Are you wondering exactly much caffeine is in your cup of coffee. Trying to cut down a bit, or at least know how much caffeine you are ingesting each day with your morning cup of java or afternoon pick-me-up triple espresso Latte?
A typical cup of coffee contains approximately one hundred and twelve milligrams of caffeine. There is a bit less caffeine in a shot of espresso - a typical espresso shot includes about ninety milligrams of caffeine.
How much caffeine in coffee?This is important to keep in mind when making any espresso drinks.
While these numbers are typical, the amount of caffeine in coffee can vary considerably based upon multiple factors. The primary factors affecting caffeine content of coffee and espresso include the genetics of the coffee bean varietal, the particular roasting given to the coffee beans and how the coffee is brewed.
If the coffee beans being used are Arabica coffee beans then one cup of coffee that is approximately one hundred and twenty milliliters of coffee, if it is drip-brewed, will have about 112 milligrams of caffeine.
A 30 milliliter Espresso shot using Arabica coffee will have an estimated ninety milligrams of caffeine.
How Does Roasting Affect Coffee Caffeine Content?
When coffee is roasted it decreases the overall amount of caffeine in the coffee, but not significantly enough for it to be a serious way to reduce your caffeine intake.
Caffeine did not undergo significant degradation with only 5.4% being lost under severe roasting.
Source
Choose your roast based on your personal preferences, not based on caffeine content.
Roasting does have an effect on chlorogenic acid content - possibly what contributes to many of coffee's purported health effects, but another study also shows that caffeine is relatively unaffected by roast level.
On the other hand the Robusta coffee plant varietal has significantly more caffeine than the Arabica varietal. Robusta coffee beans are used primarily for espresso blends and to make instant coffee.
How Caffeine Metabolizes in the Human Body
Once a person consumes caffeine the body starts to metabolize it and this takes place in the person's liver. The result is three different metabolites. These three metabolites include paraxanthine (84%), theobromine (12%) and theophylline (4%).
In the first 45 minutes after consumption of the caffeine it is likely absorbed by the stomach and small intestine and begins to spread throughout the tissues of the human body.
Caffeine's Classification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Considered safe for human consumption by the FDA, caffeine is classified as a food substance with multiple uses.
All About Caffeine in Coffee - Investigating the Side Effects of Caffeine and the Symptoms of Withdrawal from Caffeine continued:
Caffeine is a stimulant and is known scientifically as a xanthine alkaloid. When it is isolated from its source it is a crystalline white substance and is very bitter.
How does caffeine affect the human body?
Caffeine affects the human body by creating chemical changes in the human brain with a whole variety of effects including an enhanced alertness and energy level.
The way this is enhanced energy and alertness is achieved by the chemical caffeine is that the caffeine pretends, or mimics, another compound which is called adenosine.
The caffeine then binds on to the adenosine receptors in the brain with the effect of halting the true adenosine from doing its job which normally would be to slow down the body's nerve impulses and bring a very sleepy feeling to the person, a natural drowsiness that is warded off by the effects of caffeine.
Yes, some drugs may have an enhanced effectiveness when affected by caffeine. For example, some headache drugs include caffeine in their contents in order to help the effectiveness. This may be related to the vasodilating effects of caffeine.
Caffeine may be used in combination with ergotamine to treat cluster headaches and migraines. Some people prefer to use caffeine to overcome the sleepy qualities they feel when taking antihistamines.
Caffeine doesn't specifically, but coffee does.
However, some people who have shown to be at high risk for liver disease have been shown to have less severe liver injury associated with increasing caffeine consumption. This may include people with obesity, hemochromatosis and alcoholisms. [source]
Because of this, people who drink coffee but want to quit caffeine may want to look into decaf coffee instead of cutting out coffee entirely, so that they can continue to benefit from its health protecting properties.
Yes, some studies completed on ex vivo hair follicles have shown that caffeine may decrease hair growth suppression in vitro due to testosterone. In this regard caffeine may be a potential therapeutic agent in Androgenic alopecia, and caffeine has been added by some companies to their soap and shampoos.
Caffeine is found in nature in a wide array of plants, and it is found in plant fruits as well as plant leaves. This includes: cocoa beans, tea leaves, coffee beans and kola nuts. Less common sources are yaupon holly, guaryusa, yerba mate and guarana berries.
Caffeine often serves to help the plant by working as a natural pesticide against harmful predators on the plant such as insects.
What Products Contain Caffeine, and How Much?
A tablet of Excedrin contains about sixty-five milligrams of caffeine while a regular strength caffeine tablet has about one hundred milligrams of caffeine. There are two hundred milligrams of caffeine in an extra-strength caffeine tablet.
Another example of a common product with plenty of caffeine in it is chocolate. There are about ten milligrams of caffeine in an average milk chocolate bar. Dark chocolate, by comparison, may have about 30 milligrams of caffeine.
There are some dark chocolate bars that have as much as 160 milligrams of caffeine so it can vary considerably by the type and the quality of the chocolate.
Six ounces of a typical green tea will contain about thirty milligrams of caffeine while the very same amount of black tea will have about fifty milligrams of caffeine.
Amount of Caffeine in Coffee continued: You will get about thirty-four milligrams of caffeine from 12 ounces of Coke while a Mountain Dew will give you a whopping 54 milligrams of caffeine. A Red Bull energy drink has about eighty milligrams of caffeine while a Monster energy drink has about 160 milligrams of caffeine.
Withdrawal from Caffeine and Human Tolerance To Caffeine
People who consistently consume caffeine will gradually adapt to the continuous presence of the chemical in their body by increasing their overall number of adenosine receptors in their central nervous system. This occurs since caffeine functions as an antagonist to the receptors in the central nervous system for the neurotransmitter adenosine.
