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
Kobe says
re: Hey Aldo
Do you smoke? If not then you might just be getting the flu or getting sick. Never take hydroxycut, I took that once and I felt like crap, I thought I was gonna die literally. That stuff is so unhealthy. If you wanna lose weight the healthy way get out and run and exercise and eat rite. The best way to clear your throat out is to run and always spit that stuff out when you cough or whatever, try not to swallow it. If you feel lightheaded its probably because you dont have the rite amount of oxygen pumping through your brain and your dehydrated. To prevent these things are simple. If you want to be back to normal or in fact better then do these things. Drink plenty of water because your brain needs to be hydrated at all times. Try to run or exercise to get oxygen pumping through that brain. Try and eat healthy foods and cut out junk food and as much unhealthy foods and drinks as possible to lose weight and feel better. If you make it a goal to be healthy you will develop a positive thinking which in result will eliminate most of your thoughts of feeling bad and if you follow through with living the healthy way and stay consistant you will feel better than ever in no time.
Kobe says
re: Hey Kikaida
Ive felt that numbness tingling thing too. I guess it probably is from caffiene since weve both quit and are experiencing it. But I wanna tell you I used to be on several different antidepressants and also ADD medication and I thought I needed them so bad I would put up a fight if anyone told me otherwise. But now that ive read a lot on the brain and gained knowledge through my experiences and other sources I wouldnt really recommend you take any of that medication. My aunt got me a natural supplement for ADD from Thorne Research and it helps a lot and if you feel depressed and anxious all the time then you probably have too much activity in that part of your brain which is partly due to low serotonine levels. But thorne research has some of the best natural supplements to help boost serotonine to the brain to help you feel better without any harsh side effects and its NATURAL so you dont have to worry about the bad side effects or anything. Dont let the doctors fool you. But I dont know that much about the nerve part, Im sure Thornes got something for it. But the best thing for anything is to eat rite, get your daily vitamin intake, exercise as much as possible, get a good sleep, and drink plenty of water and do these things consistantly. If you truly want these things to quit messing with you then you gotta step up to the plate and put in some work. To be truly healthy it takes some work, a pill isnt gonna truly fix your problem in the long run, you dont wanna be on medication your whole life. So try to start exercising and doing things the natural way and your body and mind will be excellent before you know it. Im not trying to be mean, im just being honest with you. Oh and if you decide to get those natural supplements make sure you are off your antidepressents, your not supposed to mix them.
Kobe says
re: 13 days without caffiene
I also quit smoking 19 days ago and smokeless tobacco 10 days ago. Thats no lie either. Honestly quitting these 3 wasnt a big deal in my opinion and I dont mean to sound like im bragging but let me tell you why I think things might be going smooth to maybe provide some help to someone out there seeking it. First of all I wanna say im a 21 year old male and every morning I take my multi-vitamins, fish oil, vitamin b complex, and a protein shake. I run at least a mile 5 days a week, I exercise my legs 3 days a week and my upper body 4 days a week. All I drink now is lots of water and some orange juice and milk. I quit caffiene and nicotine to be healthier physically and mentally. I thought if I was quitting those 2 then why not go all out and the results im getting are awesome. I feel ready to get up and do things again, I can concentrate and think clearly again, I can finally read a whole book again, my skin is starting to look like a celebrity, im getting muscle again and looking good, and I just really feel like a new person. But I still have a few withdrawl symptoms but there very mild and if I keep a positive head and dont think about it too much everything goes smooth. Also if anyone is truly wanting to go all out and be as healthy as possible and is willing to put the work in then ill make you a plan, ill try my best to help, just ask me, I think im pretty nice lol.
bighairyjerk says
re: holy crap
@marco: what other supplements are you taking?? I'm aware of men who take certain supplements and work out with heavy weights can have excessive testosterone levels and this causes some of the above symptoms. I am NOT a doctor.
aldo says
re: UGHH!!!!
