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
j b says
re: success stories
has anybody been off caffeine for a significant amount of time and can attest to their life truly being better? i'm here on the seventh day with no caffeine after about a year of being on it. i'm completely apathetic, no job, failing school.... i really wonder what the benefits are. if i can concentrate with coffee, i'd rather sacrifice something than being a lazy idiot. i've quit in the past, but don't remember if it was beneficial. so yeah.... looking for success stories 🙂
User says
re: I know how you feel!
I got used to drinking caffeine so regularly that when I didn't have it for a day, I vomited from such a terrible headache all over my dorm bathroom and finally made it to the toilet. It was so gross and painful. I had to take loads of advil. I've only drank a cup a day since, and I still feel like shit. UGH!
Bridget says
re: coffee addiction
I have also become addictted to coffee but I do know you can overcome it, They say it takes two weeks to break a habit but if all you have is a week its a good time to start it has caused me many problems and many relationship problems its a bad habit and has become very acceptiable in our society. Starbucks has gotten the world addicted and everyone has turned a blind eye to the addiction it is now the drug of choice in our world. You are so young please dont get caught up in all this. When you want a cup of coffee try having a small snack instead your body has become used to starving itself, thats what coffee does you are feeding the addict in you instead of the healthy you try your best to switch things up. Try eating your headaches away your probably starving.
Denise says
re: Five days is a good start.
Five days is a good start. It seems like the second and third days of going cold turkey are the absolute worst, but everyone is different. You and the poster below (Kelly) are so young - it's great that you are realizing at an early age that caffeine is addictive and terrible for your health. It might help a little to really focus on the withdrawal effects that you experience (headaches, body aches and other goofy pains). It will make you realize just how strong this drug is and how much it harms your body. The pains and cravings WILL pass. Good luck to you both.
User says
re: 16 years old and already addicted
I have always enjoyed the taste of coffee and enjoyed the feeling even more. But recently during my Junior year in high school, I have started drinking every day and sometimes having up to 8 cups a day. Recently though, I have been waking up with headaches and tightness in my neck and lower back. It is starting to get bad because I now get headaches in the evening, and the only way I have found to get rid of them is to drink more coffee. I have a 5 day break now for thanksgiving and I was wondering if it is possible to get the need out of my system in five days? I have not been drinking it heavily for more than a month now but I would just like to feel "normal" again before Exams.
Darryl says
re: thank you so much for the
thank you so much for the info what a relief...Its good to go this rout and know that others r going through this and I'm not alone in this, again thanks.
kelly says
re: Im an 28 year old female with
Im an 28 year old female with a caffeine addiction,im addicted to energy drinks and coke.
I noticed there was something wrong a few weeks ago when i was waking up in the morning and needing to go to the shop for an energy drink!!!!!!!! Im talking half 6 in the morning and by 11 am i had had about 3 cans!!!!!!
Then i decided sat was going to be my last day!!!!no more thinking i could go cold turkey! how wrong was i yesterday i was so ill headache being sick tired and no energy!!!!!!
Today i gave in my head was banging and feeling so ill i brought an energy drink and took pain killers with caffeine in them after taking them and drinking the energy drink im feeling so much better!!!!!!!!!!!
now im feeling rather confused in to what to do now? do i see my gp or do i go about it alone?
having 3 children to look after i aint got time to be ill!!!!!
Please can someone advise me what to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul says
re: Caffeine Withdrawal & Memory Loss
I would like to respond to your post by saying that I am experiencing all of the symptoms to which you are referring. I too forget things and am unable to remember passages from books as I read them, names of people I meet, etc.
My doctor indicated that withdrawal can take several months. I was drinking at least 2 pots per day--more than 12 cups. I take medication that makes me feel tired, so the coffee was my source of energy. Instead of slowly decreasing the number of cups per day, I decreased my intake to 3 – 4 cups. I am having an awful time with short-term memory and cognition issues.
orlandin says
re: I really thank to one who
I really thank to one who wrote this article. I have always been reading and writing texts like this in blogs. Also, I, as a daily writer, present my respects to everyone. I just watched videos like this in youtube. I research in all areas...
