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
John Campbell says
re: I think you need to give it
I think you need to give it at least 30 days, and probably 60, for your brain to begin to get back to its natural state. all the best
verimike says
re: Are you low in vitamin d and vitamin c?
I discovered I was quite low in vitamin d and vitamin c during the winter. I live in oregon where I don't get a lot of sun during the winter. About 10,000 IU per day of vitamin d and two of the 800% vitamin c supplements lowered my coffee consumption. I went from 9 to 10 cups per day to one. Seriously though, the lack of vitamin d really messes with your circadian rhythm.
Jayson says
re: I just want to share my
I just want to share my current struggle with anxeity and depression due to binging in caffeine. I became addicted to caffeine some years ago due to the fact that it made me last longer in the gym, made my workouts more intense, and just overall powerful. My caffeine intake was ridiculous. I was taking it in the form of a preworkout supplement. I woulnd't be surprised if I was ingesting 300-500 mg of caffeine on a daily basis. I was also drinking coffee (Nescafe Smooth, 2 tablespoons) and eating dark chocolates on a daily basis.
To make my story short, I suffered an anxeity/panic attack during the first week of this month. And that was my wake up call. I stopped taking any form of caffeine completely (cold turkey). I haven't been the same ever since. I felt more anxious as the days went by. 5 days after the attack, I brought myself to the ER, due to my anxeity becoming too much to bear. Everything checked out normal, even my Thyroid. But I was far from feelng normal. I can't seem to control my thoughts, have difficulty focusing on what I have to do, and worst of all, I feel as if I'm slowly losing my mind. I went to see a Psychiatrist and reassured me that I'm not psychotic and literally going insane would be pretty close to impossible.
That's when I began researching about caffeine and caffeine withdrawals. I am hoping and praying to whoever is up in the heavens, that this was caused by caffeine and something that will pass as long as I remain strong and resilient. This feeling of hopelesness is truly intense and have thought about offing myself.. I am now on day 20+ without a single cup of coffee or any beverages containing caffine. Although I did eat 3 dark chocolate blocks yesterday for the energy.
I'm paranoid and always on the edge, always wondering when the next anxiety attack will take place or the day I finally go mental. I'm beginning to develop all sorts of phobias. I'm going to see my physician today and tell her everything about my former caffeine life. When I went to the ER, no one asked about my caffeine intake, as well as the psyciatrist.
Avidwriter says
re: Giving up caffeine
Hi everyone,
I have experienced much of the anxiety that other users have shared as a result of caffeine use (or abuse! :-))
I have previously done caffeine strikes that usually end somewhere around the 2-3 week mark. I am a graduate student at uni so coffee shops abound!
I decided to join as a way of keeping myself accountable and committed. But also, to support and encourage others. I could also use a support network as I try to get off coffee. Currently, my strategy is to go our and buy a bunch of tasty herbal teas that are coffee-esque----dandelion root, licorice tea, peppermint, etc. What do you guys think?
I would share more of my story, however, it would really be re-hashing what others have already said - feeling constantly anxious, depressed, jittery, sweaty, drained, etc.
I am glad to be a part of this thread!
Bobby says
re: 55 days in and this is not a win
This is just an update. I am almost 60 days in and I am definitely better but still very drowsy during the day which is not exactly a win. About a week ago my sleep stabilized. I sleep through the night now and if I get up to go to the bathroom, I fall right back asleep. I do not have any headaches or pains, just sleepiness. It get to me tho. I just want to wake up with the energy to go through my day. I want to function at a normal level again where everything is not a forced effort. At the end of the day before I sleep I have a list of things that I want to accomplish the next day. I have a belief (though it fades) that I will wake up and feel energized/normal. Then the morning comes and I wake up groggy and sleepy as usual. All day I fight the desire to take a nap.
User says
re: Something similar happened to
Something similar happened to me too. I would wake up, feel sick and almost puke. If you can't even eaat a sandwhich like me when thses symptoms are happening, then we may have the same problem, acid reflex. I just started getting acid reflex and what it is, it's all the toxins trying to exit the body. It may also result in heart burn as well. Maybe you don'r have it but try this; Next time you go to the store, pick up some Prevacid. It stops the acid in your stomach. Take this before you go to bed, and if you wake up in the morning feeling fine, the you have acid reflex like me. Nothing to be scared of though 🙂
User says
re: I recently just stopped
I recently just stopped drinking caffinated beverages and I think that's rthe reason for some of my symptom. I was wonreing though, I seem to have some sort of altered thinking since I've stopped drinking it and my brain seeems a little funky too. Could this be caused by the sudden stop of caffiene going into my body, and if so, how long will it last?
John Campbell says
re: Hi India the good news about
Hi India the good news about this is; that you writing and talking this way is a sign and a step towards eventual withdrawal. Your recognition of your condition is becoming increasingly honest. Hopefully you'll find some times soon when you can go free. Best wishes, JC
India says
re: I usually don't do this but...