HELLOO PPL
I WAS TAKING HYDROXYCUT FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS ND ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE TAKING A SHOWER I STARTED TO FEEL LIGHTHEADED MY HEART WAS BEATING FAST ND I FELT SHORT OF BREATH ON THE NEXT DAY I FELT THE SAME WENT TO THE ER BOTH DAYS,, IN TOTAL I BEEN TO THE ER 3 TIMES I VE HAD 3 EKG'S ND 2 CHEST XRAYS WICH ALL COME OUT NORMAL...MY BLOOD GLUCOSE WAS A LITTLE HIGH ND MY BLOOD PRESSURE TO...ITS BEEN A WEEK AND I STILL FEEL THESE SYMPTOMS NOT LIKE THE FIRST FEW DAYS BUT BETTER MY BREATHING HAS IMPROVED A LITTLE ITS NOT AS FRUSTRATING ND I ALSO HAVE LIKE A LITTLE CHEST TIGHTNESS WHEN I BREATH OR IT JUST FEELS LIKE HEAVY OR TIGHT IDK... I DO HAVE SLEEPING TROUBLE NOT GOING TO SLEEP BUT I ONLY SLEEP LIKE 5 OR 6 HRS ND I TRY TO GET MORE SLEEP BUT I CANT WHEN I WAKE UP SOMTIMES I HAVE LIKE ELECTRICITY FEELINGS IN MY CHEST ARMS ND LEGS I ALSO HAVE SWEATY HANDS ND FEET ND FEEL COLD SOMETIMES....ND ALSO I FEEL LIKE BURNING SENSATIONS IN THE MIDDLE OF MY CHEST ND IM ALSO CONSTANTLY CLEARING MY THROAT CUZ I FEEL LIKE SOMTHING IS THERE DN WHEN IM DONE EATING SOMTIMES I FEEL LIKE THERES SOMETHING STUCK THERE BUT THEN GOES AWAY AFTER A FEW MINS....ND I FEEL LIKE FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS LIKE IF I WERE GONNA GET A FEVER OR SUMTHING IDK IF ALL THIS IS ANXIETY OR CAFFEINE WITHDRAWL BUT I HOPE SOMEONE OUT THERE CAN HELP A LITTLE......
aldo says
re: OMG!!!
HEY THERE I BEEN HAVINGG KINDA OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS YOU....I WAS DRINKING HYDROXYCUT FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS ND ALL OF A SUDDEN IN THE MIDDLE OF MY SHOWER I STARTED FEELING LIGHTEHEADED, MY HEART WAS BEATING FAST ND STARTED TO GET SHORT OF BREATH AND ON THE NEXT DAY I FELT THE SAME I WENT TO THE ER BOTH DAYS IVE HAD 3 EKG'S DONE ND 2 CHEST XRAYS WICH COME OUT NORMAL MY BLOOD GLUCOSE CAME OUT A LITTLE HIGH AND WELL MY CHOLESTEROL I STIL HAVNT GOTTEN ANY NEWS ON THAT....MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS A LITTLE HIGHER THAN NORMAL IT DOES GO UP AND DOWN I THINK...EVER SINCE THE FIRST DAY EVERYTHING THIS HAPPEND I BEEN SHORT OF BREATH ALL DAY WELL THE FIRST FEW DAYS WERE SEVER NOW ITS NOT THAT BAD BUT ITS STILL THERE...I ALSO FEEL A LITTLE CHEST TIGHTNESS WHEN I TAKE A DEEP BREATH WICH IS KINDA BOTHEREING I ALSO HAD FEELINGS OF ELECTRICITY THRU MY BODY IN THE MORNINGS MY PALMS AND FEET GET SWEATY ND SOMTIMES I FEEL COLD AND SOMETIMES I FEEL MY HEART THUMPING WHEN I GO UP THE STAIRS KINDA FAST OR WHEN I FEEL SCARED IDK IF ITS CAFFEINE WITHDRAWL BUT I AM SCARED TOO THEY SAY ITS ANXIETY OHH ND IVE HAD THESE SYMPTOMS FOR A WEEK NOW...IF U KNO ANYTHINGG PLSS LET ME KNOW
kikaida says
re: When does it end?
After 9 weeks of being off caffeine, I am getting so tired of dealing with all these health ailments possibly related to caffeine withdrawals. I have this constant numbness, tingling, and electric shock sensation mostly in my legs but comes and goes in other parts of my body. I am going to get a ctscan of the brain on Wednesday that my regular doctor ordered. I went to see a neurologist about a month ago and he presribed me Mirapex which I didn't take and last week he prescribed me Pamelor which is an antidepressant but is also used for nerve pain. My regular doctor again told me not to take it. Could all this nerve problems be related to caffeine withdrawals? I do know that in 2005 I did have parathesis of my left arm and leg that could have been caused by drinking too much caffeine also but I don't know for sure. The good news is that the acute caffeine withdrawals are getting lesser each day.