I think people must first research before writing...
doug says
re: Brain fog
luke,
The brain fog will gradually get better but it doesn't happen overnight. I'm in day 50 give or take a little, and it finally feels like most of the time, my mind is clear. However, there are still significant periods of fog or hazyness, when I know my thought process is not 100%. Also, I'm still tired especially during those parts of the day when I would have, in the past, reached for a 'boost' from a soda pop, or chocolate, or tea. I've taken naps on some days, and found last week I slept for about 3 hours starting about 4PM in the afternoon. I figure this is part of the process, and there is nothing woring with a little nap time, compared the the caffeine buzz and the problems it brings.
Be strong and persistent, and know that you're going in the right direction.
Elizabeth83 says
re: Five Days with no caffeine
Okay, so that title is a little bit of a lie.
I decided to quit the addiction I had to caffeine last week because I'm basically just sick of "needing" it. I don't need it, and yet I was clearly addicted. I say the tittle was a lie because I didn't quit cold turkey, and instead weaned myself off of it by having one cup a day for the first two days.
I am not, nor have I ever been, a "coffee drinker". Two small cups of coffee, or less, is normal for me. I enjoy coffee, but it's just not my thing. I'm a soda addict. Specifically Diet Coke (not for any dietary reason, I just like the taste more than regular), but during the peak of my addiction (a few years ago as a sophomore in college), I would polish off a four pack of energy drinks per day. I've since eliminated the energy drinks, but I would still average about one 2 liter of Diet Coke per day, plus the cup of coffee or two.
So, like I said, last week I decided I had enough. I don't like that caffeine controlled me. I had to have it, even if I knew I didn't want it. Seriously. Like meth, heroine, or any other drug, I would sit there drinking a glass of soda thinking about how I didn't really even want it that much. Something that controls you so strongly cannot possibly be good. I worried about future stomach problems and kidney problems. My mother has digestive problems that I'm sure that, while maybe not entirely caused by regular caffeine (coffee & soda) abuse, would at least be helped if she stopped. I don't want to end up, like her, taking several pills a day when I'm in my 50's to help alleviate digestive problems (acid reflux specifically).
I have nothing against caffeine generally. I still fully intend to enjoy the occasional glass of soda, coffee, or piece of dark chocolate. It's the "need it everyday" part that I'm trying to get past. I'm a little shocked at reading some of the other posts. Maybe I wasn't consuming as much as some of the other posters, or maybe it's because I didn't try to go cold turkey, but really after the first two days I didn't find it hard at all. Today, and the past two days, I haven't had any caffeine at all, and I feel a little fatigued (not even really that much) but that's about all. No mysterious pains, no stomach problems, and what's really surprising to me, no cravings.
I am cheating a little. I knew that I would never be able to get off it if I just up and quit soda and coffee for a while, so I bought caffeine free soda and decaffeinated coffee. But what is still surprising to me, is that even though I haven't restricted how much caffeine soda or coffee I've been drinking, I still don't want it as much as before. Don't get me wrong. The first two days SUCKED! The second day was the worst. I think I drank more soda than normal, subconsciously trying to get rid of the withdraw symptoms. I was dizzy, nauseous, my head hurt so bad I felt like I wanted to drill a hole in it to let out whatever pressure was trapped inside, and it felt like my heart was racing, but I could have been imagining that. By the third day it was almost all gone, so I cut out caffeine completely after that. That brings me to today. I drank one glass of soda today (caffeine free), and honestly didn't feel like I wanted any more. I actually crave water more, which is good because before, in between my many many glasses of soda per day, I had no room left for plain old water. I am a little tired, but not too bad, however the past few nights I've slept like a baby (normally I wake up several times a night).
Like I said, I'm a little surprised how relatively easy it has been so far. After the first two days, it was all down hill. So, it was kind of shocking to read that some people are still having cravings months after giving it up. I'm wondering if these cravings might be psychosomatic since it seems like those who are not allowing themselves any caffeine at all, ever, seem to be having the worst time. Maybe it's kind of like dieting advice? If you eliminate a food group entirely, it makes you want it so much more, and it's best to take everything in moderation. Whatever. I do wish more research would be done to study the long term affects of caffeine on humans, because I do think that it's a much more potent drug than most people might think it is. I love ice cream too, but I don't get a migraine when I don't have it for a while, you know.
Dave MM says
re: Thanks for the encouragement
Thanks for the encouragement and enthusiasm, Denise. I understand that the process will take time, but I honestly feel like I'm getting better every day. Stay strong,
Dave
Dave MM says
re: Your post sure hits close to
Your post sure hits close to home with me, Luke. I went through an MBA program, while working as a CPA and studying for the CPA exam. And how did I get the energy to do all of this? Easy, I abused caffeine to give me the "energy" to make it all work. Trust me when I say this, you do not need the caffeine to get through your life. It will help you at first, and then it will turn on you, and you will need to drink copious amounts of it to feel normal. But by that time, you won't even know what the hell normal is.