....this is a subject that I feel very passionate about. My story begins 16 yrs ago. I began drinking coffee as a preteen. While at the hairsalon I would get a cup and sit under the dryer, it made me feel like an adult and I really liked the taste. While in high school consumption increased a bit, I started drinking coffee in the mornings before class and sometimes on the weekends although then it was mostly capp's so the caffeine wasn't as strong. When i became an adult it was the dark roast in my coffee pot everyday, sometimes 2x a day. My first attempt to stop drinking coffee came when I was 22 and pregnant w/ my daughter. The doc said I couldn't drink it, and I didn't think it would be a big deal...boy was I wrong! I suffered from SEVERE headaches. Headaches so bad they woke me out of my sleep in tears. At first I just dealt with the pain, but after about a week, I finally broke down and took a pain killer, just so I could sleep. The headaches continued and my step father gave me some caffeine pills. I had never heard of them before and I figured they had to be better for me than coffee. The first pill I took I felt like I was in Heaven. I could function again! For the first time, in almost 2 months at this point, I could get out of bed and move about my house. I could cook, and clean, and leave! My caffeine addiction had a hold on my life so badly all I could do before was sleep, or at least try to sleep. I didn't take the pills everyday, just 1 or 2 a week when needed. It helped a lot w/ my withdrawal symptoms which for me lasted for about 13 months. I don't know if it lasted longer because I was pregnant, or maybe because I was taking the pills sporatically. After my daughter was born, whom I named Heaven, I also had a lot of swelling in my limbs in additions to a now mild on going headache. I wasn't headache free until she was at least 3-4 months old.
Sad to say I haven't learned my lesson, I am still a coffee drinker. Lately I have been trying to tapper off my consumption. Everytime I feel like I'm getting better I mess it up by having 1 cup too many. As I am writing this I just had to go and buy a cup (becuse I refuse to stock my cabinets anymore with coffee) to get rid of a headache. Please pray for me.
User says
re: I feel the same way, except
I feel the same way, except it's from taking too much acg3 which contains caffeine. Also When i would take it, it'd be towards the end of the day around 8 o'clock then id workout for an hour. Eirlier in the day i would take a 5 hour energy, or dring an energy drink. I know that stacking caffeine like i did is harmful to your body. It's been my 3rd day and I'm starting to feel better.
Beth says
re: more energy?
Really? You feel more energy? I've been steadily tapering for about a month now. I had cut back to a cup of earl grey tea in the morning - which felt like it had no caffeine for how wretched I've been feeling. I have NO ENERGY. I have NO FOCUS. I feel miserable and I sleep for a few hours and then wake up way too early. I have only had a vague general headache, not the excruciating headache I've experienced before when going cold turkey because of the tapering. I think I could handle it all if I only had enough energy to be functional. Please tell me it will really be better. Today is the first day I'm going to try to be really caffeine free...and I hope it doesn't kill me. I figure I've been an addict for at least 30 years, starting with coke.
John C says
re: in case of help to those
in case of help to those struggling to find and go through the eye of the needle; the blessed and often barely perceived moment of actually starting to say and do the 'NO' - some good writing and comments here; http://www.memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com/connect/how-i-quit-at-least-how-i-think-i-quit/
Jackie (Jaki) from the U.K. says
re: Thanks, Rob, and fantastic news!!
First, that REALLY is fantastic news that you've quit!! Massive congrats - I really am very happy for you, especially as you'd been having such high amounts of caffeine.:) What an achievement. 🙂 Second, thanks for such an insightful and inspiring post. I really do mean that. EVERYTHING you said made such sense and really spoke to me. Your post seems to have been the final thing to make me take MY leap. Thanks such a lot, Rob. 🙂 And thanks, also, to everyone for all of their past support. 🙂 It's really helped me to get through the last 5-6 months. If you remember, my relationship with caffeine has been a lot like yours, although I had managed to taper it off (mostly), almost in spite of myself. I finally fully realised that the caffeine spiked my blood sugar and that that has been causing all the problems with food/sugar - and the continual addiction. An endless cycle. Anyway, I realised that the only way to stop the rot is to just do it, like you say. I've modified my diet to make it low G.I. - and that means, of course, that I won't be having any coffee. Sounds simple but it's almost as if a shutter moved across and I could finally see the reality and what I HAD to do. Like you said, "You simply have to stop." and "See the truth of it." Finally, I have seen the truth and I know that there is no other way. Something else happened to bring me to my senses, as well. I had a sight test and have the beginnings of cataracts and may also have a slight exudate. So - it's up to me. I know bad food/sugar/caffeine etc can exacerbate the problem so I've investigated which foods help with cataracts etc and, also, foods which are low G.I. So, for breakfast this morning, it was cooked oats, blueberries, almonds and half a banana. It kept me full all morning and I didn't want coffee. I know I will be tempted but I now know I just need to get out of this cycle - and I now know exactly what I have to do to achieve that. So BIG THANKS to you and please keep me informed as to how you're doing. Your post has just proved to me, yet again, what an important site this is. Anyway, best of luck to you - and to everyone on here - and KEEP STRONG! Jackie
Gruodis says
re: Panic attacks
You should scan through all of the comments on this page. There are hundreds of them, and you will find a lot of people having the same issues as you.