Kikaida
Don says
re: You are asking the wrong people.
Hi Marco,
I'm an electrician. You are asking serious medical questions. I just can't help you. This is a forum for comparing experiences not for getting real medical advice. Even if there are any doctors reading this, they aren't going to advise you sight-unseen (and without being paid for it) for fear of litigation. You have to visit your doctor with these questions.
Good luck.
Say No To Joe says
re: Hey Kikaida. I had insomnia
Hey Kikaida. I had insomnia when I first gave up caffeine. It felt as though I slept very lightly. I would wake up many times throughout the night and then around 6 am every morning (I was accustomed to waking up at least 2-3 hrs later). I'd say that my sleep pattern returned to normal at around three months. Insomnia seemed to dwindle as my anxiety lessened. I'm now five months out and feeling much better, although not completely out of the woods. I still have slight anxiety and random waves of depression. Anyways, things will get better with time. Just keep your head up!
Say No To Joe says
re: Marco. Hang in there! It
Marco. Hang in there! It sounds to me like you are definitely going through caffeine withdrawal. I had all of those symptoms at the beginning of my caffeine free adventure. Trust me, it gets better. Just remember that you're not going crazy. Just try to relax and things will get better over time.
User says
re: CAN"T!
I usually drink a big cup of very strong coffee in the morning and sometimes but not always maybe one more..I would drink decaf if I felt like having coffee around 6 pm.Anyways..just for fun I thought "no more coffee this month". And the weirdest thing happened..One night I didn't sleep ok..That day I did drink plenty of green tea thou.The next day I felt just fine..again green tea.On the third and the foruth days I didn't drink much of tea...And my nights are CRAZY!!!!! Daytime I feel nothing except lost of appetite..I just don't feel like eating or drinking..At night...I fall asleep just fine but once I wake up..and there it goes...panic attack after I remember some unpleasent news I had...heart beat raises like crazy...I get sick to my stomach...and the rest of the night I wake up almost 100 times thinking about exact unpleasent news..over and over and over and over again.One night the heart beat was soo horrible I got up to take some Valerian Root pills..After the second night of hell I found out about this place...Because I thought..."what's wrong...what did I do....excet not drink some cofffee." Once I get up in the morning (usually early..because even in the morning I can't sleep okay ) I feel nothing...just not eating.What's wron with me?:(((((((( Why I have this at night and not during day?
C Mo says
re: Hey there Maria, Try psyllium
Hey there Maria,
Try psyllium husk. I put it in my smoothies in the morning. Works like a charm!
marco says
re: HELP!
Hi guys, I'm really worried ! Basically not thursday that jus went but the thursday before that I drank an energy drink ! I'd have one or two every morning for the past 2 weeks ! After drinking that energy drink on thursday I started to feel as what I think was an anxiety attack. I started to feel weird, felt like everything around me was un-real, Heart was racing etc. I thought itd pass but since that day til now I've still been having anxiety attacks, feeling really lazy, muscle twitching, dhairrea, dizzyness and cases of foggy headedness. I've only had a headache once and it wasn't for that long ! Am still having palpitation and chest feels so tight and in pain. I couldn't breathe properly last night and had chest pains so went ER and did an ecg exam and everything came out fine ! Am wondering if am having caffeine withdrawal as this has only started to happen to me after having that drink ? I haven't had one since that day but I might say I'm feeling like Crap and want it to be over 🙁 I've also noticed that my nails are turning into a dark pink color which is getting me worried and I don't know if am just being paro !
Can someone reply and tell me if am actually going through caffeine withdrawal because its been almost 2 weeks that I've been like this and I can't bare it !
Don says
re: Spoke too soon...
up there. This morning was strange. Yesterday I slipped a bit on my diet, and pigged out on cheese and crackers infront of the tv. Last thing I wrote in my diary last night was "5/10, must do better!". Well it seemed that this slightly harsh self-judgement, coupled with the volatile moods associated with quitting caffeine, led to a disturbed and nightmarish night and a big anxiety surge this morning. I lay in a sweat expecting some terrible punishment from 'somebody'.
