Do I Have Caffeine Withdrawal?

Do you experience a prolonged daily use of caffeine?

Did you abruptly cease or reduce caffeine use, followed within 24 hours by headache?

Did you abruptly cease or reduce caffeine use, followed within 24 hours by fatigue or drowsiness?

Did you abruptly cease or reduce caffeine use, followed within 24 hours by dysphoric mood, depressed mood or irritability?

Did you abruptly cease or reduce caffeine use, followed within 24 hours by difficulty concentrating?

Did you abruptly cease or reduce caffeine use, followed within 24 hours by flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting or muscle pain/stiffness)?

Do the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning?

Can you confirm that the symptoms are not associated with the effects of another medical condition (e.g., migraine, viral illness) and are not better explained by another mental disorder, including intoxication or withdrawal from another substance?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have caffeine withdrawal.

While it is unlikely that you have caffeine withdrawal, you are displaying some signs related to it. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal usually occur within 12 to 24 hours after the last dose. The complete withdrawal process usually lasts between two and 10 days. If you suspect you are consuming too much caffeine, you should consider reducing your intake every one or two weeks. It may take some time, but If you consistently and gradually decrease your consumption, you will eventually be caffeine-free and the symptoms of withdrawal will be almost unnoticeable.

While it is unlikely that you have caffeine withdrawal, you are displaying some signs related to it. Caffeine is a widely used substance but reducing your intake or completely eliminating it from your diet can have several health benefits, especially if you are experiencing negative side effects. Luckily, caffeine withdrawal is a condition that you can safely cope with a step-by-step strategy. If you experience negative mood once you are through with caffeine, it may be useful to discuss this with your doctor. The doctor is the best person to give you the right advises, don’t be scared to talk about your problem.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have caffeine withdrawal. The symptoms of caffeine withdrawal are usually manageable with self-care. Make sure to carefully monitor your caffeine intake in the long-term, so that eventually your body does not ‘need’ the caffeine anymore. If you find it hard to deal with the symptoms, you may need to talk with your doctor for additional help. In case your doctor suspects you are addicted to caffeine, he may provide you appropriate treatment.