And no, I don't believe you need to see a doctor. I know you probably feel like a moron with your horrible short-term memory, but it is definitely a part of caffeine withdrawal and not a medical problem. From day one of quitting caffeine, I saw a huge drop off in short-term memory. However, it is now day 23 and I'm getting sharper again, getting better each day. I feel better all the time and am satisfied know that I made the right choice.
Keep it up, Luke! I and the rest of the people on this site are pulling for you to kick your caffeine habit. If you have any questions, feel free to keep asking them. Its better to kick this nasty drug while we are still young.
Dave
Janet says
re: Day 50
Kicking caffiene has been quite a journey!! This is day 50 for me. I still have some withdrawal symptoms(lightheadedness, some digestive problems, some fatigue, etc.) but overall I feel great. This site has been such a great help for me. The first month was horrible!! There were points in this process where I thought I was going crazy and at one point I thought I was dying. But reading everyone elses experiences made me feel like I wasn't alone. Patience is defintely needed to get through. Hang in there guys it gets better.
Luke says
re: Headaches, brain fog and short term memory loss
Hi,
I am posting this because I am hoping I will find other caffine abusers have suffered the same withdrawal symptoms when trying to give it up.
I am a 24yr oldI just finished a year of studying an extremely stressful masters course and drinking 2/3 large, strong, americanos a day. I fell into the habit of having them inbetween lectures and after lunch.
10 days ago I decided to quit because I have developed an "extremely tense back" and neck problems.
Since stopping I feel tired all the time, from the moment I wake up all day long. I have trouble focusing both visually and mentally.
I forget things and feel stupid and am unable to remember passages from books as I read them, names of people I meet, plans I have made.
I am hoping that these problems are encountered by others? if not I should probably see a doctor as it may be something more serious and the coffee withdrawal has just illuminated the issue?
Caffine is clearly a much stronger and influential drug than the food standards and safety authority announce. It definately does not recieve adequate health warnings for its long term use.
Please advise
User says
re: 6 month mark
Ok, an update on my comment above...I've been off coffee for 6 months straight now, haven't touched a drop of it, but I still am tempted the odd time. I haven't even had decaf because apparently it is not entirely caffeine free. I feel way better than I did at the 4 month mark, I don't feel tired all the time, I feel like I'm finally back to normal. My aim is to go a full year with absolutely no coffee, and maybe by then I won't even want to drink it again. But I'm feeling really good now - it's worth it.
Denise says
re: Go, Dave!
Congratulations ... today is Day 20 for you! You mentioned having stomach pains for no apparent reason, but it might be a normal side effect of withdrawing from the caffeine (what a nasty drug!). Even though it seems that it should be completely out of your system within five to seven days, the truth is that it can, and most likely will, take your body months to recover. Good for you - you're a very young man and you've realized early in life how bad this junk is.
Denise says
re: You're Not a Sicko!
LOL - your last sentence made me smile. I think the posters on this board are awesome - witty, intelligent and let's face it, BRAVE! Kicking the caffeine drug for good is SO hard. I come here every day for moral support. It's interesting to see the ages of the posters, too - very young people like Dave, below, (25) all the way up to people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and maybe beyond.
I wish you luck on your journey - we're all suffering through the same damn experience. I've been holding strong since 11/5, but it's tough going.
Sending cyber hugs to everyone here!
🙂
Denise
User says
re: What Condition is My Condition In
For thirty years I drank one pot of black coffee every morning. I am now fifty-five years old. I have known for the past several years that missing my morning coffee was followed seven hours later with a migrain headache and being in bed in a fetile position. Last Sunday I decided to go Cold Turkey because for the last three years I could only sleep five restless hours a night. I felt I would rather get up and start the coffee than lay there feeling groggy and dizzy. It has now been eight days. Each of the first four days at some point during the day I considered going to the hospital. I thought the way I felt could NOT be the norm. I had lower back pain, very tight sore leg muscles, a stiff neck that actually creaked when I turned my dizzy pounding confused head. Fortunately I work from my house and didn't have to go anywhere because I didn't have the coordination of mind and muscle to even operate an ink pen much less a car. I did google caffine withdrawl and found this site four days ago which has really given me peace of mind. I have found that many others have my same symptoms and with time things will get better. On day eight which is today I woke up after seven hours of sleep feeling pretty good and am thinking there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I felt good enough to go out and eat, however after eating lunch I am now dizzy and soreness is returning. I have decided I will never return to caffine and with time I will enjoy eight restfull hours of sleep each and every night. I have enjoyed reading all of your the comments. I must be a sicko because I found many of the comments really funny. Thanks to all and good luck on kicking your addiction.