I think the quitting time is associated with heightened emotional responses and for the next few weeks I'm going to forgive myself almost anything and be as nice to myself as I can. Because I'm worth it...(lol).
Don
kikaida says
re: Neuropathy: Numbness, tingling, electric shock
Hi there, have any of you experienced neuropathy anywhere in your body from caffeine withdrawals? It's been 9 weeks since I've been off caffeine and I still get muscle twitching, numbness, tingling, and an electric shock sensation in my legs. Let me know...
Kikaida
mary says
re: Say No To Joe
I am three weeks off coffee. I am still feeling depressed and have no motivation to do anything but I think its starting to get a little better. The only reason I quit coffee was because it was causing me stomach problems. I think it would be easier to quit if I wanted to, not because I have to. Thanks for asking.
Don says
re: Fifteen Days In!
And feeling good. Headaches ended after twelve and the anxiety of the first week has been replaced with a delightful calmness. Even my boss now amuses instead of infuriating me. I'm now sleeping very well and waking easily and refreshed. No more nightmares, though they were more weird than scarey anyway. The acid reflux indigestion problem which prompted me to quit tea drinking in the first place has ceased (though this is not the lack of caffeine alone - I have completed a course of PPI medication too.)
One downside is that I am tending to get dehydrated. Without the drug to drive me I find that I just don't notice when I'm thirsty. I am re-educating myself on that matter.
There's been an unforseen bonus; I have a lot more time to relax between jobs now that I don't have to quickly make and drink a cuppa a dozen times a day. Mornings, in particular, are much less rushed.
Well, 9:30 on a Friday and I'm yawning so it's off to bed for me for a ten hour dreamless night's sleep.
Keep it up people, it's been worth it so far....
Don
Don says
re: The Social Effects of Caffeine
Well that's an interesting thought. Caffeine as a necessary requirement of the industrial age. The drug that fuels capitalism! Did we replace religion, the opium of the people, with caffeine, the 'speed' of the proles?
Don
Don says
re: How you doing, pal?
I hope things ate easing for you. I've been headache free for a couple of days now and I think I'm suddenly over the worst of it. I'm noticeably more relaxed, taking reversals at work in a good easy stride for once. But then I've been sleeping well, unlike you. Do you get plenty of exercise? Just a thought...
Good luck, Don
kikaida says
re: Update: 9 weeks
It's been 9 weeks since I quit caffeine. The only withdrawal symptoms left I am still dealing with are insomnia, muscle twitching, and anxiety. Compared to a month ago, what a difference. I am currently not taking any prescription medications. The insomnia is the hardest to deal with. I still wake up every hour throughout the night. It's mentally torturing but I found out that the more I worry and fight it, the worse it becomes. If any of you still or have dealt with insomnia as a result of quitting caffeine, please reply and tell me how long did it take to resolve. Thanks...Kikaida
User says
re: Caffeine for depression
Yes. I often do. Wine too. That's just the way it is. But my depression is the kind that passes. If you have clinical depression--severe and constant--get help. Unhappy situations are a bug. If it's your home life, work it out. If it's work, talk to someone or change jobs. For the regular blues a cup of tea or a good book, a walk, clean the house--get active, you'll feel better.
Say No To Joe says
re: I actually didn't substitute
I actually didn't substitute anything in the morning. While it probably would have helped to drink some caffeine free tea or something, I just tried to not think about the fact that I'd ever had a morning ritual. I also went cold turkey. Both of these decisions were not the best, but I made it. How are you feeling nowadays?
Marco says
re: Hi everyone.
Last thursday i
Hi everyone.
Last thursday i drank a big bottle of an energy drink, I had one most nearly everyday for around 2 weeks. On thursday afta havin tha energy drink i startd to feel weird ! Startd to feel really faint and light headed nd dizzy nd my heart was beating at 90 per min. Some freaky stuff. Right now im having foggy headed, stomach aches, blurred vision, my head feels like this is all unreal, have stomach aches, urinate alot etc. I dont have headaches but am sure im going through caffeine withdrawal right ? Ive been feelin like this since friday ! its reeallyyy bad and i dont know what to do.
Is their any advice you lot can give me and if iam really going through caffeine withdrawal ?