Tolerance adaptation to caffeine has the effect over time of reducing the chemical's stimulatory effects. These adaptive responses to caffeine also have the effect of making the person more sensitive to adenosine, and thus when the intake of caffeine is reduced then the adenosine's natural physiological effects will create withdrawal symptoms.
Of 49 symptom categories identified, the following 10 fulfilled validity criteria: headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, drowsiness, decreased contentedness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and foggy/not clearheaded. In addition, flu-like symptoms, nausea/vomiting, and muscle pain/stiffness were judged likely to represent valid symptom categories.
In experimental studies, the incidence of headache was 50% and the incidence of clinically significant distress or functional impairment was 13%. Typically, onset of symptoms occurred 12-24 h after abstinence, with peak intensity at 20-51 h, and for a duration of 2-9 days. In general, the incidence or severity of symptoms increased with increases in daily dose; abstinence from doses as low as 100 mg/day produced symptoms.
Research is reviewed indicating that expectancies are not a prime determinant of caffeine withdrawal and that avoidance of withdrawal symptoms plays a central role in habitual caffeine consumption.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15448977
Debate Over Adenosine Receptors, Tolerance and Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
There is some debate in scientific circles about the increase in adenosine receptors being the main cause of building up tolerance to caffeine's stimulating effects, with some evidence pointing toward a conclusion that there are also other causes at work which help to explain people developing a tolerance to large doses of caffeine.
The Discoverer of Caffeine
The evidence is a bit fuzzy but some say that the stimulating effects of caffeine are mentioned in Chinese legends dating to about 3,000 years ago.
Firmer evidence comes from 600 BCE as a Mayan pot dating to this time contains the first clear evidence of a cocoa bean, so we know caffeine was around by this time for sure.
Who First Isolated Caffeine from Coffee?
In 1819 the German chemist Friedlieb Runge became the first scientist to successfully isolate the chemical caffeine from coffee beans. Less than one year later the French chemist Pelletier and another scientist named Caventou also isolated the chemical caffeine, and Pelletier was the one to coin the word "cafeine" which he derived from the word "cafe" meaning coffee.
Who Opened the First Coffee House?
As early as 1530 there were coffeehouses in Damascus, Syria and Istanbul.
What began the spread of coffee all around the world?
In the 1600s the Dutch became the first people to carry coffee from the ancient port of Mocha. This movement of coffee by the Dutch began the rapid spread of coffee beans around the globe and it is still spreading, most recently growing rapidly in consumption in China and other emerging markets.
The Dutch were also industrious in cultivating coffee in other locations, first in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1658.
Caffeine withdrawal
Regular caffeine consumption reduces sensitivity to caffeine. When caffeine intake is reduced, the body becomes oversensitive to adenosine. In response to this oversensitiveness, blood pressure drops dramatically, causing an excess of blood in the head (though not necessarily on the brain), leading to a caffeine withdrawal headache.
This headache, well known among coffee drinkers, usually lasts from one to five days, and can be alleviated with analgesics such as aspirin. It is also alleviated with caffeine intake (in fact several analgesics contain caffeine dosages).
Even small amounts of caffeine (such as a green tea, compared to a full coffee) can do wonders to alleviate a withdrawal-induced headache.
The source of caffeine is important to consider as well. Coffee is generally considered to be healthy, due in part to its anti-oxidant properties. However, energy drinks and unregulated supplements may contain any number of other compounds that can have a negative impact, often working synergistically with caffeine.
Caffeine on its own, particularly coffee, is associated with an overall decrease in all-cause-mortality [4]. Simply put, this means that people who drink coffee are less likely to die from all causes.
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms
Often, people who are reducing caffeine intake report being irritable, unable to work, nervous, restless, and feeling sleepy, as well as having a headache. Many of these symptoms mirror having the cold or flu.
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Constipation
- Depression
- Muscle stiffness, cramping
- Brain fog, Inability to focus
- Cold-like symptoms
- Anxiety
In extreme cases, nausea and vomiting has also been reported. These are very real experiences [1], and despite recurring jokes, can cause problems with normal functioning. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical advice.
Is Caffeine Withdrawal Real?
In short: Yes. Negative effects from quitting caffeine have been scientifically documented in clinical studies.
Of 49 symptom categories identified, the following 10 fulfilled validity criteria: headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, drowsiness, decreased contentedness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and foggy/not clearheaded. In addition, flu-like symptoms, nausea/vomiting, and muscle pain/stiffness were judged likely to represent valid symptom categories. [1]
Additionally, caffeine withdrawal is recognized by psychiatrists as a real disorder.
Caffeine withdrawal is a recognized disorder and is listed in the DSM-5. (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
How Long Does Caffeine Withdrawal Last?
The answer to this will depend on your level of consumption and the level you reduce your caffeine consumption to.
In experimental studies, the incidence of headache was 50% and the incidence of clinically significant distress or functional impairment was 13%. Typically, onset of symptoms occurred 12-24 h after abstinence, with peak intensity at 20-51 h, and for a duration of 2-9 days. [1]
That means you'll probably notice the start within 12-24 hours with the worst being the second day you after you quit. From there, it gradually gets better over the course of a week to a week and a half.
Your brain is miraculously resilient and adapts to life without caffeine in just 2 short weeks. The psychological habit of drinking caffeine can take 3 to 4 weeks to break, but can also be replaced with decaf coffee or another low-caffeine drink (eg. tea).
Reports of people having withdrawal symptoms months or years after quitting coffee or caffeine are more typically confused with general health maladies or other more drugs.
Unrelated Symptoms
Caffeine cessation is often associated with major lifestyle changes, and as such, it can be difficult to associated symptoms directly with caffeine withdrawal. As a best practice, you should isolate factors by making changes slowly, over time, unless under the advice and guidance of a medical professional.
Compounding factors such as other medications, and major health events that lead to discontinuing caffeine, can have a misleading association with caffeine withdrawals.
If symptoms such as kidney pain appears, seek immediate medical attention.