Dave MM says
re: Congratulations on making
Congratulations on making this far, Vic! As I posted before, keep it up... we are all pulling for you.
Currently, I find myself on day 19 of my personal journey through caffeine withdrawal. The physical symptoms seem to have pretty well subsided, aside from two nights of agonizing stomach pain at the beginning of last week that I can't seem to attribute to anything in particular. I really think I'm turning the corner on caffeine withdrawal. The cravings are few and far between.
The greatest complaint is that I seem to require quite a bit of rest, at least more than I did when I was on caffeine. But this is reasonable because my body is probably recovering and learning how to run on its natural processes again instead of having an artificial stimulant/poison pulsing through the bloodstream all day every day. I seem to need to sleep around 9 hours to feel good for most of the next day. If I don't, I have a dull headache most of the day and don't feel quite as sharp mentally. Hopefully, this soon will pass. I'm 25 and have been drinking caffeine every day back as far as I can remember, and drinking it heavily (500-1,500 mg a day) on and off for seven years. So I don't expect a quick and miraculous recovery... it might take months, or even longer.
But I'm prepared. I know that I don't need caffeine to live my life anymore. I'm living a happier, more peaceful, and well-adjusted life. And to think, the withdrawal probably isn't close to over yet! Oh, and I had a friend who slept 12+ hours a day for several months during alcohol recovery.. so I'm not too bothered about the sleep thing. I've actually read that most people require less sleep once they are fully withdrawn from caffeine.
Good luck to everyone out there. Stay strong! Now I have to get my post through the captcha, which is a challenge all on its own.
Dave
Vic says
re: day 19
the number of cravings seem to be subsiding...but the intensity of the few cravings seems to have increased exponentially. 2:00 in the afternoon was my coffee drinking time...so of course, this is the hardest time. today I actually found myself in tears over the thought of never drinking coffee again...I guess that is why the ODAAT stuff is so important. If you think about the big picture it is too overwhelming...
plus I quickly developed stomach problems from the iced tea so it is now out the door. I'm still doing a little chocolate, but only homemade Black Bean Brownies with Stevia, so no flour, no sugar but a little indulgence.
The only way I'm getting through this is like a true addict. When I hear myself thinking "f&*k it, what will one small drink hurt?" I call my sweetheart. He talks me down from the coffee jones.
So 19 days and counting...
but each day I fantasize about a day when I will allow myself coffee, even while I'm thinking I shall never drink coffee again...
crazy shit.
Thanks for all your support. I am thrilled to know that there are others out there doing this...who have done it and are happy about it. Kudos to all of you.
ida_h says
re: why do I abuse caffeine?
I too suffer symtoms such as those mentioned here: confusion, a feeling like my brain is swelling(terrifying)--also heart palpitations, sweating, dull brain/overactive brain, bad sleep, and of late, terrible, terrible exhaustion--it interferes with everything, so consequently I pound more caffeine. I picture my adrenal glands as on the verge of disintengration. So why, why, why do I keep hammering this stuff? I can't even remember when I started, must have been when I was a kid. Honestly, how do I quit once and for all? I was able to quit smoking, abusing alcohol, pot---but caffeine is the one thing I have never been able to quit, which makes me think I transferred all of my abusive behavior to this 'accepted' addiction. I don't eat a lot of sugar, but am intrigued by the idea someone posted that stopping sugar helps when you want to stop caffeine.
Any advice on how to stay awake while withdrawing?? I teach high school full time, am a single mom and a farmer/gardner. How do I keep my life going while I give up coffee and sugar? HELP! I found this site while looking around for ideas, have never done anything like this before, thank you all for listening.
