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Caffeine Withdrawal Relief

Caffeine is a colorless, organic substance that stimulates the central nervous system. It causes the heart to beat faster, a quicker pulse, blood vessels expand and the brain receives more oxygen. Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee and tea and copious amounts are added to sodas and energy drinks. In a 2005 National Geographic Magazine article, T.R. Reid writes, "researchers agree that regular caffeine use triggers a physical dependence, a mild form of addiction." Common caffeine withdraw symptoms include headaches, difficulty concentrating, sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety and more.

  1. Don't Go Cold Turkey

    • You're not likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms from caffeine if you drink about two to four cups of coffee a day. That translates to an estimated 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine. For those who drink upwards of five cups of coffee, or several energy drinks, daily, they could actually be consuming over 500 milligrams of caffeine. You know you're getting too much caffeine if after going a few hours without a coffee or tea refill, you start getting headaches or feeling jittery. Many experts suggest that instead of quitting caffeine cold turkey, minimize your intake gradually. Begin cutting back on drinks containing caffeine, and replacing them with decaffeinated substitutes.

    Headache Relief

    • Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. Hair of the dog treatment is one way of relieving the pain. One characteristic of caffeine is that it expands blood vessels and allows more oxygen to get to the brain. If you suddenly stop drinking beverages with caffeine, you'll feel it. Excedrin, a painkiller with acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine, will treat the pain while also giving you a tiny dose of caffeine and help improve blood flow. Also, drinking decaf coffee or green tea will provide you with small amounts of the substance and help improve blood flow.

    Exercise

    • Researchers unanimously agree that exercise helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety---also symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. Just 30 minutes of light aerobic exercise three to five days a week, such as walking or biking, could significantly reduce stress and depression. It is believed that exercise can increase feel-good endorphins and neurotransmitters in the brain. It also relieves tension in the muscles, reduces the stress hormone cortisol and will use up energy, helping you to feel sleepier. Other benefits of exercise is that it will provide a distraction from your feelings---which could very well be intolerable for 12 to 48 hours following your last dose of caffeine.

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