From what you've had told it's evident that at the first place you had panic attack caused by your nervous system exhausted because of excessive caffeine use. As I believe, one monster can contain about 160 mg of caffeine + loads of sugar and additional stimulants. Even drinking one can a day for a long period of time not only leads to addiction but also exhausts your nerves. You should know that caffeine does not give any energy, but it takes it away. Prolonged caffeine use may lead to the anxiety and panic attacks. Yes, and the first time seems like thunder out of nowhere. One moment you are happy and active and another one - Boom!
Now after visiting so many doctors only one and the most important visit still must be done - psychoterapist or psychiatrist. Do not be afraid, you do not have to be crazy to go tho such doctors. There is a very good medicine to help to relieve your anxiety and all those somatic symptoms. Just short 1-2 week course can change everyhing to the better. Even your GP doctor or one of the specialists you have visited should have suggest that your problem is not a physical illness but panic and anxiety disorder caused by exhaysted nervous system. They shoud be suggesting to take some anti-anxiety medicine. Did they do that? And there also are various techniques to help you to calm down and relax, if you are against drugs.
What was happening to you after you stopped drinking monster drinks, definitelly is caffeine withdrawal syndrom. Add this to the initially exhausted nervous system and axiety and you will have tis condition you now are in. Bad side of all this is that it really sucks. Good side is that it's not lethal, and you are not crazy, and not even close to that, but most important - time is on your side. Every day you endure brings you closer to the end when you will start feelig yourself again. I went through all of this and I know how difficult it might be. But be sure, in a week or so you will start having a better sleep, anxiety and depression will start to go away, especially if you consult with the proper specialist. Be strong and keep going, you are not alone.
John C says
re: Chuck yes all you are going
Chuck yes all you are going through can be symptoms of serious caffeine withdrawal.
I suggest
A) calculate how much caffeine you were taking in on a typical day; you can use . People vary in sensitivity, and for some peopLe only a very small amount can have huge effects. But it would be interesting to know how much you were taking in.
B) just hang in there, now you have come so far. Try and stay caffeine free, and take a check after say 30 days, 40, days, 60 days. I suspect strongly that most of the symptoms you are seeing will fall away on that sort of timescale. And your life will be way better after.
Very best wishes
John C says
re: Rob really great to read
Rob really great to read this. Very much in line with my experience.
What I found was that the attacks after the initial withdrawal were much more subtle, but still there, and strong. So I advise using the 11th Commandment; Avoid Temptation; just don't go physically anywhere near somewhere where you might succumb, and keep alert, very alert.
I thought your exit tactic of hot holiday was really interesting - could be useful for others....
All the best
John C says
re: Hi Kelly really interesting
Hi Kelly really interesting to hear your story. (I think people are effected by caffeine in different ways; some more sensitive than others. Pattern of usage may also affect their sensitivity and resistance (or lack of it) to caffeine.) Keep going; will be great to hear how it's gone at say day 30. All the best!
User says
re: Caffeine
Hi Chuck, I read your story, and the part that struck me the most was the depression and the feeling as though your body wasn't there. I have to stay away from all caffeine, it takes me to a dark place. Caffeine makes me extremely depressed, fatigued, unable to focus, very negative and my compassion for others is lost. My caffeine drink of chose is coffee, and I LOVE the taste. But, after drinking a cup I crave another and another, and before I know it I'm sitting at my desk exhausted and unable to do anything. I can't focus on paperwork, I am unable to organized my thoughts. My brain feels as though it's scrambled. My personality immediately changes for the worse, I get very stressed very easily, my anxiety level is through the roof, and my out going personality goes right into the crapper. I become paranoid, and start to think that people are out to get me. I suggest taking a (sip) of coffee without sugar or cream and see what your reaction is. I pray for your health and that you get better. God Bless
User says
re: Monster Energy
I have been going through everything u have this last week.. I would drink 2 monsters a day but only for about 6 months.. The other day I thought I was gonna pass out.. It was the scariest feeling I have ever felt. I haven't had any in 3 days and I'm going through pure hell. My chest has been hurting and I can't sleep at night due to rapid heart beats. At times I get sweaty and hot and feel dizzy and short of breath. It comes and goes.. I'm so tired and cant sleep. Feels like there is somethig seriously wrong with my heart. Although I have not gone to the ER. I will never pick up another monster again.
Chuck says
re: 3 weeks
Every day for the past 6 years I have drank monster energy drinks. Exactly 3 weeks ago, like any other day I was at work and consumed an energy drink. This time was different. After I consumed it, I was talking with a co-worker and I started getting tunnel vision and came VERY close to passing out. I had to walk out the door and sit down. My heart was racing and I was feeling very shaky. I finished the day off feeling very ill. The following day, something similar happened. This happened on a thursday and a friday. By the time saturday rolled around, I was feeling very ill and was convinced something was wrong with my heart, so I went to the Emergency Room. I had an EKG and blood labs, all which came back normal.