Helen says
re: i find myself with the same
i find myself with the same sort of symtoms as you. i was thinkin about asking my doc for a ct scan whichs sounds silly but i know its the caffine, i was just wondering how long does it take for the symtms to clear up, am in week 5 now and theres still no sign of the headaches goin away
Dave MM says
re: Reading 'lack of appetite'
Reading 'lack of appetite' gave me a little chuckle. I'm on day 12 of my personal journey through caffeine withdrawal. And for the past 5-6 days, I have to remind myself to eat because I am never hungry! I only know that I might be hungry if I start to feel a little weak. But yeah, definitely have the lack of appetite. Good luck to us both, lets hope it goes away soon 🙂
Dave MM says
re: Hi Vic. It's good to read
Hi Vic. It's good to read that you avoid processed sugars. My latest attempt to quit caffeine was spurred when I found out that I'm hypoglycemic. With that, caffeine and sugar are bad ideas. So I quit sugar about a month ago and have been off caffeine for caffeine for 12 days now. Quitting sugar and getting that withdrawal out of the way first really helped. Without the up and downs in blood sugar, I've found that I don't need and crave the caffeine as much anymore. So continue to avoid sugar, that would be one suggestion.
Another suggestion would be to just stay strong, keep your eyes on your goal. Do not keep tea or chocolate in your home or anywhere else that you could conveniently grab them. You're going to have craving and you're going to feel lousy for awhile. If you've abused caffeine for many years, you just can't expect to get over it in a few weeks. But you feel much better in the end.
Good luck, I'm pulling for you.
Dave
doug_e1000 says
re: Caffeine withdrawl
Vic,
Stick with it and be strong. My experience is that the additictive magnet can last well over a month. Drinking lots of water helps but the most important thing is to recognize that the grass really is greener without this artifical stimulant in your system. I posted a long list of symptoms about a week ago, and since then my headaches have subsided, and each day I feel a bit more clear headed. I'm not out of the woods, and I'm not yet declaring victory, but after about a month and a half, I feel I'm on the mend.
One problem is, it takes a while to figure out where all the caffeine is coming from. For me it was diet coke/pepsi, ice cream, and tea. There is some misleading information about some specific drinks like Diet Barq's Rootbeer depending on where you look. Barqs was one of my refuges from Diet Coke until I found a US Department of Health website that showed 40-50mg of caffeine in it. Be persistent in identifying ALL the sources of caffeine and work them out of your diet. I suggest finding substitutes rather than just eliminating these things. For example, green tea has alot of caffeine but a decaf version is commonly available.
For all the coffee addicts out there, of course decaf is available, but coffee is more than an physical addiction, it is also a social event. The morning cup 'wakes everyone up' or allows for that casual freindly hallway conversation in the morning at work. Find something else to satisfy those needs, like a small snack, and glass of water. You can still chat with friends and co-workers then get down to work and be productive without the artificial stimulation of caffeine.
Finally, be strong - we all are, but just need to find that inner thread that keeps things moving in the right direction.
Denise says
re: Hi Vic
You are very brave, quitting coffee and sweets at the same time! Just remember ... you are stronger than your addictions and if you can tough it out, you'll feel younger, healthier and most importantly, very proud of yourself! Best of luck to you.
Vic says
re: coffee withdrawal
Hi folks...I just discovered this list because this time I am really trying to do it! I have often joked that I'm quitting coffee...over and over again for the last ten years! But this time I'm trying to make it for real...my stomach just can't take it, and as I get older I am concerned about such things more.
This is my eleventh day without coffee...I'm giving up baked goods at the same time (for a similar reason, gut stuff.)
I've never been a morning coffee drinker and I've never been a heavy drinker...one cup a day about 2 in the afternoon was really my limit...but now, almost every day I find that when 2 p.m. rolls around I almost want to weep I want it so bad.
I've broken down today...I'm having alittle very watered down iced tea with a small square of 88% dark chocolate (although for the most part I try, also, to avoid processed sugars). Not necessarily the best options, but what I've come up with. I'm also drinking tons of water.
So, suggestions?
And how fricking long do these cravings last?
Thanks for being here, folks.
Vic
Denise says
re: Thank You!
Dave, thank you for your well wishes. It IS amazing (and kind of scary) how addictive caffeine is. And how easy it is to tell yourself that it's harmless/safe/OK because everyone does it ... UNTIL you try to go without it for a few weeks and you find out that you're a physical and mental wreck.
Best wishes to you,
Denise
Dave MM says
re: Good luck tomorrow, Denise.
Good luck tomorrow, Denise. It's awesome that you are giving it another try. Amazing how it only takes one slip up to fall back in...