Tingling
There are no known mechanisms through which caffeine withdrawal may cause tingling. On the other hand, caffeine consumption can sometimes cause tingling due to restriction of blood flow to extremities.
Back pain
While back pain is not a symptom of caffeine withdrawal, symptoms may (re)appear when caffeine use is discontinued.
This may be due to caffeine's reported analgesic affect on pain [3] - in english, caffeine might help alleviate (back) pain by amplifying the effect of pain killers. The re-ocurring presence of back pain may be due to synergistic effect being lost, but is unrelated to the temporary effects of withdrawal itself.
Dealing with Caffeine Withdrawal
The severity of caffeine withdrawal symptoms vary with how extreme the restriction, and a gradual reduction can do wonders in avoiding symptoms. Simply starting by replacing one cup of coffee with a decaf coffee or tea will provide a much smaller dose of caffeine, allowing your receptors to re-acclimate to lower levels. Drinking coffee (decaf) or other warm beverage (tea) instead of regular coffee helps psychologically with the well established habit.
Timing large reductions in caffeine consumption is also a useful tool. Picking a time of rest and relaxation such as a weekend or vacation can lessen the burden of symptoms like brain fog and a lack of motivation.
Hydration is also key - while coffee is a diuretic it's also mostly water, and cutting back on coffee may also inadvertently cut back on your fluid intake. Many symptoms of dehydration overlap with caffeine withdrawal including headaches, muscle soreness and leg cramping, irritability and lethargy.
Without caffeine blocking your adenoseine receptors, your body's built up levels of adenosine will lead to a lot of sleepiness. Get lots of rest! Scientists are still puzzled by why humans need sleep, aside from getting tired. According to some research from the NIH (National Institutes of Health) has indicated that sleep enables your brain to drain built-up chemical by products of working so hard (you little genius), which is good for you!
Advil or Tylenol can be an effective method of dealing with the coffee withdrawal headache and muscle pain. Other natural pain relievers such as running / exercise and even an orgasm can provide temporary relief by dilating blood vessels in the brain.
The best solution may not be totally ceasing caffeine consumption though. Coffee does have health benefits, as it contains over 1000 known compounds, with many associated with lowering blood pressure and improving cardiac function, as well as liver protection [2]. Generally, the best coffees are grown at higher elevations will develop more healthy chlorogenic acids that are present in higher concentrations in light roasts than dark roasts. If you're a dark roast lover however, darker roasts cause less stomach acid production. A decaffeinated coffee with just 5-25 mg of caffeine will still retain a lot of its healthy chemicals and will provide health benefits in medium and dark roasts.
With these tips you can reduce the caffeine in your body and avoid the rebound of a caffeine withdrawal.
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15448977
[2] Coffee Consumption Decreases Risks for Hepatic Fibrosis and Cirrhosis: A Meta-Analysis
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0142457
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22419343
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28697850
Caffeine and Health. J. E. James, Academic Press, 1991. Progress in Clinical and Biological Research Volume 158. G. A. Spiller, Ed. Alan R. Liss Inc, 1984.
Xie et al "Sleep initiated fluid flux drives metabolite clearance from the adult brain." Science, October 18, 2013. DOI: 10.1126/science.1241224
tunafish says
re: Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
Yes, your symptoms are normal. As with any other drug, caffeine effects the brain and so you're brain needs to readjust itself while being deprived of the caffeine. If you're going to stay off caffeine/coffee completely, you'll be fine in another week or two is my guess. I stayed off coffee for one year and it did take some time for my body to adjust.
john says
re: Coffee withdrawal symptoms
Hi everyone, my name is John (or johnny). Ever since I was 17, I would drink at least 1 cup of coffee a day, I'm 21 years old now. Lately, I have been trying to quit (2 weeks ago), and I think I'm going through caffeine withdrawals. I have been experiencing these symptoms: nervousness, palpitations, racing heart(every now and then) and fatigue. Sometimes I get dizziness and feel weak over my whole body. My heart rate has been a little fast than normal lately too.
Because these symptoms are at times scary and alarming, I was wondering if these are normal coffee withdrawal symptoms. Should I go to the doctor? Thank you.
CaffineUser says
re: No it doesn't make sense
Gradually decreasing your caffine intake slowly will allow your body to adjust slowly. It will take longer, but there will be less shock on your body. It will also mean you can continue to function at work, better than when you had higher caffine intakesor than if you went cold turkey.
Ed says
re: Follow Up
Just felt like I ought to follow up on my post below "5 days in".
Pretty much by day 7 or 8 I was OK. The withdrawal was absolutely horrible though. I am now caffeine free and plan to stay that way.
If you are thinking about it, I would recommend a gradual approach rather than cold turkey like I did. I actually had to take half a day off from work.
Anyway, its hard to get off the stuff put you can do it. Now I cant believe they sell this crap on every street!
Chris G says
re: A Mental Disorder / Substance Dependence
Caffeine Withdrawl is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also known as the DSM-IV produced by the American Psychiatric Association. It is under Substance Related Disorders; Substance Dependence.
Caffeine Sucks! I am quitting. Was intaking about 500mg a day. Now down to about 70mg a day. You have to ween yourself off of it. You will experience withdrawl going cold turkey. Only take it when you are getting a headace, and just enough to subside the headace. So, go as long as you can until you get a headace. Then, have a glass of pop or coffee, within an hour your headace will go away. Then, go as long as you can again and have another glass. Then repeat as needed. Eventually you won't even want it anymore. Your mood will be elevated and you will feel back to normal again. (Whatever normal is!) If you are serious about doing it, it can be done. You have all the energy you need if you eat, sleep and drink right. Without that crap. I know!
that_fiend says
re: thank you
This was very informative. I've been a hardcore addict for 20 years and this gives me hope. I've gone for a month caffeine-free with little improvement but perhaps I didn't wait long enough.