Due to the fact that I felt ill, I stopped drinking energy drinks all together. The first few days, I felt sick. My heart would race and I lost my appetite. After those first few days I developed a very bad headache (like my brain was growing and going to make my head explode), accompanied by nausea, vomiting and insomnia. From then until now (a few weeks later), I have seen a cardiologist, a neurologist, infectious disease, and an endocrinologist, along with another ER visit. I've had numerous of tests (brain scan, blood work) and everything thus far has come back normal. I, however, feel that something is seriously wrong. I haven't been to work in 3 weeks. My headache is gone for the most part (except for a slight lingering one). My nausea is not as bad as before, but comes and goes. However, I am extremely fatigued and haven't slept for more than a couple hours each night over the past 3 weeks. Each time I wake up, I feel really sick and drained and my heart is racing. The fatigue is REALLY bad, but I can't sleep?! I also get really lightheaded when standing and my body feels calm, but too calm. I feel hollow, literally. It scares me. It's like my body isnt there sometimes. I also now have some depression and anxiety and have trouble even going to the grocery store. I never even considered any of this was caffeine withdrawal until my mom asked if I was still drinking the energy drinks. I went and bought one, took about 5 sips, and vomited. Is it possible that my first symptoms were due to caffeine intoxication, followed by severe withdrawal from quitting cold turkey? Are my insomnia, extreme fatigue, lightheadness, nausea, depression, anxiety, etc from caffeine withdrawal even after all this time or have I gone insane? Before three weeks ago, I had none of these issues. I hardly even get sick. Any advice, answers, etc would be appreciated. I am desperate and feel like my sanity is slipping away. Sorry for writing so much. Thanks.
-Chuck
Kelly says
re: Update on my withdrawal
Update on my withdrawal symptoms. I guess I was being cheerful too soon, I'm now experiencing small headaches and little anxiety. The last one tried to prevent me from falling asleep yesterday, but I managed to calm myself down and had no problems. I'm experiencing a headache right now, also feeling a little hot, otherwise feeling well.
Rob says
re: 10 Days In
So after years of an off and on relationship with caffeine, I'm finally 10 days clean. As I've written before, the experience was not easy, but equally it wasn't as impossible as I had convinced myself it would be.
When I drink caffeine I sooner or later end up thinking I'm going mad - fuzzy head, no energy, anxious, can't think and generally feel terrible. I convince myself over and over again that I'll stop tomorrow, so that means today I'll really go for it and drink caffeine non-stop. By the end I was drinking 5-6 12oz mugs of strong coffee a day, around 1200-1400mg of caffeine. I've read the book Caffeine Blues too, and according to it, this puts me firmly in danger territory.
What I also end up doing in trawling the internet for articles on how to stop, stories of people who've stopped etc. and end up confused. Should I quit cold turkey or taper ? Are there supplements that will help me ? What is the magic secret that will make this easy ?
What I've found is that to stop doing something, you simply have to stop doing it. Sounds stupidly simple, and it is, although by no means easy. I quit cold turkey. Tapering always feels like cheating - I know, stupid and bound up in perfectionism, but that's the way I am. When I try and taper I last a day or two, then think "what the hell" and go on a blow out again. This time I had some time off work and went somewhere hot on holiday - I found this helped as I didn't have anyone expecting me to do anything, and for some reason don't really feel like drinking coffee as much when it's really hot (40 degrees). I was also removed from my usual surroundings, so habitual cues weren't so strong.
It was tough though - first 2-3 days were really painful - tired all the time, headaches, lethargic, grumpy. Days 3-7 were easier mentally, but I found I developed real pains in my legs and lower back. Ended up having to take paracetamol to be able to sleep. Now I'm at 10 days and physically feel alot better. I'm not sure how I'll feel after prolonged abstinence, so not sure what % better I am, but I'm certainly over the hump of withdrawal. The other think I did that seemed to help was drinking my last coffee at 5:50 am waiting to board the plane. This meant when withdrawal started really kicking in 12-16 hours later, it was time to sleep and I could handle it pretty well. Haven't had any issues with sleeping, only that I'm dreaming fantastic dreams - I never dreamed before, guess caffeine was stopping me getting into that real deep sleep.
Now it's on to steady plugging away. Day at a time, take it easy, get enough rest, re-learn life without caffeine and dealing with cravings when they crop up. I need to remember that there's no such thing as "just one" for me - as soon as I have one, I'm off again. This last 3 month caffeine-fest was caused by that thinking. I have to accept that this ubiquitous, socially acceptable drug, for me just doesn't work. I don't know why and I'm fed up of the bad consequences of trying to find out. Life is so much better without it. I can already think much more clearly, am calmer and nicer to those around me, feel physically better and am sleeping better.
I'll report back (hopefully) after a month or so. As I've said before, if you're still stuck in the addiction, try and see the truth in it - you're a slave to dirty brown water that gives you no positive benefits at all. Breaking the addiction is not as hard as you imagine, even if in the eye of the storm (days 2-3) it may seem that way. Cold turkey or taper ? Doesn't matter. The best way is the way that works for you.
