Caffeine withdrawal headaches occur when you dramatically decrease your caffeine intake or even stop caffeine cold turkey. Caffeine withdrawal headaches can last for one week. It is best to prevent caffeine withdrawal headaches altogether by slowly reducing your caffeine intake over a period of weeks or even months. If you decrease your caffeine intake and experience a withdrawal headache, know that it will get better and your body will soon adjust to life without caffeine.
Step 1
Drink a small cup of a caffeinated beverage, such as soda or coffee. Although ingesting caffeine may seem counterproductive if you are trying to wean from it, it will help lessen the headache. Caffeine withdrawal headaches are not generally relieved using over-the-counter headache remedies.
Step 2
Decrease your caffeine consumption by 25 percent each week until you can remove it from your diet altogether. This gradual reduction over the course of about one month will help prevent a caffeine headache from recurring.
Step 3
Take a nap during the day if you can and go to bed earlier at night. If your body is well rested, you will have more energy and may feel the need to consume caffeine less. Naps can also help relieve headache pain.
Step 4
Drink eight glasses of decaffeinated liquids each day. Caffeine can contribute to dehydration, which can also cause a headache. Sip on water throughout the day to prevent thirst and dehydration from occurring.
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