There Are Other Signs of Caffeine Withdrawal Besides Headaches
In the methylxanthine class of stimulants, caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can cause dependence in some very rapidly.
This is a result of the mental chemical alterations continuous intake causes. Similar to how someone who regularly consumes alcohol or other substances builds up a tolerance, so does someone who regularly consumes caffeine.
According to research, higher daily caffeine intakes are considerably more likely to result in caffeine withdrawal symptoms, and those symptoms are far more likely to be severe.
The Caffeine Addictiveness
Because caffeine is an addictive substance, it can cause dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal when used frequently. If you develop a tolerance to caffeine, you require progressively more of it to experience its energising effects, and if you stop taking it, your body enters a withdrawal state.
A typical withdrawal syndrome appears when you abruptly quit your normal daily caffeine intake. The DSM-5, the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, recognises this disease, correctly known as “caffeine withdrawal syndrome,” as a substance-related and addicted disorder.
Typical Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
The classic symptoms listed below, three or more of which are present, indicate caffeine withdrawal syndrome:
1. Migraines
A strong headache from caffeine withdrawal may be present. They don’t always happen, despite the fact that they are the “hallmark” sign of caffeine withdrawal. About 50% of those who abruptly stop using coffee suffer headaches from withdrawal.
2. Severe Exhaustion or Sleepiness
Frequent caffeine users who abstain report feeling more tired and drowsy overall, less attentive and motivated to work.
3. A Dysphoric, Downcast, or Agitated Mood
Medical professionals point out that caffeine withdrawal can resemble a minor depressive episode.
4. Concentration Issues
According to studies, those who regularly consume caffeine perform worse on behavioural and cognitive tasks when they abstain.
5. Flu-like Symptoms, Such as Nausea, Vomiting, or Stiff/Painful Muscles
Although they may be less noticeable and less frequently reported, other common caffeine withdrawal symptoms include feeling achy and flu-like with muscle ache or back discomfort, as well as having an unsettled stomach.
Signs of Caffeine Withdrawal Over Time
Although caffeine withdrawal headaches can last up to 21 days, they typically endure for two to nine days. People may have symptoms of caffeine withdrawal that prevent them from working, studying, exercising, or taking care of children. They might nod off at work, cut short a trip, skip a religious service, or postpone a social event. When caffeine users stop, between 10 and 55 percent will experience this kind of severe functional impairment.
For the majority of healthy adults, 400 mg of caffeine per day seems to be safe. That is approximately equal to the amount of caffeine in two “energy shot” beverages, 10 cans of cola, or four cups of brewed coffee.