Caffeine is a stimulant commonly found in tea, coffee, soda, cocoa and chocolate. It is often added to other foods and beverages. Caffeine can be addictive, so decreasing consumption or abruptly eliminating it can cause withdrawal symptoms. According to St. John Providence Health System, these symptoms range from mild to severe, usually begin within 12 to 24 hours after eliminating caffeine and can last up to two weeks.
Headache
Headache is the most common symptom of caffeine withdrawal or detox. Headache is usually the first indicator of withdrawal and often is the last to dissipate. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that headache typically occurs within 12 hours of the cessation of caffeine, intensifies within one to two days and can last up to nine days. A study published in the October 2004 issue of "Psychopharmacology" found that 50 percent of individuals who went through caffeine withdrawal experienced headaches, and 13 percent of them had headaches so severe they were incapable of working.
Mood Swings
Another symptom experienced during caffeine withdrawal is mood swing. Anxiety, nervousness, irritability and depression are all possible. MayoClinic.com states that caffeine does not cause depression, but can make depression worse for those who are already suffering from it and abruptly stop using caffeine. MayoClinic.com also states that caffeine and depression are directly related to sleep habits. Since caffeine interferes in the ability to fall asleep, and not getting enough rest can make depression worse, it is advised to slowly taper caffeine consumption to avoid experiencing severe mood swings. St. John Providence Health System recommends consulting a physician if mood swings last longer than two weeks.
Lethargy
Lethargy is another common symptom of caffeine withdrawal. Lethargy could include feelings of tiredness, mental fatigue, sluggishness and overall malaise. In a study published in the 2009 issue of "Psychopharmacology," caffeine withdrawal caused an increase in blood flow and a decrease in brain activity. Participants also experienced both physical and mental fatigue, had trouble concentrating and had decreased alertness.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Some individuals who go through caffeine withdrawal may also experience flu-like symptoms. These symptoms could include nausea, chills, fever, sweating, muscle stiffness and body aches. To ease discomfort, the same protocol for the flu--lots of rest and fluids--is used.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Caffeine Withdrawal Recognized as a Disorder
- National Institutes of Health: Caffeine withdrawal, acute effects, tolerance, and absence of net beneficial effects of chronic administration: cerebral blood flow velocity, quantitative EEG and subjective effects
- St John Providence Health System: Caffeine Withdrawal
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine and depression: Is there a link?
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