Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed drugs and is a highly addictive substance. Drinking only a single cup of coffee each day can result in caffeine dependency, which can lead to symptoms of caffeine withdrawal if caffeine is not consumed. Caffeine withdrawal can cause many symptoms, including flu-like systems such as body aches and pains.
Body Aches
Certain individuals may experience flu-like symptoms as a result of caffeine withdrawal, including nausea and vomiting. Body aches and pains may also occur, including muscle stiffness and pain. In some cases, the symptoms may be severe enough to cause people to miss work or schools, according to a study published in the October 2004 issue of the medical journal "Psychopharmacology."
Headache
A headache is the most commonly reported side effect from caffeine withdrawal, and occurs in up to 50 percent of people who experience withdrawal symptoms, according to the paper published in "Psychopharmacology." Other mental effects, including difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation to work, irritability and foggy-headedness, are also common.
Other Symptoms
Several other symptoms may result from caffeine withdrawal, including fatigue, drowsiness, depression, discontentedness and anxiety. Decreased alertness, cognitive ability and coordination have also been reported. Severe symptoms causing "clinically significant distress or functional impairment" occur in roughly 13 percent of people experiencing caffeine withdrawal, the "Psychopharmacology" study reported.
Timing of Symptoms
The symptoms of caffeine withdrawal often begin between 12 and 24 hours after the last caffeine ingestion. The symptoms often reach the peak of intensity sometime between 20 and 51 hours, and usually last anywhere from two to nine days. The severity of the symptoms tends to correlate with the amount of caffeine usually consumed. In other words, people who regularly consume lots of caffeine are more likely to experience more severe symptoms.
References
- "Psychopharmacology"; A Critical Review of Caffeine Withdrawal: Empirical Validation of Symptoms and Signs, Incidence, Severity, and Associated Features; Laura M. Juliano and Roland R. Griffiths, October 2004
- Johns Hopkins Mediine: Caffine Withdrawal Recognized as a Disorder; Trent Stockton; September 2004
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center: Information About Caffeine Dependence
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