User says
re: Advice:Caffeine addict for 25 years! Caffeine free for 14 months
I've been completely off caffeine for 14 months now. I can wake up easily in the morning for the first time in 25 years.
Caffeine is a serious drug and is extremely hard to quit. I drank lots of caffeine for 25 years, to get through college, to make it through long hours at work, to keep up with my children, and to keep achieving.
Eventually I started to show signs of needing to quit. I started to have heart palpitations, intestinal problems, so tired after work I had to go to sleep, then I would drink more caffeine and stay up late. I drank caffeine to play recreational sports better. This will take it's toll on your body eventually.
I stopped drinking caffeine cold-turkey. I had to take a week off work. I was sick. Headaches, muscle aches, muscle twitching, cold-sweats, shivering, stomach upset, diarrhea, panic-attacks, my muscles hurt, my legs ached. I was in bed for a solid week. On week two I began to become extremely frightened and experience panic-attacks for no reason. My whole body hurt and I thought I was going to die. I'd never had a panic attack before this time. I thought I was becoming metally ill. My heart would also race.
I had to go back to work and it was tough to act as though everything was normal, but I felt terrible.
To make it though this time period, I kept busy. Find a task to do and keep doing the task. Listen to a cd you enjoy in the car to keep your mind off the fear and nausea. You are not going crazy. It's the withdrawal. It helped if I ate oatmeal for breakfast and drank orange juice in the morning. That seemed to help. By lunch-time I was feeling pretty sick again. Drinking a glass of milk, or eating yogurt seemed to help when I couldn't eat. At work, I felt like I needed to run away and my legs wouldn't stay still. My body felt heavy when I walked, although I was in a state of panic. I also felt dizzy like I might pass out, but I never did. Taking a small walk around the block at lunch-time seemed to help. I also took a multi-vitamin with breakfast. I'm not sure if this helped, but since I had a hard time eating it seemed like a good idea. Since I got most of my liquids before from diet soda, and I wasn't drinking it, I would forget to drink anything, so make sure to drink something else regularly instead of the soda. I drank lemon water, or a mug of sobe, or diet 7-up if you need some carbonation.
Feeling sick went on for months, but became less severe every day. Each day I could start to feel less muscle pain, less diarrhea, and less upset stomach. I couldn't handle stress very well during this time so I avoided stressful news programs on tv and avoided stressful people. I didn't answer the phone after work sometimes as I couldn't handle any extra demands. When I felt horrible after work, I reminded myself that I'd been off caffeine for 3 months and next month would be even better. If I still felt bad, it often helped to rent a continuing tv series with characters that you get to know. (I liked Gilmore Girls, All the seasons. It doesn't matter if it's a dumb show, it just helps to keep your mind occupied with something not stressful.) It helped with the stress to keep my mind occupied on a funny show with lots of dialog.
At work, I noticed that I was able to concentrate on tasks longer and after about 5 months off caffeine I noticed that I was able to produce more at work. I still had a hard time with stressful situations, and my legs were still feeling like I should bolt out the door. It helped to eat smaller meals throughout the day. For lunch I ate half a sandwich. An hour later I drank a glass of milk. A couple hours later I ate some yogurt or half a bagel. I'm fortunate as I don't need to take other medications, so caffeine was the only problem I was facing. The headaches went away after a few days. The muscle aches and chills, went away after a few weeks. After a few months the nausea and diarrhea went away, but some of the other physical and mental side effects were slower to disappear.
For all of you striving to be free of caffeine, it's a tough road, but you can do it. You will feel better. I wake up easier now. I can concentrate longer. I'm a happier, and more peaceful person now. I don't NEED any substance. When I get tired now, it's because I am actually tired, so I take a rest. I don't get the 'flu' very often any more. Most of the minor illnesses I experienced for 25 years I think were related to caffeine or mini-caffeine withdrawals. Now I rest when my body needs rest, and I wake up refreshed. There's nothing artificial running my life.
Honestly, it took almost a year before I started feeling completely free of caffeine. Although I never ingested caffeine for the whole time, it took almost a year for my body to adjust to life without caffeine. I still miss it sometimes, but it is not worth the agony of withdrawal. After 25 years, it alters your body so much, it took mine about a year to be completely free of the effects.
It was worth it!!!! I am more pleasant to be around now, and I can think more clearly ALL OF THE TIME! When I drank caffeine I could only think more clearly about 10 minutes after drinking caffeine and it wouldn't last, then I would feel tired and depressed. I never get depressed any more. I don't have panic-attacks. I don't have mood-swings. I don't get angry like I used to. I still have an occasional bout of muscle twitching, but that's probably normal.
Yesterday, I was able to stand up in the front at a meeting at 9:00 am in the president's room of a large private University without caffeine. I couldn't have done that a year ago. I year ago I was living the UP-DOWN, FAST-CRASH, life of too much caffeine. In the morning I felt like death until caffeine. After the yesterday meeting, I went out and drank a cold bubbly beverage with ice, just like I used to, but WITHOUT the caffeine. Then I went back to my other work tasks and could concentrate. I talked to my kids on the phone and could listen with pride to their accomplishments of the day. I could talk to other co-workers and actually LISTEN to them without feeling over-burdened. I could go home and enjoy my life without falling over and needing an artificial pick-me-up.
You will get through the PAIN, and eventually enjoy a better and more healthy life. It will take time, and you are not crazy. Take care of yourselves and REMEMBER!!!! Once you have kicked the habit, NEVER RETURN!!!
I promise you a better personality, a better and calmer disposition, and a better life once you are free of the addiction, and believe me caffeine is a drug. After kicking caffeine, I can't imagine addition to harder drugs. I have an increased sympathy for all additions now. I've always been pretty healthy and have never taken any other drugs or addictive items, except caffeine. I never knew how bad caffeine was for me, until I quit. I loved caffeine. I had special refill mugs. I used to get mad when people told me I drank too much caffeine. They were right.
