Caffeinewithdrawalcan happen to people who habitually drink caffeinated beverages.
While coffee is the most popular form of caffeine, tea and caffeinated sodas are also quite common.
It also addresses how to quit caffeine and deal with caffeine withdrawal.
Verywell / Getty Images
Verywell / Getty Images
Is Caffeine Addictive?
Even though it is popularly known as anaddiction, caffeine is not necessarily addictive.
Caffeine causes a small increase in dopamine, which isnt enough to cause an addiction.
Verywell / Joules Garcia
Because coffee makes people more alert than normal, caffeine is more of a stimulant.
After you stop consuming caffeine, you may experience what’s known as caffeine withdrawal syndrome.
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms vary from very mild to extreme levels.
The consequences of caffeine consumption increase with each daily dose.
Even the sudden end to caffeine intake in small amounts causes withdrawal symptoms.
During caffeine withdrawal, your body becomes more sensitive toadenosine.
Adenosine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain that relaxes you and makes you feel sleepy.
Caffeine competes with adenosine, occupying the adenosine receptors.
Over time, your body produces more adenosine receptors in response to caffeine.
Once you take caffeine out of the equation, adenosine can fully utilize all the receptorsold and new.
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors.
This prevents adenosine from binding.When you don’t have caffeine in your system, adenosine can take over.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this symptom.
Drowsiness
Caffeine is a stimulant.
It helps you feel more alert and energized.
When you stop using it, you’re not getting the stimulus your body is used to.
This can cause you to feel drowsy.
Poor Concentration
Caffeine can boost concentration.
It can make you feel sharp and more focused.
When your brain isn’t getting that perk from caffeine, you may find it difficult to concentrate.
You may also have a hard time concentrating when you’re experiencing other withdrawal symptoms.
It’s not the same as depression, however.
In clinical depression, the symptoms last nearly every day for at least two weeks.
Not having this boost can make you feel down.
People who do have depression may want to avoid heavy caffeine use on a long-term basis.
Like the other withdrawal symptoms, irritability, too, will pass after your body readjusts.
Nausea and Vomiting
Gastrointestinal symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include nausea and vomiting.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s especially important to stay well hydrated.
Try Going Caffeine-Free
Looking to cut back on your caffeine intake?
You’ll get more energy in the long run by sticking to an active lifestyle.
The goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week.
Adopt Healthy Eating Habits
What you eat determines, to some extent, how you feel.
However, it’s not just about what you eat, but also how you eat.
Everyone’s sleep needs are different, but most adults need about seven hours a night.
Sleep conditions likesleep apneacan cause disrupted sleep and may wake you up multiple times during the night.
Heavy snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea and warrants a visit with a healthcare provider or sleep specialist.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying extra weight around means your body is working harder.
Your energy levels go down when extra weight causes your heart to work harder and increases blood pressure.
Develop healthy lifestyle habits by being smart about what you eat and getting adequate exercise.
You’ll feel more energetic when you do these things.
Reduce Stress
Unfortunately, stress is an unavoidable part of life.
Stress can cause your energy levels to plummet and can lead to depression.
How to Manage Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can be managed rapidly with caffeine.
Quitting abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Caffeine withdrawal happens because your body has become dependent on a substance.
Caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors that relax the brain.
This prevents the brain from knowing when it is tired, thereby keeping you alert.
A sudden cessation of caffeine consumption can lead to withdrawal.
Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include headaches, drowsiness, depression, and anxiety.
It’s best to cut back consumption slowly to avoid caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
Manage caffeine withdrawal symptoms by consuming a small amount of caffeine, if you’re not strictly avoiding it.
Prevent withdrawal symptoms by gradually cutting back on caffeine, staying hydrated, and switching to decaf.
Swap out caffeinated beverages for caffeine-free alternatives such as chicory root and maca root.
Young children and pregnant people should avoid caffeine.
People who have anxiety should avoid caffeine as it can make anxiety symptoms worse.
Also, people with diarrhea should avoid consuming caffeine, especially if the drink is sweetened with certain sugars.
Caffeine can have alaxativeeffect and lead to diarrhea, as canartificial sweeteners, like sorbitol.
The more caffeine you consume, the longer it will take for it to get out of your system.
After another five hours, you would have about 25 mg remaining, and so on.
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