Denise says
re: Hi Everyone,
I don't know
Hi Everyone,
I don't know why, but my last two entries didn't make it on this board; I think it might have been the Captchas. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who posts here and thank you to the folks who run this board - it has been a Godsend.
I first posted on August 1st, and I must confess that I have been drinking coffee again. After the withdrawals that I suffered through, I once again succumbed.
But I'm vowing to once again quit cold-turkey. I'm starting this Thursday, November 5th. I know the hell that I'm in for, but I'm sick of my addiction and needing a substance to get me through the day.
Denise says
re: Starting Over Again
LOL, I composed a whole long post, but it was poofed (I think the Captchas got me)!
The first time I posted here was on August 1st. Sadly, I started drinking coffee again and I'm ashamed of myself, not to mention that my sleep is crappy again.
So I am going to start AGAIN, quitting caffeine cold-turkey. My half-birthday is this Thursday, November 5. I figure that if I can make it to my birthday in May, I will have successfully been caffeine-free for the longest stretch in the past thirty years.
I can't believe that I succumbed again, but there you have it! Wish me luck! 🙂
Denise says
re: 3-Month Update
Hi Everyone,
I posted on this board for the first time on August 1st ("Withdrawal Warning"). At that time I had succumbed to a cup of steaming black coffee after 3 MONTHS of being caffeine-free, which set me right back on the old caffeine roller-coaster. The second withdrawal was much, much worse and I vowed that I would never let myself fall again.
Wrong! I am here to sadly confess that I once again started drinking a cup of plain black coffee every morning. I'm utterly disgusted with myself. My sleep is once again disturbed (I fall asleep quickly and then wake up around 2 or 3 wide awake). I am in the grips of caffeine once again.
This Thursday (November 5) is my half-birthday. And once again I am going to go cold-turkey. If I can make it to my birthday (May 5, 2010), I will have been caffeine-free for the longest stretch I've ever managed. And this time I am going to do it! I can't believe I've set myself up for another nasty withdrawal, but there you have it.
Thank you to everyone on this board (and the folks who run it and let us vent here!) - you are a Godsend. I'm going to drink some coffee today and tomorrow and then I'm going to try again. I have to remember how wonderful I was feeling after a few months without this drug in my system AND how wonderful my skin looked, how well I was sleeping and how proud I was to not need a substance to get and keep me going.
Back to the drawing board! Thanks for letting me post here. God bless us all. 🙂
doug_e1000 says
re: Withdrawl
Hi all,
Thanks for sharing your withdrawl experience on this site. It really helps especially in those low moments, the depth of which I hadn't anticipated. I went cold turkey about 3 weeks ago, and have been struggling ever since. My doc said it might take a while, but stick with it. I'm 55 and have been drinking tea and 3-4 Cokes and/or Pepsis a day for decades. After developing persistent headaches and an uncomfortable feeling that my brain was swelling up uncontrollably, I decided I had to do something. I even convinced myself that I had a brain tumor or something like that, and asked my doc to do a CT scan. Of course it was negative, because caffeine is the culprit.
At present the headaches have subsided, but other undesireable symptoms such as diziness, confusion, intrusive thoughts, ringing in my ears, chills, sweats, and anxiety remain. I just started drinking lots of water, at the suggestion of some on this site. I figure I did this to myself over about 4 decades, so I've got to tough it out, perhaps for a couple of months or even longer. I thought I was strong, but this is a powerful drug. Perhaps it should be regulated, although that goes against my better judgement. My part will be, once on the other side of this ugly addiction, to tell those I love, of its perils.
I would like to hear more from those who emerged from this experience, clean and clear minded, so as to have some semblance of hope that we're all going in the right direction.
Liz says
re: Re: I never realized HOW addicted i was...
Hey Highschool student, well I'm a college student and I was much like you in highschool. 4 years of college later, my caffeine intake was 1500 mg daily, give or take. Can of energy drink has about 80-100 mg, you do the math. Ouch.
I've found flu drinks (you know the lemon ones with lots of vitamins, minerals and some paracetamol) to be very helpful. Probably helps that I'm doing this withdrawal on my time off, too. Can't imagine studying right now... First day of withdrawal, before I decided to cut back gradually instead of doing it cold turkey, I couldn't even concentrate to play tetris or watch my favourite shows and almost every word I typed had spelling mistakes in it.