Kelly says
re: I stopped drinking coffee
I stopped drinking coffee after I started getting foot cramps overnight. Did some research on these cramps and how to get rid of them, during which I found out that caffeine can make cramping worse so I just stopped drinking any drinks with that in them on spot. As I was treating my foot cramps, I thought I'd do a test to see if caffeine does affect the cramps in some ways, so I drank coffee once more and one cup, the next day I felt a strange feeling in my feet (note here that after I'd started treating the cramps, I no longer got to the point where my feet would cramp, there was just the feeling but it never got to a real cramp anymore + I'd managed to go some days without the feeling at all), so the conclusion was that it does affect cramping in a bad way. But right after that test I quit drinking coffee on spot and it has now been perhaps a week or a little more and since then I have not drank another cup. I'm now free of foot cramps, but still don't for sure know what caused them, because quitting coffee didn't majorly affect anything. All of the treatments I found out about on the subject matter did help, but the real difference was made when I started taking tablets of both magnesium and calcium, so my guess is that the lack of these two was what caused the cramping in the first place.
But back to the topic - symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. As I mentioned above, it's been perhaps a week + a few days, I have not experienced any too hard symptoms. What I have experienced as of now are muscle twitches (occuring sometimes, lasting for maybe a minute for max, then disappearing on their own), which are rather a little annoying but nothing unbearable. I had some sort of a mood similiar to depression for a few days, when nothing quite felt like it had a real meaning and I didn't feel like doing anything so I just slept a lot. That sucked, but I'm back to feeling normal again. This is all, no headaches or mucle aches to report of, though my shoulders do hurt a little but that is from my rather uncomfortable chair and being on computer a lot 😛
I'm guessing it's different for everyone. I haven't yet noticed any change in the way how I feel since quitting coffee/caffeine, but I guess that's because it's only been a week or so. I crave for coffee only a little, tiny bit. Not physically at all, it's more the thought of drinking coffee on my mind, but I choose not to act on it 🙂 I also haven't been much of a coffee addict in my own opinion, though I did drink it for years and a cup a day, sometimes not drinking at all. I liked the taste of it and it was kind of like an habit when visiting my grandma in the evenings (coffee didn't seem to affect my sleep too much), then drinking coffee with toast, and I visit my grandma a lot. Now I just simply don't pour a cup for myself anymore when I'm there, and when someone offers me a cup, I just say 'no' 🙂
I don't find it hard to go day by day without it, though. And it's interesting to actually go through this kind of a 'rehab' 😀
John Campbell says
re: Tommy thank you, very
Tommy thank you, very interesting and true. What was your own personal experience? Did you see a decline in anxiety when you came off caffeine? Thanks
Jackie (Jaki) from the U.K. says
re: Thanks Tommy
Thanks for this information, Tommy. This was really helpful to me as I've been struggling to stop drinking coffee since March. And you're right, it is SO 'in your face' all the time and, because I have lacked self-discipline, I have found it to be extremely difficult to quit. I'll definitely have a look at this book. Thanks. Also, I so agree with everything you have said here and it's a good reminder as to what an insidious drug caffeine is. I've found out, by experience, that the reality of withdrawal is far from the easy road I thought it would be. I was drinking up to 500mgs of caffeine a day but was experiencing horrible withdrawal symptoms while I was still drinking it . I'm now down to (mainly) 1 cup (70mgs) a day and eat a very healthy diet .......and I'm actually only just realising that my withdrawal symptoms, compared to when I felt the most ill, are definitely improved. This is giving me hope. I always thought I had to go cold turkey - that I was 'all or nothing' - but, in retropect, my tapering off has actually worked. But it has been a bloody battle ! And you're right, it did lead to hanging on to it and back-sliding - which I think comes from a deeply-rooted compulsive part of my personality , stemming from a previous food/sugar addiction which I've had all of my life. Maybe this book will help me to make that final leap. I hope so as I'm so tired of the fight - and of not being able to do it. So, thanks so much for making this post. 🙂 It would be really interesting to hear how you managed your withdrawal, if you're happy to share? Best wishes . Jackie
Jackie (Jaki) from the U.K. says
re: Hi Bobby
Hello, Bobby, I hope you're managing a little better now. I agree with everyone's advice here to really try to just keep going! You have come so far and the truth is that is you go back to caffeine, you'll have to start all over again. You're only 31 so have time to heal from this. And it WILL get better. The more deeply-rooted an addiction becomes, the harder it is to break free. I'm 61 and have a deeply-rooted addiction to caffeine, from the last 5 years (and food/sugar, all my life) from which I'm still trying to break free. I am down to 1 mug a day now but can't seem to make that final break. 