to their having less energy, and consequently a lower activity level. The level of decreased activity appears to increase the higher the level of caffeine ingested before abstinence.
Decreased Alertness
Withdrawal from caffeine causes striking degrees of decreased alertness and concentration for some, the "Psychopharmacology" review concluded. With those symptoms often comes impaired thinking and motor tasks such as finger tapping.
Mood Changes
Evidence exists that caffeine withdrawal affects mood states, leaving people less happy, content and cheerful, says "Psychopharmacology." Other symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness, anger, hostility and irritability are reported. Related physical symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, may contribute to the mood changes.
Flu-like Symptoms
Caffeine reportedly causes a collection of symptoms characterized as "flu-like" including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, overall malaise, heaviness in the limbs and muscle stiffness.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- "Psychopharmacology"; A Critical Review of Caffeine Withdrawal; Laura M. Juliano and Ronald R. Griffiths; Sept. 21, 2004
- "Psychopharmacology"; Caffeine Withdrawal, Acute Effects, Tolerance and Absence of Net Benefits of Chronic Administration; Stacey C. Sigmon, Ph.D, et al.; July 2009
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