Here's to all of you trying to make a better life for yourselves! You can kick the habit!
A. Ellis says
re: That much needed coffee
Hey all, Went in search of the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal and found this page. My housemate recently purchased some good quality coffee which I have been starting my day with, nice and strong and has a great flavour. I had been having it a few times a day, a couple in the morning and a couple to keep me going at night so I can study. One day I didn't bother having any coffee cause we had no milk. BIG MISTAKE. The previous night I had a better sleep then I usually do (due to no study) and slept earlier and had no coffee. The next day at about midday my body felt like it was just shutting down. I had really bad pains all through it. I couldn't concentrate at all, I was moody, irritable, detached and drained. I had to go back to bed only a few hours into the day cause I couldn't stay awake. My housemate got home I explained my situation and he goes "coffee withdrawal" I'm like shit that probably it. So I had a couple of weaker coffees early that night. Within about an hour my brain seemed to switch on and I found myself being able to focus and concentrate (The pains still persisted). Today after waking up I brewed up some coffee and am buzzing and feel great. Can't believe it affects us this badly. Will have to start working my way down to less (after Uni is over). Cheers
ewile says
re: 5 Days in and...
My body is simply aching. I'm not sure how much coffee I was drinking per day, I ALWAYS had a large Dunkin Donuts Iced coffee with me.
I quit last Friday at the urging of a Dr. because I've been having urinary issues for about 10 months now.
Day one was fairly easy until night time and day two was really not so bad, I but day 3, I woke up feeling wracking pain all over my body. Deep, deep aching in my muscles and joints. Arms, back, and especially my legs. It's hard to sit, to find a comfortable position. (Though sitting in a hot bath is soothing) Today was day five and there's not a whole lot of improvement.
I truly hope this ends soon. I had no idea how horrible this would be.
coffee lover says
re: Caffeine as metabolic readjuster
I have often felt the way that many of you have described and have just as often believed my daily 2 cups of coffee to be the culprit. However, I have been without coffee for four significant lengths of time, and have failed to see an improvement of the "aches and pains", "restlessness", and "anxiety" symptoms. The durations of these periods were 40 days (for lent), 3 months, 5 months, and another time for about a month.
Focusing on the 5 month period (as it was the longest) let me just say that the physical withdrawal was no worse than suffering a bad cold. It lasted about 3 days (maybe longer but I didn't notice it). But after I was "baseline" for a while (even months) I felt the worst I had ever felt in my life! Do not misunderstand my condition, I consider myself an extremely healthy person. I exercise regularly; alternating between weight lifting and intensive cardiovascular activity (like sprints). I eat a superbly clean diet, have a resting heart rate of 58, and a body fat percentage of approximately 3 (I am 18, male, 5'10", 135 lbs) etcetera etcetera. My point being, my lack of energy is mild but seems inexplicable.
That is, until I discovered that I have hypothyroidism. Caffeine actually corrects the metabolic error caused by my lethargic thyroid gland. It is medically proven that caffeine stimulates the conversion of T4 to T3 (the more active form of thyroid hormone) and thusly helps to saturate various tissues with an increased amount of thyroid hormone. Some tissues are effected by changes in thyroid hormone only after weeks of altered levels. This would explain why I have gone from feeling bad to worse the longer I abstain from coffee.
In fact, a moderate morning dosage of caffeine (about 300mg for an adult male) promotes a substantive average increase in metabolic processes all throughout your body. As tolerance develops, these effects are diminished, but they never disappear completely (especially immediately after imbibing). And, of course, as you all have duly noted, chronic caffeine use has its caveats; however, people who are significantly metabolically impaired would stand to gain more then they would lose from responsible use. I am not saying that this substance is any where near ideal for the treatment of such disorders. Having said this, I really just want to make clear that you are all demonizing this substance (as in "evil drink" which i believe somebody commented) when in reality your maladies arise from improper self-care or pre-existing medical conditions. I have tons more to say but I appear to have rambled excessively already, so if anyone cares to rebut I will be happy to reply specifically to the point they bring to the table.
Ken says
re: Caffine
I forgot to add, I have had great success with Propel as a substitue. For some reason it quites the stomach and nerves.
Ken says
re: Caffine
This is my 3rd time quiting my Pepsi addiction. I am on day 4, after quiting cold turkey. The headaches have lasted up to 30 days in the past. I was clean for 2 years this last time, and started again about 7 months ago. Again found myself drinking up to 18 can a day with an ave of about 14 cans. I have had success with Advil and a little pepto bismal as needed. Good luck to all that quit successfully. This should be the last time I battle this. Bewary of the oh one can or cup wont hurt. It will lead to others.
gonnabhuge. says
re: update
Well, here's my update after some trial and error. Turns out that a single dose of caffeine after months of not using, was enough to give me an excruciating migraine of withdrawal less than 48 hours after my dose. I only took a 100mg caffeine pill and that's all it took. I learned my lesson and wont touch this eeeevil substance again~!
User says
re: diarrhea
I had diarrhea followed by vomiting on day 2 1/2 or so of my withdrawal. I thought it was food poisoning, and I still don't know, but websites have said that some people have those kinds of symptoms.
User says
re: Diarhea
Has anyone experienced the Big-D with caffeine withdrawal? I have all the other symptoms at 4 days off caffeine now, with the addition of the D. Anyone?
User says
re: EXCEDRIN!