🙁 So I'd say do it now! Regarding practical advice for your current symptoms, I would also have suggested taking some time off work, if you can. It must be really difficult to have such a demanding job, cognitively, while you're experiencing caffeine withdrawal. I have the same sleep pattern as you (it seems very common). When I wake up I feel drugged up and my muscles ache, too. It helps me to get in the shower, immediately, and that seems to wake me up and I feel a little better. If you could get some fresh air/sun before and after work, that might help, too. It might sound lame but, as you probably know, being outside and in the sun/air does help to counteract the effects of too much mental activity, and the sun activates the feel-good hormones. I would advise trying to be active, as well, but not anything too demanding. Just walking or light gardening is enough to make you feel better. It's hard at first but it does help. If you don't mind me suggesting, I would advise you to eat a very healthy diet while you are going through this period., if that's at all possible. Your body needs maximum nutrition which will only come from eating whole, fresh food. This will give you energy and help with the healing process. I have successfully managed to minimise eating sugar/junk food etc and know I feel better when I eat this way. I eat organic whole grains, lots of organic fruit/vegetables/salad etc. I'm vegan so get my protein from beans, rice, peas etc but chicken/ lean meat (organic, if possible) and fish would provide high quality protein. EFAs are also really important. The trick is to only eat whole foods - nothing pre-prepared and no junk food. That might seem like a lot of work. But my daughter still eats meat and I make her a Cajun Chicken and Vegetable stir-fry which takes 10-15 minutes to cook (10 minutes preparation)!. Back to the sleeping pattern, I'm not familiar with the suggestions here to aid sleep but this is my remedy. Eating whole grains for supper may help as they have a soporific effect. Oats are definitely the best. I also take calcium citrate and magnesium citrate supplements ( I take them, anyway, because of my age) and I KNOW these help me to relax and fall asleep. I sometimes take them before my normal bedtime or when I wake up after 4-5 hours. Because I KNOW they work, that also helps to reduce my stress about not sleeping so it's a win/win situation. I take the maximum dose but, if you do decide to try it, be careful about over-dosing. I've read that too much calcium/magnesium can adversely affect the stomach but, on the other hand, I've read that caffeine prevents absorption of calcium. So maybe professional advice might be needed. Anyway, I know they help me so thought I'd suggest it. The other thing I've just thought of is could you go to bed earlier, if that's possible, so that when you do wake up after 4 hours, you'd have longer to get that exra sleep before work.? I, too, would advise against taking ginseng. It's another stimulant and would not allow your body to re-balance. I'll finish by saying that you have come so far and it WILL get better. Everyone on here - Dave, John, Denise, ahuman etc - testifies to this. It IS hard (don't I know it!!) but as you've already done 30 plus days, you've already put so much hard work in. . You will feel oh so much better if you do keep going. 🙂 I'll just add , I did reply the first day you posted but couldn't get my post through the 'are you a human?' test lol . Best of luck and wishing you strength. Also, hi to everyone - Dave, John , Denise, Rob and all the 'newbies'- and wishing you all continued strength and determination. I still tread the forum every day but have still felt that I can't really post until I've beaten it ! 🙂 Jackie
John Campbell says
re: Groudis this is very helpful
Groudis this is very helpful - and I agree. Sensitivity to caffeine varies, as does withdrawal experience, in the ways you say.
Great to hear that your anxiety has gone. A doctor said to me recently "a trial of caffeine abstinence in cases of anxiety should always be encouraged", but sadly so few anxiety-sufferers hear this, and so massive un-necessary anxiety suffering goes on.
Yet if those of us who have found this - that caffeine abstinence led to anxiety elimination or major reduction - spread the word, anecdotal evidence will become better known, and scientific trials will follow...
Tommy says
re: Caffeine blues and the withdrawal syndrome
I just wanted to point out that there is a really good book about the perils of caffeine/coffee addiction and breaking the addiction called "Caffeine Blues". The reason I bring it up is because i notice a lot of people here remarking how withdrawal seems to be longer than what they thought it would be - in the book he talks a lot about the withdrawal syndrome and he states that it takes at least 2 months to feel better. It takes this long for the hormones (coffee screws up cortisol, "the death hormone", and gaba, the calming NT, among other things) to stabilize.
Yes, you will go through the initial hell week of headaches and other ills but low energy, mild depression, constipation and sleep issues can continue for another 8 weeks or so. This is why a lot of people give up on giving up caffeine. It is MUCH harder to quit coffee/caffeine than they have been led to believe. It's not just 3 days of headaches and you are done. What usually happens is a person quits and gets to the 2 week point and thinks they are over it but feels horrible and goes back to the coffee, not realizing it is still the effects of past coffee use that is causing them to feel horrible. They are still in withdrawal. In addition, there is the craving and urge to use. This, as well f having coffee and caffeine in your face from nearly every quarter and addicted doctors telling us it is fine in moderation (that's a laugh... daily use is moderation?) make quitting coffee and caffeine very difficult. But totally doable if you realize what you are up against. Heroin, cigarettes, alcohol, and sugar have nothing on coffee and caffeine. Some think caffeine addiction actually drives many of these other addictions, especially sugar, food and alcohol. Quitting can lead to major life changes and changes in personality especially with regards to anxiety and anger issues.
The author of Caffeine Blues recommends to give it at least 2 months. By that time you should be feeling much better.