Kobe says
re: 6th day without caffiene and 4th day without nicotine
Hey everyone, people arent lying about feeling the withdrawal symptoms of caffiene. Ive had sensitivity to light, anxiety, trouble with sleep, and mild symptoms of depression. But I am aware that these things are caused by quitting caffiene and while these symptoms are happening, at the same time Im excited because it shows me that quitting this drug is a good idea. Most people think caffiene isnt a big deal and quitting is just stupid and pointless but thats only because they are addicted and cant quit and probably have no knowledge about it (sounds like the average drug addict to me). I know this because I used to be on drugs and the withdrawals are similar to what im experiencing with caffiene. See what people dont realize is a drug is a drug. Some are worse than others but the fact is that all of them are harmful on your body and most importantly your brain. Did you know coke was originally made with .8 or something mg of COCAINE, what better drug to replace that with than caffiene. Ive read coke messes with the dopamine part of your brain just like all the speed drugs do, such as cocaine and amphetamines, but coke eats at it slowly unlike cocaine which is gonna hit hard. But caffiene is so powerful and popular that it has tricked the world into thinking we need it to stay up and to work and so on, but if we never would have started this drug we wouldnt be in this position. Do you think in the old days people woke up and popped open a dr pepper and got on there horses and galloped to the store to get a 12 pack so they could get there work done? No they didnt have this stuff back then, which proves that naturally people do not need caffiene to produce energy. But I could go on forever, I just want more people to understand that this real drug, caffiene, is very harmful to our bodies and brain, it will trick your brain into thinking you need it, and many other reasons why it well worth it to quit! Also for people having a hard time, dont let the symptoms get a hold of you, know its only temperary and later will result in a reward, hang in there it is very possible (im doing caffiene and nicotine), be an example and show people how much better you act and feel after your struggle, dont be fooled by this drug and stay strong and feel proud of yourself for wanting to be healthy, being healthy is very smart and results in a better life and the number 1 tip I can give is to pray for strength to push through this little obstacle.
User says
re: it is worth it!
Over the past month I have given up regular coffee and even doing it slowly blending decaf was painful for a few weeks. Try drinking hot water and lemon first thing in the morning and supplementing with B vitamins and magnesium. Finallay after a few weeks I got my energy back. I am even going off decaf since after not having any for 4 days a decaf latte made me feel horrible and I was short tempered like regular coffee.
kikaida says
re: re: Hi Kikaida
Hi Don, Thanks for replying back. Having bad insomnia really screws your mind up. My sleep pattern has been really bad. I tend to wake up like every 90 mins, 60 mins and 30 mins per night. It's awful having to deal with it. Plus I have OCD which causes my mind to think a lot. I am starting to have a depression setting in because of having to deal with the overwhelming withdrawals. I think for those who don't have any type of mental issues, it might be easier for them to cope with things. I am trying to handle things as best as I can, but it sure ain't easy.
Kikaida
Don says
re: Hi Kikaida
Wow, it sounds like you are having a really grim time. You hang in there too!
I wonder if your doctor is saying that the chemical residues of caffeine clear out of the body in nine days to two weeks? That would 'just' leave dealing with the psychological adjustments. I notice that the symptoms that people mention continuing for months are the disordered moods and sleeping difficulties. I'm thinking that people like me, with a history of depression, may have been self-medicating with caffeine without noticing and without it there remains a tendency for the depression to return? I've recently made a lot of progress in therapy with my messed up mind so perhaps I'll get through without dropping too low. Fingers crossed there!
It doesn't surprise me that thoughts of self harm have surfaced for you. I know several people who do this and, though the reasons vary, some say that they are stimulated by the practice and jerked out of their withdrawals into black depression. I think it's a shock/adrenaline response to the pain. Caffeine as stimulant might be similar I guess. Unfortunately, self-harm is also very addictive and the social side-effects are awful. You'd probably be better off with a cuppa!