I just quit coffee and coke this past week. Now, I wasn't extreme in my intake - one-two strong coffees each morning and a coke sometimes during the day. BUT! I couldn't get out of bed, I was sluggish. If I slept late on the weekends, I'd get a withdrawal headache. I was definitely addicted, and it was interfering with my mornings and afternoons especially. Anyway, I agree with the person that talked about tapering off, but I might suggest tapering off in a different way, and taking excedrin instead of the beverage. Excedrin has caffeine in it - they say a two tablet dose is equivalent to one cup of coffee... So I stopped the beverages cold turkey (though may not be smart for people used to a LOT), and took half a dose of excedrin the first day (maybe those with more of a caffeine intake would want the regular two tablet dose every X hours as indicated). It really helped alleviate the symptoms, and then I tapered off of the excedrin. What helped me, too, is to just know and accept that you are going to have a headache and you may even get flu-like symptoms... (I did, though it may have been food poisoning! hard to tell). Try to have day 2 or 3 of your detox be on light scheduled days. I'm no expert at all, but it's been 6 days since I've had a cup of coffee or a coke. And it's been 3 days since I had an excedrin (I took advil the past two days since there is no caffeine and I wanted to taper off that, while alleviating my headache). And today is the first day that I am headache free! I admire people that have even more of an addiction than mine and are committed to kicking it. Best of luck!!! You aren't alone.
webgrunt says
re: Oh, one more tip--when you
Oh, one more tip--when you wake up, drink a big glass of water. It wakes up your digestive system, which helps your body get going and makes you feel more alert. It's not as strong an effect as caffeine, but it definitely helps.
webgrunt says
re: The easiest way to quit is to
The easiest way to quit is to taper off, at least that was much easier for me than trying to go cold turkey. I also had a bad caffeine habit, and NEVER thought I'd be able to get started in the morning without it. I just decreased my intake of it a little each day, and eventually I wasn't taking it any more. I feel a LOT better--I was getting irritable and impatient before.
If you drink Mt. Dew from a 2-liter bottle, you could try this. The first day, open the bottle, pour 1/4 cup into a measuring cup, and pour that 1/4 cup down the drain, then drink the rest of the bottle that day. On the second day, pour out 1/2 cup, on the third day, 3/4 cup, etc. until you're not drinking any anymore. I doubt you'll experience any withdrawal symptoms. You could even reduce the reduction to 1/8 cup per day if you like, though that would mean it would take over 30 days to get free of the caffeine.
Make sure you get plenty of good sleep during this time, try to eat healthy and get some exercise if you don't already do those things. These things will help your body to become better able to wake up in the morning.
One other thing, if you get a good night's sleep and still wake up feeling tired and exhausted, maybe you should ask your doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a treatable disorder which makes your sleep much less restful and can lead to a heart attack.
Bruno says
re: Caffeine headaches
I have only stopped coffee for less than one day and headaches already...is it coincidence or to early to know?
jules says
re: caffiene headaches
hi i quit coffee about 5 days ago too. I went onto decaf- which is fine but i started with headaches about 3 days ago, they are not too big a deal but my muscles ache so much, just as yours do, i do yoga every day and am trying to work through it, Paramol takes the aches away in about 10 mins! not sure if it will touch a migraine, but its a pretty strong over the counter painkiller. i cant seem to find caffiene in its ingredients. 🙂
Jake says
re: Hey buddy, I know exactly how
Hey buddy, I know exactly how you feel. Yes, it is normal. No, it isn't fair. I wish I could scream out how utterlly evil these drinks are. Our society is being poisoned by drug after drug, and it really makes me mad when I hear a 15 year old having these problems. A teenager's life is going to be hectic enough, it would be nice to at least be healthy (if possible).
Jake says
re: It's been my experience with
It's been my experience with addictions that anytime you tell yourself you will limit your intake, it will only be temorary. It's only a matter of time before your usage goes up. Obviously some people have more control then others, but here's the thing. We would like to think we are in control, but the only thing we control is what goes in. You have no control of it once it is in your body.
I know that what your saying is possible, but I really believe it will only be temporary. If you're free. Stay free!
Jake says
re: MT DEW
About 4 years ago, I started drinking about 2 liters of dew a day. People were constantly commenting on how bad it was, but nobody had any real substantial facts to back up their claim. I was working 3 jobs, all very physical. I've always been a real physical person. I played basketball, soccer, and everything else for years.
After I started working for Frito-Lay delivering chips 10-14 hours a day, I continued my habit. 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with mono. It was so hard for me to work, I was afraid to drive. The symptoms however were more consistant with caffeine withdrawls. Serious withdrawls. I have been unable to work even close to what I did before. I don't mean to scare you, but I am very interested in your situation. Would you mind talking more?
User says
re: I've wanted to know this for
I've wanted to know this for a long time, but I can never get an answer!
Crystal says
re: Caffine Addict
I have been addicted to caffine (Coke) for about 10 years now and have just given it up. Cold Turkey. I've read the symptoms can cause headaches, these i have suffered for as long as i can remember and the quickest relief is a can of coke. But now i am getting the nervous butterfly feeling costantly in my tummy and it's driving me mad. Nothing can seem to stop it. Has anyone else had this symptom and how long does it last.
Kat says
re: Mountain Dew
Hello, I am 35 yers old and have a very bad caffeine addiction. I drink approx. a 2 liter or better of Mountain Dew Per Day. I was reading all the comments and, in all honestly. I'm scared to death!! I passed a kidney stone this morning and I think, or so I've been reading that Caffeine can cause this. I am a singer/guitar player, I work alot of nights, and I drink Mountain Dew because it keeps me from feeling tired. I need help!! I don't know how to start getting off caffeine. If I don't drink it in the morning I can't wake up. I feel soooo tired and irritable. I think you all know what I mean. Any suggestions???
Traci says
re: It's freakin hard!
Hi there.