One thing I should mention is he recommends tapering off caffeine. I think he is right in that you should not quit from a regular high dose (more than a few cups a day) because the withdrawal will be very brutal and you should instead get it down to maybe a cup or 2 before you quit. On the other hand, I personally have found the cold turkey approach more effective for myself. Tapering, if you don't have great discipline, can lead to hanging on to it and even back sliding. Tapering itself can lead to milder withdrawals as well as you lower the amount. As I said, I prefer a combo of tapering to a point and then cold turkey.
Good Luck.
GrandpaBob says
re: Sleep Issues From Caffeine Withdrawl
I've always heard that quitting smoking was the hardest addiction to overcome, but I'm not quite sure I agree. I quit smoking cigarettes nearly 8 years ago, and yes, it quite the challenge, but I think "unhooking" myself from caffeine is proving to be just as difficult. After only 3 or 4 days, I have a headache most of the time and feel somewhat disoriented. I am tired all of the time and want to sleep.
However, unlike Bobby and some others who are having issues with disturbed sleep, I do sleep sound and have no trouble sleeping through the night. I'm pretty sure it is because I take 10mg melatonin every nite before I go to bed. I've been taking it for a couple of years now because as I've been getting older, I started having problems getting back to sleep when I wake up in the night to use the restroom or need a drink of water. Before taking the melatonin, I could lay in bed as long as 2-3 hours tossing and turning and wishing i could get back to sleep. I no longer have that problem, and am so thankful to have found out about the magic of melatonin.
Melatonin is safe (your body produces it!), non-habit forming, and inexpensive. You can buy it at any health food store as well as most larger grocery store. It comes in various strengths (1mg, 3mg, 5mg, and 10mg) and is even safe for children (I discovered it because my 3 year old autistic grandson's doctor recommended it for him). How much you should take will vary from person to person, so you'll have to experiment to see what works best for you. I would suggest starting off with 3mg and gradually increase the dosage to suit your particular need.
I hope this information will help others who need to get their sleep patterns under control. Now, if I could just get past these danged headaches!
Grandpa Bob
Margo says
re: Thanks Dave
Yes, the steady supply of energy is great. I never in a million years thought I could get through even a day without coffee. I get so much done now in a day. I feel truly tired at night, but it's from being so active and not from caffeine withdrawal. Before quitting coffee, I would feel absolutely exhausted in the afternoon to the point where I just wanted to sleep. Not now, though. I even just got back from a vacation which is usually tiring because there is so much to do, and I made it through and did more than ever. This was the true test for me and I had a few doubts at the start of the trip if I was going to make it without drinking coffee, but I did. Before I would be looking for places to buy coffee the whole time I was there.
In response to the people having sleep issues, I had some myself. I would wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to go back to sleep for at least an hour. Just hang in there because like the other side effects, this will pass. I sleep like a rock now. If you don't do any form of exercise, I would definitely recommend you start doing some because physically doing something will help with the sleep later on at night.
Hang in there everyone trying to quit. It is not easy, but realize you are doing something so good and healthy for yourself. The feeling of accomplishment and the higher energy you will have is definitely worth it!!
Dave MM says
re: Hello, Margo. It's good to
Hello, Margo. It's good to see you back and posting again. Congratulations on being caffeine free for two months. That really is an awesome accomplishment, in my opinion. And it's also good to see that you are recognizing the positive benefits of being caffeine free. Isn't that steady and calm supply of energy nice? I think it is! Continued best wishes,
Dave MM
Dave MM says
re: Hi, Lyn. I will answer your
Hi, Lyn. I will answer your question even though it lacked a question mark 🙂
As far as how long the withdrawal symptoms might last, it seems to vary depending upon the person and other factors, including how long they were addicted, how much caffeine they used each day, etc. Personally, I've been a caffeine addict for many years, and was a very heavy user in recent years. I experienced rough physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, but most were gone within 30 days. I think around 60/70 days every noticeable symptom was gone, and only the positive benefits seemed to remain. However, I'm hopeful that you and others can recover sooner than that.
In any case, best of luck to you on beating your addiction. It will be difficult, but it is definitely something you can do. I can also say with a fair amount of certainty that life is more pleasant when you are free of caffeine.
Dave MM
Dave MM says
re: Hello, Bobby. Well, if you
Hello, Bobby. Well, if you read my posts in the past, you know that I can relate to where you currently are. The sleep issues you describe are exactly what I and other posters on here have previously described. These same sleep issues derailed my attempt to quit caffeine in late 2009/early 2010, and made for a rough May and half of June of this summer. Yes, this is definitely a side effect of caffeine withdrawal.
It sounds really awful, but I think you just have to try to ride this out. I know that's shitty advice. However, it's all I have to offer from being where you have been twice. Try to think of it as a little bit of pain now for a lot of feeling great later. I've been off caffeine for over 3 months now, and am starting to feel as good as I've ever felt in my whole adult life. Although, unfortunately, I had to suffer through sleep issues to get here. Eventually, you will experience fewer episodes of disturbed sleep as time passes.