Best of luck,
Don
Vineyard Dog says
re: Trying to quit again
Well turned 56 last Wednesday & decided to try to quit coffee again. Also had very bad pinched neck from sleeping wrong and when I hurt I don't want coffee. Well it's Day 3 now and neck feels a lot better, but now all the odds & ends withdrawal symptoms are setting in. As far as I got was 2 months about 8 yrs ago then due to work circumstances started back up again. I'm retired now from 31 yrs of shift work in public safety. There's a whole bunch of people with specialized skills/trades out there who get paid for being awake all night or for days at a time that need to drank coffee so quitting can be difficult if you're still working in a position like that. I really like the people on this blog who have quit & write about how good they feel. Keep those updates coming. Also some of the internet info about caffeine withdrawals lasting 3 days, who are they kidding. For shift workers, the 10 to 12 hr types, I figure closer to 3 weeks plus before you start feeling better. Good Luck Guys
donna hill says
re: i too am haveing panic
i too am haveing panic attacks from the caffine withdraw sometimes i dont think my poor heart can take all the raceing it is doing!! i have had them before for different reasons,, nice to see that someone else is going threw this mine usally hits me at night,, i had to give uup caffine due to acid reflux it sucks not gonna lie had to quit smokeing at the same time!! trying my best so hang in there i am trying also
donna hill says
re: caffine withdraw??
i have had to stop the caffine due to acide reflux.. i have been reading all the post on here nice to see i have upper back pain, panic attacks a seems like i am freezing all the time, gittery on the inside rapid heart beat to slow heart beat? is this normal ??
GwenP-Chen says
re: Now it's been 1 month since I
Now it's been 1 month since I stopped caffeine.
I think the suffering was terrible for only a portion of the 1st week. I had a few minor headaches in the 2nd week. After that nothing else felt bad. I used to have a jittery heart that pounded when I tried to sleep, but now that is mostly gone. I feel good waking up.
I've had to turn down lovely mochas and cappucinos now and then. That's the ONLY downside!
User says
re: Please beware of energy drinks!!
Please beware of the energy drinks!! I recently started drinking those Sobe Vitamin B energy drinks and I didn't realize that the guarana in it is caffeine. I was wondering why I felt like crap!! Up until this point I was a year caffeine free.
mary says
re: Say No To Joe,
Thanks for
Say No To Joe,
Thanks for replying to my post. I can't believe your depression lasted four months. Drinking coffee use to give me a reason to get up in the morning and I miss that. What did you subsitute to drink in the morning.
kikaida says
re: Hi Don
So far its been 7 weeks since I quit caffeine cold turkey. You're lucky at least you're sleeping. I am taking Clonazepam which is a benzodiazepine medication in the same family as Valium. I am so scared of taking this medication because I don't want to become dependent or addicted to this drug. I just gave up caffeine and don't want to add another substance to my list. There are times I felt like giving up hope. I have to admit that there are some days I was thinking stupid thoughts like harming myself because the caffeine withdrawals were so hard to deal with and also due to lack of sleep. From what I have heard from a friend of mine who also quit caffeine cold turkey 5 years ago, he said it took him about 3 months to initially get over the withdrawals and another 3 months to feel almost normal. So that's like 6 months total. I also was told by my therapist that with post acute withdrawal syndrome it can take 6 months to a year to totally get over the withdrawals from a substance but I don't know if that applies to caffeine also but I wouldn't doubt it. My neurologist told me that it only takes up to 9 days total to withdraw from caffeine. He also told me that the withdrawals symptoms I am dealing with are not from caffeine since its more than 2 weeks. It just goes to show you that doctors don't know everything. Reading these post on this forum has help me to realize that I am not crazy and what I am experiencing is real. All I can say is hang in there.
Kikaida
Maria says
re: thankyou
oh thanks!!! i gave it a go again yesterday
kikaida says
re: What do you think?
Do you think some people drink a lot of caffeine because they might be experiencing depression? I kind of feel that psychologically my reason for becoming a caffeine addict over the years was to compensate for the things in my life that I was not happy with. I also noticed that for several months I was not focusing on the things I normally would have a year ago like exercising, getting out of the house, walking my dog, etc. Therefore, I started to indulge myself in drinking more caffeinated beverages and as a result I got burned. What do you think?
Kikaida
Don says
re: Oh the pain!
Day 4 caffeine free. I quit my lifetime 12-15 cups of tea each day due to chronic acid reflux. I have consulted my doctor and been given PPI medication to help with the stomach and he agrees that cutting the caffeine will also help.
Wow, I feel so bad! Headache, very severe headache centred in my left eye. Ear and toothache too same side, maybe suggests that its a sinus thing? Even my hair hurts, my scalp is so sensitive. I'm very sleepy, napping lots and sleeping through ten hour nights. This is a big change since I've had lots of trouble with insomnia for years. I have dizziness and trouble concentrating. I can barely type and my guitar playing, a newish hobby, has deteriorated completely!