I loooooove coffee! I never drank it for the caffeine buzz, I just really liked the taste. Recently I have found out that I have an allergy to it and must stop immediately... so I did, one week ago today. I never considered myself addicted to caffeine, but now I can honestly say that I definitely am addicted to coffee, even decaf (which has just enough caffeine to aggravate my sypmtoms). When I decided to stop I was devastated because there is NOTHING in this world that can replace that fresh, hot, dark cup of brew. I decided to treat this like I would any other addiction and do some research. In a one hour session on the internet I was able to find out all sorts of information about caffeine/coffee addiction and about all of the negative things it can do to your system. In the past week I have learned that coffee is poison, and the more I learn about how bad it is, the less I want to drink it. I don't know if this would be at all helpful for you or not, but it has taken me 7 years to get to the point where I said Alright, I'm DONE! If you change your perspective and tell yourself that no addiction is stronger than your ability to be in control of your mind and body, you may find it helpful to get mad and lash out at the substance. Google "caffeine addiction" and you will run in to horrifying stories about how caffeine addiction promotes schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, etc... it's really interesting to see how bad this is for some people. I tell myself every day that life before coffee was just dandy... and life after caffeine can be dandy too. Most of the addictions I have supported friends/family/clients through have included alcohol, narcotics and methamphetamine which are serious life-destroying substances when put in the wrong hands... for me, the life-destroying substance is coffee and if my friends can go 5 to 15 years without alcohol/meth/vicodin/ then I can skip that cup of coffee! Be strong, you can do it.
gonnabhuge says
re: Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor
Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor which means it contricts the blood vessels in your brain. When caffeine is stopped, your circulation is returned to normal and is why it gives you migraines. Gradually tapering off of caffeine will reduce this withdrawal symptom. oh yea, drink TONs of water. GL
gonnabhuge says
re: Those symptoms are normal
Those symptoms are normal when in caffeine withdrawal and usually last 5-7 days. For me, I had fatigue and lethargy for the whole first month after quitting. I'm going on over 2 months now. Drink alot of water, make sure you take a multivitamin, exercise will help also.
If you like you can wean yourself off of caffeine which makes the symptoms much less severe. Say you were at 400mg caffeine daily. I would reduce my intake by 50 mg each day till I was down to nothing. Caffeine pills are an easy way to control your dosage and cut down.
Hope this helps
Good luck.
gonnabhuge says
re: c'mon where are all the
c'mon where are all the caffeine experts? Someone? Anyone?
gonnabhuge says
re: infrequent use?
I've been totally caffeine free for over 2 months and I'm considering using again but only infrequently. I'd like to maximize the benefits of caffeine and pop a 100mg or 200mg caffeine pill ONCE a week and feel awesome for that day only. Is addiction preventable this way or would I still have withdrawal symptoms after a single weekly dose? Any comments would be appreciated. Cheers
Andrea says
re: Caffiene Headaches
I quit drinking coffee about 5-6 days ago, and I've been having excrutiating migranes and my whole body is sore. My neck, my shoulders, my back, my legs, everything. My migranes are so bad that I can't even sleep at night, and when I'm at work, I can't even focus. I'm wondering if the migranes are so bad because I used to drink so much coffee daily, or if it's because my body is really going through a temporary hardcore withdrawal phase?
User says
re: I have been taking caffeine
I have been taking caffeine pills for many years now.I 've had unexplained body pain for the last 10 years,Early menopause and too much bone loss.I am in to my third day of quitting caffeine and feel really down.My neck and shoulders are killing me.I've had an on and off again headache for 3 days.I have had panic attacks in the last 5 years which are very scary.I know this is all from caffeine.Hopefully tomorrow will be better.Good luck to all
User says
re: Hi
I have had ongoing
Hi
I have had ongoing neck,shoulder and leg pain for the last 10 years
that I believe to be from caffeine addiction.I am 46 and have been over using caffeine for at least 20 years.I have just stopped cold turkey 3 days ago.I resently had a bone density test and have 19% loss.I also went through menopause at 38 years old.My body is in constant pain more so my neck.Caffeine is a bad thing,I hope to get my body back to being some what pain free.I hope it isnt to late.Good luck
jc says
re: Reply please
hi
i am 15 years old and recently had a caffeine overdose, this was due to drinking way to much coffee because i was tired, so instead of rest i was drinking aloto coffee.
i started to drink it about 6 weeks ago also added to the mix was 1-2 cans of engrey drink every thursday, when i went shopping
Its been about 6 days since i took the overdose and now i am withdrwaing from caffeine.
i have mild headaches, find it hard to conceerntate, i am very tired, and i cant be bothered to do much, i fell diffrent, find it hard to get to sleep.
this is really scaring me and i now fell depressed.
Is this normal, after a caffeine overdose then withdrwal ?
Are the fellings tempoary or permant ?
another thing during the withdrwal can you eat food with caffeine or just beverages ?
i appreciate you reading this and please can you reply
many thanks
jc
bodrum property says
re: thanks for information
thanks for information
CoffeeDrinker says
re: Coffee is very bad
I have been drinking coffee for 10 years, normally one cup a day after
lunch. I am having body aching, almost the entire body. At night, my
legs (culf) and arms will have a numbing and aching feeling.
I stopped drinking coffee before but
continue back due to drowsiness after lunch.
I remember it takes me about 10 months to get rid of thise horrible
body aching feeling. The first 9 months after quitting coffee still
have those body aches. Only after
10 months, you can see the difference. So, sometimes it is really
elusive for coffee drinker. They might
think it is other sickness which causes the body aching.
Coffe is a very bad drink, and for those unable to persist 10 months of
quitting, they might think that coffee
is not the culprit of thier body aches.
Tell me, who can persist of 9 months of coffee withdrawal yet still feel the
body aching without thinking the body aching might be caused by some other sickness???
Quit Coffee ! Before it destroy the
quality of my life !
