Headache is a common side effect of caffeine withdrawal and may occur anytime you are not able to consume your regular amount of caffeine. Although withdrawal is worse in heavy caffeine drinkers, it may strike even moderate caffeine users. Regular coffee drinkers who consume just one cup per day may experience withdrawal symptoms. Although unpleasant, the side effects of eliminating caffeine are usually short-lived. Most people find that their bodies adjust to the new lower amount of caffeine within 2 to 7 days.
Symptoms
The New England Center for Headaches notes that a caffeine withdrawal headache is often described as a throbbing pain. You may experience a headache alone or it may be accompanied by other side effects of withdrawal including tiredness, irritability and sluggishness. Many people have trouble concentrating or staying motivated to complete tasks during caffeine withdrawal. More rarely, some people experience nausea, vomiting, chills and muscle pain.
Causes
Caffeine withdrawal headaches occur when you stop drinking your regular amount of caffeine. Quitting cold turkey or making other abrupt changes generally causes more severe symptoms. In addition, if you overuse medications that contain caffeine, you may develop a headache when you eliminate or reduce your dose. In this case, quitting the medication should only be attempted under the supervision of your health care provider.
Treatment
Self-care treatments make help relieve the pain associated with a withdrawal headache. If possible, leave time for extra rest since you may feel fatigued without your normal caffeine dose. Some people find relief in a warm bath, ice packs to the affected areas of the head or a walk outside. Massage and relaxation exercises are other techniques that may reduce discomfort. Avoid alcohol since it increases blood flow to the brain and may worsen symptoms of headache.
Prevention
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can be prevented by making gradual changes to your caffeine consumption. Instead of abstaining from all caffeine, remove one serving at a time. Wait several days before cutting out another serving. Consider switching to a decaffeinated version of coffee, tea or soda. You can continue to enjoy the social aspects of a coffee break without the high amounts of caffeine.
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