I feel physically weak and tire easily after the slightest exertion. My bowel movements are irregular with lots of wind, and I think I'm on the way to being constipated. All these things would have been really scary if I hadn't been expecting most of them already as a result of reading forums like this one. The most frightening of all is the depression I've been experiencing today and yesterday. It's been such a short time since I quit that I'm surprised my mind is so profoundly affected. I feel weepy and clingy like a little boy who wants his mummy. In fact I'm almost crying as I type those words.
It's a hard process folks. I did it cold turkey which wasn't perhaps the best way, but I'd not eaten or drunk anything apart from water for two days due to an unrelated viral stomach upset, and I decided to make the most of the head start I had gained. There's one thing about feeling so crappy though; it has made me really understand how my body is so powerfully affected by this 'socially acceptable drug'. My determination to get off it for keeps is strengthened by each symptom I experience.
I have one question yet unanswered. How long does this go on? I read 9 to 10 days for the worst of it but at least one poster here said it took some months for her to feel completely well. So, to the scientists out there, how long does it take for the last of the caffeine to be metabolised and excreted and how long after that for the body to find it's own equilibrium.
Good luck everyone,
Don Smith
glowbard@hotmail.com
Say No To Joe says
re: Hi Mary. I feel your pain. I
Hi Mary. I feel your pain. I quit cold turkey about 4 1/2 months ago and experienced pretty bad depression. I had good days and bad days. To be honest it lasted about four months, but I did everything wrong. I went from drinking 700 mg of caffeine per day to none at all overnight. For this reason, my withdrawal has been intense. The best advice I can give you is to just try to always remember that you're not going crazy and that it is the lack of caffeine that is causing you to have these feelings.
Keep your head up! It will get better!
User says
re: I'm a few days into getting
I'm a few days into getting myself off the caffeine. I took the advice of another site and am taking phenylalanine supplements (DLPA. Some take tyrosine instead). Just 500 mg in the morning with breakfast (some take two 1,000 mg doses a day). So far I'm not getting the strong cravings or regular withdrawal symptoms, but again it's only been a few days and my problem is with soda which has less caffeine than coffee. I'll just have to see if the cravings are still down in another week or so.
One issue I am having is sore muscles. May be a coincidence considering my job. Or it could be that I've been unintentionally medicating myself with caffeine and now I'm paying the price.
I have been drinking more water as a result which is good. That's something.
User says
re: 3 weeks out
I quit caffeine about 3 weeks ago due to anxiety. I feel great now, but the side effects I had was really tough and caused to me to have anxiety attacks because I thought something was wrong with me. Along with caffeine I stopped MSG and aspartame. My muscles are not stiff anymore and I seem to be far more alert and attentive. Everyone hang in there it get so much better with time and your body will love you later.
User says
re: caffeine withdrawals
Over the past 3 weeks I've gone from 2-3 very strong cups of coffee to 1/2 cup of decaf. Hot water and lemon really help in the morning but late in day still getting headaches and very tired. Any suggestions?How long will it last?
coogs says
re: Caffeine Withdrawal
I am glad I found this site. I use to drink 4 - 6 cups of coffee per day. I hated crashing in the evenings and didn't notice coffee doing too much for me. Anyway, yesterday I quite coffee. I haven' had any in 16 hours. Last night and today, I have felt like crap. Sensitive to touch, i have cold chills like crazy, headache and it feels like a fever too. I just want to crawl in a warm bed and sleep sleep sleep. I was trying to think of what could be wrong with me and remembered not drinking coffee, so I am sure that is my deal. All of these posts hit it on the head. Thanks everyone. I will come back also in a month or so and let you know how I feel.
kikaida says
re: Sleeping/Muscle Twitching/Constipation
Hi there,
The biggest problem that I have is muscle twitching while trying to sleep. What irritates me the most is that I normally sleep on my left side and now my ear twitches and makes it hard for me to fall asleep. I can't seem to sleep on my back so that creates another problem. If its not one thing that happens, another comes along. I tell you this battle to give up caffeine is not easy. It causes tremendous amount of anxiety and for me that leads to insomnia and other problems. Constipation is another problem that I battle. I take Miralax daily and I guess being under a lot of stress it will make the constipation worse. It can be like 3 days and I still have not gone to the bathroom. I do worry a lot. My family told me that more you worry about it, the worse it will become. I guess thats true. I hope this nightmare ends someday soon.