Liz says
re: Pure hell... Yep. Try
Pure hell... Yep. Try quitting from a 1500 mg/day caffeine addiction (energy drink, took me 2 cans just to get out of bed). I didn't feel this bad when I was quitting opiate painkillers or cigarettes. It's the first time in my life cold turkey's not worked for me. I'm just cutting it down gradually now, dragging my misery out over weeks instead of days but from what my body was telling me I was seriously worried it couldn't take the sudden complete absence of caffeine. This drug's evil!
User says
re: Ever research sodium
Ever research sodium benzoate?
User says
re: yes all of the above
I have been detoxing for 5 days now, and its pure hell. I have it all, nausea, diarrhea, acid reflux, headahces, etc. I feel like I have the flu. I took 2 days off of work because I coudl not function and did not feel fit to drive.
Sounds crazy for just quitting coffee :/ but that what its like for me.
User says
re: Day 10
Has anyone else had headburn, acid reflux, loss of appetite, diarrhea during your withdrawals? If so how long did it last?
Denise says
re: Water
When cutting back on or eliminating caffeine, it is helpful to drink an adequate amount of water to keep your body hydrated and lessen the withdrawal symptoms. There is a wonderful website about water and dehydration (and the diseases caused by dehydration) at http://www.watercure2.org.
I also love the Teeccino website (www.teeccino.com), where you can learn a lot about the effects of caffeine on health.
It is SO hard to quit any drug, but caffeine is a sneaky, nasty one. It seems harmless until you try to get by without it. Good luck to everyone on this board!
Michael says
re: Suggestion.
This has nothing to do with caffeine withdrawal but McDonald's salads are not as healthy as one might think. They're loaded with preservatives/color enhancers and the dressings add major calories. You could always stay with Starbucks and limit yourself to drinking only naturally caffeine free teas. Decaf coffee still has some caffeine in it, don't forget, it's just not enough for you to feel its effects.
User says
re: pepsi
Hi I recentley cut pepsi cold turkey I normally had two cans a day, I dont driink coffee so that is my energy. Because I am a vegetarian I am a high risk of stomach cancer if I drink pop. Right now I feel nauseated, headaches, dizzy, tired. Did you go back to the pop or are you standing strong. If your diabetic you should not be drinking it but remember aspartaine is very bad for you and can cause nerological problems, so just be careful with that. I drink green tea which has caffene in it much less then pop but at least the withdrawls have a small portion of the drug.
Jerry says
re: Caffeine withdrawal
It has been relieving, for only me to see, how similar the withdrawal symptoms. I am always one who seems to think is an excecption and "different" from everyone else. I have been taking the ECA stack, which is 25 mg of ephedrine and 200 mg of caffeine up to three times daily for a while now. The idea is to cycle off every 4 weeks, but myselfisheness wouldn't allow me to for the performance enhancing effect and the thermogenic effect I was getting. Some I"m popping this stack up to 3 times a day but going against the rule and also drinking sweet teas and my morning coke. So my caffeine intake was getting fairly high each day. Last week I felt a bit too hyperactive after taking a stack before lunch and drinking two sweet teas. I tried to slow it down the next day and only took a half dose on the satck, but continued my teas. I flipped out and hear was a racing. Went into a bit of a panic attack and was ready for a heart attack. I calmed down several hours later, but haven't "felt right" ever since. Feels kinda weird because I am in there with those who have very heavy "strained" eyes, a foggy mind/mental clarity, and a little bit of a headache and a little bit of lightheadedness/dizziness. Light has really made me want to squint and not see real well. I of course am in the same boat, since this happened, which was Friday three days ago, that I will never regain my normalcy and will I have to get used to this? It sounds like it does take some time to wear off. I cut down caffeine pills/drinks cold turkey along with the ephedrine. Unfortunately, I am one who carries an all day profession where I am on the ball from 7-6 each day, so I have no napo opportunitys. I love hearing the recovery stories and would like to hear more from you all and the time it took to get through this mess.
trevor15 says
re: this is exactly what i have
this is exactly what i have been going through. easily the worst days of my life. hopefully it ends soon.
trevor15 says
re: Anyone else had these experiences?
Hello all. Im 18 years old and have been drinking coke/dr pepper since i was a little boy and about 5-7 days ago i started only drinking water and sprite beacuse we ran out of everything else. I have been experiencing horrible withdrawl symptoms. Mainly anxiety, depression and the worst symptom of all is the thought that im going crazy and that i will never go back to how i use to be. Has anyone else had these symptoms? I just have not felt like myself since i stopped drinking it. One question i have is that say i started to drink soda again today and everyday like i use to would these symptoms go away and would i return to my normal self? And if i were to go back to normal how long would it take for the caffeine to make me feel normal again?
