Why Do I Experience Unpleasant Symptoms After Ceasing Caffeine Use?

Is there 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 marked 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?

Experiencing unpleasant symptoms after stopping prolonged caffeine use can be a sign of caffeine withdrawal. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness and reduces fatigue. If your body is dependent on caffeine and you stop taking it, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. It can happen to anyone who regularly consumes caffeine. 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. You may not receive meet the diagnostic criteria for a caffeine withdrawal, but if you suspect you are consuming too much caffeine, you should consider reducing your intake.

While you may not meet the diagnostic criteria for caffeine withdrawal, you may be displaying some symptoms related to it. Genes have a big influence on your tolerance to caffeine, some can consume much more than others without experiencing negative symptoms.

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. Light-to-moderate caffeine intake seems to cause several health benefits in most people, but very high doses may lead to uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with daily activities. 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.