User says
re: caffine w/d
maybe HIBLOOD PRESSURE ? THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT GOOD LUCK
Alicorn says
re: Withdrawal Symptoms
Hi all:
Congratulations to all of you who are trying to get out from under the caffeine monkey! I stopped drinking Diet Pepsi to eliminate the aspartame. Didn't even think about the caffeine at first. I quit as of last Tuesday, July 15, around 10pm, and haven't had either a Diet Pepsi or regular soda since then. My main withdrawal symptom has been the headaches. At first I was taking Excedrin, and then I realized it has caffeine in it, too, so for the last two days, I've been trying to muscle through the headaches on my own. I've also noticed the increased sense of thirst, a small bit of GI upset, and increased trips to the bathroom. My Diet Pepsi intake was about 40-60 ounces per day, along with the equivalent of a chocolate bar. At least after reading this forum, I realize that all my symptoms are tied together and are directly related to the caffeine withdrawal. I can say I have not experienced brain fog, leg pains, or other symptoms, and within the first 3-4 days I was noticeably calmer and less tense, without feeling like I'd lost energy. I didn't seem to experience much fatigue either, but the headaches keep recurring. That's been the hardest part.
I've made it nearly two weeks and I'm determined to go the distance. My best to you all and good luck. 🙂
User says
re: My Question to you is why
My Question to you is why would you take so many tablets without reading the directions. The next Question is did your friend warn you? taking 8 tablets is extreme the reason for your dizzyness is maybe they are dietry supplements have you eaten anything at all? The anxiety will pass but in future please read the label b4 taking anything and if unsure then ask an expert
george38 says
re: Well congrats for that, I am
Well congrats for that, I am seriously considering it too. I recent study showed that women who regularly drink coffee can have reproductive problems, I can't afford not having the right female reproductive formula ...
User says
re: caffeine withdrawal
I gave up a Diet Coke habit of 20 years-- lately only 20 oz per day-- cold turkey, but the withdrawal was unbelievable! I thought it would just be headaches, but the 3rd morning I woke up with cramps down my back and both legs, and could barely walk. I had chills and sweats, a terrible headache, nausea and severe GI distress. The next day was better but still had cramps. I thought I was reacting to the wrong dosage of a new prescription. How could that little Diet Coke make me feel so bad? I know people who drink much more soda than that. I would certainly not recommend cold turkey, and if I'd known I was going to be so sick, I might have thought twice about giving up Diet Coke at all.
User says
re: Caffeine Withdrawal
I only have a couple of neuroscience classes under my belt, but my medical advice is as such:
It's not possible to be experienceing caffeine withdrawals after four years. When you're addicted to caffeine, your body increases response to the adenosine receptor sites in the brain and thus has a increased response to adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of calm and tired. Caffeine is an adenosine aganonist, meaning it blocks up the receptor sites in the brain recepetive to adenosine. When your not on caffeine, those receptor sites fill up with adenosine, and due to their increased sensitivity, you experience withdrawal. Over time, clinacally claimed as 5-7 days, the adenosine sites return to normal. The cease to be hypersensitive and your withdrawal symptoms will subside.
Nat says
re: After all this time...
I'm 18 and had stopped drinking soda when I was 14. I had never been a huge soda drinker, but my intake was faily moderate. Anyway, it's been four years and I'm still getting headaches and feeling irritable. I can't think of anything else that could be the cause of these horrible reoccuring headaches. It was suggested to me that they could be from caffeine withdrawals. But after four years? Is it possible?
Daniel says
re: re: help
Your doctor would be the one to ask that question of. Any other response you get will just be a guess.
felicia says
re: help
i just have a question. why would a doctor tell a teenager that is underweight to not drink soda anymore? ive been eating and everything and she said i cant drink it anymore. could it have something to do with diabetes? it runs in my family but i dont have it. im getting my blood sugar tested today.
User says
re: Quit 2 says ago.
And my life is hell. I feel horrible, have no energy and barely want to eat. But this is what I get for being a soda drinker for 16 years.
I drank about 200oz a day. I work in field that gave me the luxury of all the free diet coke I could drink. So needless to say my 44oz cup was always full. I would also always have a 12 pack in the fridge for when I was at home.
I'm hoping to get through this and see the many benefits that everyone talks about from quitting caffeine.
Wish me luck!
User says
re: caffeine
I'm glad I found this page. I gave up coffee 4 days ago. Yesterday I had the worst pain in back of my legs and buttock muscles. We are doing remodeling work at our home so I thought it was from that - but my husband didn't have any pain so I thought I'd search to see what symptom besides bad bad headache I could find. I am just smirking as I read what others have gone through as that is my pain. Thanks for everyones input.
Everyone who is using artifical sweetner - get off it. My friend thought she had MS and the doctors had her stop using all artifical sweetner and after 2 wks she started to feel better - now months later she is back to normal. She was using sugarfree jello to beat the band and diet soda. God Bless
User says
re: Help getting through the headaches...
I spoke with my doctor before trying to quit cold turkey, and she put me onto a solution for the headaches: Migraine medicine. Migraines apparently work very much like caffeine rebound headaches, in that you're getting waaaay too much blood flow to your head. The medicines work like caffeine, as they are also vasoconstrictiors, but they're more gentle, and don't tend to have the bungee-like rebound that caffeine has. My doctor gave me a week's supply of migraine medicine, and wanted to see me after I finished my detox. Well, when the headache came, I gave the migraine medicine a try, and sure enough: no more headache. And I don't mean it just went to the background, and still hurt. No, it was stopped cold. Now, I still drug my tail and snarled at the world, but my head did not feel like it would explode. The story ends with me quitting cold turkey, and no more headaches after about 6 days.
This is just my experience, and think of it what you will, but I hope it can help somebody out there...
Christen says
re: Feeling better after kicking the caffeine
I feel so great after kicking the caffeine. I drank at least 6 cans of diet dr. pepper a day for the past 13 years and other soda's before that. The other great thing is that I'm no longer putting the Aspartame (poision) in my body. Aspartame is what is in the diet drinks and food. It turns into Formaldehyde. So all your doing is preserving your fat cells. (Explaining all the lumps you are trying to work off). I now feel that I have control over my own body and I don't need artificial things to give me a boost. There are books out there that can help you understand the chemicals you are putting in your body and the rewards you get when you don't.