Vineyard Dog says
re: Going to try quiting again.
I'm going to try quiting again, but I like the free Wi-Fi at Starbucks and retiree friends meet here too for coffee. The longest I've gone was 2 months, but a 48 hr work shift broke me back down. I'm retired now though. I usually end up failing around the 7 day mark. That's due to extreme fatigue. During the 2 month withdrawal I didn't get any headaches till about the 10th day. So gameplan is this, start doing the Starbucks Decaf (30% of regular)tomorrow for about a week & start looking for another business for the free Wi-Fi. Mc Donald's does have free Wi-Fi & healthy salads.
Kimberley says
re: Yeah! Go me!
Over the last 20 or so years I drank coffee and tea as my main source of liquids. 1 week ago I stopped drinking regular coffee.
I felt really good the first couple of days.. forgot what it was like to let my body awaken without a jolt and was pleasantly surprised how refreshing it was.. but then the last 4 days, a dull headache. Actually Friday turned into a huge sinus migrane.. eyes watering, light sensitivity, dizzy. I took half of an excedrine and rested about an hour and then it was gone.. still have a dull headache. I supplemented with decaf some but it makes me nauseaous and I seem to be more thirsty.
I have not had any anxiety or panic feelings since I stopped. Still drinking my sweet tea.. but that, I will cut back on next.
User says
re: feeling awful
I was advised by my Dr to stop caffeine just over 48hrs ago. I feel absolutely terrible, and have woken up with huge anxiety and the feeling of when you've been extremely drunk and have the spins. But I'm not drunk and its a scarey feeling. Looked up withdrawal and found this site. Its like a feeling of dread or impending doom........I feel silly to express it that way but thats really how it is. I will never drink tea again, I used to have 8-10 cups a day in all honesty, I never realised the effects and I will carry on and not let it beat me. I will check labels on everything in the future, never want to feel this way again.
User says
re: Unbelievable
I knew caffeine was a drug, but had no idea how strong of a drug.
I have been drinking at least one Dr. Pepper a day since high school (I'm now 45). I have a high stress job and that one Dr. Pepper has multiplied into two, three as well as the addition of a couple of Mt. Dews a day and I am talking the 20oz bottles. Pretty much that is all I drink. I noticed my blood pressure getting high so Monday I decided to drop down to one 12oz can of Dr Pepper a day. Last evening, just day two of one can a day, I had chills, was so dizzy could hardly walk, sick to my stomach and a pounding migraine. I first thought I had swine flu, but didn't have a fever. I started searching and found this and other sites describing caffeine withdrawal….wow, I had no idea how powerful a drug this was and what it has been doing to my body.
I am still sick to my stomach, and the headache, after taking some migraine medication is bearable, but I have no energy, and feel like I am in a fog.
I admit, I have had my one 12oz DP today and two sips of a MTD just to take the edge off so I can keep working. I am determined to wean myself off this nasty drug once and for all.
Like others here, I had stopped in the past as well, and remember a slight headache, but never had withdraw symptoms like this, so I guess it does get worse each time to try to stop (or it could be I was just in-taking that much more caffeine .
Anything with caffeine should carry some sort of warning label, if it has this type of effect on the body when stopping it, what does it do to the body with regular use?
Thanks for the site!
User says
re: I never realized HOW addicted i was...
I am a high school student and, because I get up early in the morning, I have a cup of coffee that I take to school with me. I also have 2 or three after school to help me stay up to do homework. Today, unfortunately, I was running late and I didn't have a chance to drink any. Around nine in the morning I began to feel as though my brain was actually swelling and it was a very strange sensation. I put two and two together and realized I was having a caffeine withdrawal. Within an hour I became very sensitive to noise and the "swelling" sensation continued to worsen. I honestly thought my head was going to explode. Then, after I forced myself to eat something for lunch I stood up to go to my next class and had terrible nausea, so I went to the restroom to alleviate my upset stomach. I expected to feel better, but my headache turned into a stabbing sensation instead. After school I drank a pot of coffee and took an hour nap. I feel totally fine now, but I never realized how dependent I had become on caffeine. I feel like I should cut back, especially going into college next fall, but I don't know how to do that if I feel this way after skipping one cup.