Caffeine is a chemical that occurs naturally in coffee, tea and cocoa and stimulates the central nervous system. KidsHealth.org defines caffeine as a drug because it causes increased alertness and can elevate mood. In high doses, the drug can cause anxiety and headaches. In 1998, researchers from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Maryland stated that caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world.
Caffeine Dependence
Dependence on caffeine is not very similar to dependence on illegal drugs like cocaine. While it does affect the same area of the brain, it does so in completely different ways, according to the journal "Lakartidningen." However, prolonged, consistent use of caffeine can result in dependence. Research published in 1995 in the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine" indicates that cessation of caffeine produces withdrawal syndrome, decreases reaction time and changes sleep patterns. Onset of withdrawal can occur within the first 24 hours after cessation. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression and irritability.
Headache
The Cleveland Clinic reports that caffeine withdrawal is rare. When it does occur, it's typically associated with those who consume about 500 mg daily, which is equivalent to five cups of coffee. Headaches caused by caffeine withdrawal may not respond to acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol, according to Navid Farahmand, M.D., a member of the American Pain Foundation. These types of headaches often respond better after ingesting some caffeine or painkillers that contain caffeine. Analgesics work 40 percent more effectively when combined with caffeine, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While Tylenol made in Canada does contain some caffeine, the medication available to Americans does not.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Rather than quit caffeine suddenly and abruptly, experts suggest weaning yourself off gradually in order to avoid symptoms of withdrawal. For about one week, cut your caffeine intake in half by substituting 50 percent of your caffeinated beverages with decaf alternatives. You can repeat this until you're down to 100 mg a day. The Mayo Clinic suggests cutting back if you're drinking more than 300 mg a day and you feel anxious, jittery and experience some insomnia.
Risks
Caffeine was once a common ingredient in Tylenol, which is a brand name for acetaminophen. In recent years, experts have discovered that this combination may have serious health risks. In 2007, researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle found that combining acetaminophen and caffeine could cause liver damage, especially in people who consume large amounts of the drug.
References
- KidsHealth; Caffeine; May 2008
- "Lakartidningen"; Is Caffeine Addictive?; J.W. Daly, et al.; December 1998
- "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine"; Caffeine Dependence: Fact or Fiction?; Eric C. Strain, et al.; August 1995
- Cleveland Clinic; Caffeine and Headache; April 2011
- American Pain Foundation; Headaches and Caffeine: The Cause and Effect Relationship; Navid Farahmand, et al.; February 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine; March 2011
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