Kikaida
mary says
re: Depression from coffee withdrawal
I am 10 days off caffeine and I am experiencing some pretty bad depression. Has anyone else experienced this and does it get better. Thanks
Denise says
re: Hi Maria,
It's just another
Hi Maria,
It's just another lovely side effect of your poor body trying to regulate itself without caffeine. Drink a lot of water and make sure that you are eating plenty of vegetables and fruit for fiber and micronutrients. Also, try not to get too upset about it. Being stressed out (on top of the withdrawal symptoms) doesn't help.
Best of luck to you.
Denise says
re: Wow - thank you for taking
Wow - thank you for taking the time to post this. You are providing hope for all of us who are at various stages of our recovery. Of the numerous times I have tried to quit, the longest I could go was 4 months. At that point I felt as though I was "out of the woods" and one cup wouldn't hurt. Wrong! One cup got me addicted again.
There is something different about this time. I left caffeine on 1/6 and I am never touching it again. At first I said that I would give it a year, but honestly, I never, ever want to make myself suffer through a withdrawal again.
Thank you to Daniel for letting us all post here. It's a great place to come for support. Denise.
Maria says
re: constipation?????????????
I have been drinking anywhere from 5 to 10 cups of strong coffee for the past 3 years the last time i tried to quit it only lasted 6 days i had a headache that never went away but my biggest problem was CONSTIPATION!!!! i even tried to take an exlax but all that did was give me stomach pains.haz any one had this b4 and found any thing that helped ????
User says
re: 5 months off caffeine and feeling great
Hello everyone,
I quit coffee and all other sources of caffeine for good this past August (2010)…so it's been about 5 months since then. I wasn't a heavy drinker, but on most days I was having at least 1-2 cups of coffee. As many of you are experiencing now, the first few weeks are not very pleasant. I somehow managed to get through the working days, but I remember feeling very irritable and not having any energy or desire to socialize with anyone. It was not very fun, but I knew that it would be worth it in the long run….and it most definitely is. Quitting coffee/caffeine is probably the single best thing I've done for myself in the last several years. All this time I thought it was giving me an edge. I started drinking in university so I could study longer and be more attentive in class. The lure of coffee is very deceiving. From personal experience, long-term coffee drinking is seriously debilitating. You can do all the research you want, but the best evidence is to try getting off it for yourself and see the results.
I must warn you that to be back to 100% normal (if you can remember what that is) takes months. For me I'd say at least 3 months, but this will vary by the individual. Now 5 months later I have experienced a tremendous change in my energy levels and productivity. I can get up in the morning with ease. Within seconds of waking up, I feel alert and ready to tackle the day ahead. By contrast, before I absolutely hated mornings and had a really hard time getting going until I had that first cup of joe. Also, my energy level is consistent throughout the day. No more jittery peaks in the morning followed by afternoon crashes. No more running to get a coffee/tea/pop every time I felt my energy levels dropping. I am now physically and mentally free of caffeine and it feels amazing. I've also noticed that I'm thinking much clearer these days. I can't prove this scientifically, but I feel my memory has improved greatly. I now work with a much calmer, more insightful energy. Coffee always perked me up, but also made me very nervous and jumpy.
I know this forum helped get through the rough days, which is why I'm happy to give back and post my success story. There is really nothing better you can do than to rid yourself of your addictions. Make no mistake, coffee/caffeine is an addiction. I would recommend giving up caffeine entirely. In the past I tried only drinking caffeinated tea, but that always leads to larger and larger doses and then back to coffee eventually. So, good luck, be strong and trust me, it is worth the pain you are going through now.
Beth aka BR-T says
re: one day later...
Lord help me my whole body hurts! Muscles, back,joints, teeth, head everything... Caffeine, may we never cross paths again! Keep it up everybody I know (really I do) this sucks but we will be free very soon and Pepsi & Coca cola can stick it where the sun don't shine! You too Folgers!
PS I promise to come back here to tell you how amazing I am feeling....when that happens.
Lisa says
re: continuing struggle
i was drinking 2-3 cans of Vault Zero a day. I quit 2 days ago cold turkey. i have the shakes really bad. my question is; i am on anti-depressants. how do you think this might affect me. I'm afraid it might get worse. comments?