As far as possible solutions, you could try taking some diphenhydramine (the active sleep ingredient in Tylenol PM) before bedtime. Or try drinking some sort of sleepy-themed herbal tea. I like one called Tension Tamer. But given that your problems are staying asleep and not falling asleep, these all could very easily prove ineffective.
I wish you best of luck with the ginseng. However, I must caution you with that as well. I've taken ginseng before, and found it to have the same negative side effects and cycle of addiction as caffeine, although to a lesser extent. In any case, I sincerely hope you are able to get through your sleep issues. I know nothing about you, but honestly feel for you for having to go through this.
If you (or anyone else) needs to discuss this problem, and needs a more immediate response than this forum can give, feel free to email me. I'm going to break my address into two parts to ward off the spam bots. The first part is m_marshall84. The second part is @hotmail.com.
Good luck, Bobby. Check back in sometime and let everyone know how you are doing.
Dave MM
John Campbell says
re: Bobby just on the energy, I
Bobby just on the energy, I do think that on caffeine one has a high awareness of having energy. Without caffeine one does not have that awareness; instead you steadily do things, and only later realise that actually your energy was high enough to do things.
You may be able to get more done than you think...
User says
re: Listen Carefully
look my friend you should take a rest from work for lets say a week and leave every thing about technolegy like phones computers any thing with a communecation, stay away from the tv and any thing have a signal transmition, take a valipam 10, and do not drink any thing have a caffine, after doing this for at least 1 or tow days you will fell some comfortble, then take a vacition, resachdule your time, go to bed early like 10 or 9 PM dont think to mach, do this you will be Good i know what you feel, and beileve me if you still on this satuation your brain will be weak and lazy.. do all this i promise you everything will be okay
User says
re: Bobby, it sounds tough but I
Bobby, it sounds tough but I do think if you can hang in there for another 10 days you will see improvement. Suggestions;
- daily regular exercise, maybe quite intense; say 40-50 minutes run.
- take a weeks holiday right now, from work; as you say you have done so well to get to day 30, it would be a shame to lose this journey so far down the tunnel and turn back. Just say to yourself the next 9 days are going to be cr** but I'll just get through; I don't care how bad it will be.
How heavy was your caffeine use before?
Gruodis says
re: Bobby,
I am a designer and I couldn't imagine myself starting my work without taking one or two redbulls in the morning. I understand how you feel. I had the same symptoms like you and some of them seemed to disappear before appearing again. With depression/anxiety and headaches, when they wanished they started to manifest themeselves in a cyclic pattern, every few days, but still less and less often. I believe soon you will start having better days. Few weeks I could'nt sleep longer than 2 hous in a row and if I went t o sleep at 12, I was awaking at 2 AM, then strugling one hour to try to sleep again and the waking at ~ 4AM and later again at 6AM. I felt like a mess. Actually I hated this feeling very much, when you are tired and your brain is restless. It's because of increased blood flow to the brain. I am sure you will gradually start sleeping better and better after a week or so. Now I go to sleep when I am really tired at ~1AM and sleep peacefully until 6 or 7 and then just lay in bet till 8. Not enough to rest but way better than before. Things change, it only takes time, be sure. How you feel now will not las for ever.
I am not sure if ginseng will help or if you need any stimulant at all. Don't look for caffeine substitutes, because there are none except dangerous drugs. I would rather suggest vitamin B complex and eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Be strong! You are not alone.
Gruodis says
re: Withdrawal lasts longer
Today is almost 50 days after my last sip of coke. I am happy to say that I am still sane and alive. I only sleep 5-6 hours but sleep deeper these last days, and still have problems with tinnitus. By how I feel myself I think that my blood vessels in my brain are still dilated and pump more oxygen than needed, this is why I still get mild headaches and sometimes feel dizzy. My quality of life is getting better little by little. And I am happy to realize that this is probably my personal record, I have never been that long without caffeine for many many years!
I want to share what I strongly feel after reading your comments ant tons and tons of articles on the web about caffeine and withdrawal from it. It is not true that caffeine withdrawals last only up to 9 days. For some, yeas. For majority - maybe. But not for every one! It may last weeks or months. This is what I think:
- few days for the person with mild addiction
- up to one month for the person with physical addiction without strong psychological dependance
- 2 and more months for those who develop both extremely strong physical and psychoemotional dependence to the caffeine.
We know that caffeine makes blood vessels in the brain to contrict and vessels in the muscles to expand. And when you stop taking it opposite thing happens, and this is why you get headaches, foggy, and your hands and legs feel numb. It may last untill your body fully adjusts.
When you use caffeine over many years it alters not only your cognitive system and emotional perceptions but as well your nervous, lymph and digestive systems. And it may affect your body in other unknown ways. If this is happening over years, how it is possible that you withdraw and detox in like 9 days??? Body not only needs to recover but learn to function on it's own without this strong stimulant.
It takes time. In my case after one month everything started to get better. Very slowly, but still it works! I am not anxious any more, I have used bromazepam to help with anxiety, and I have successfuly stopped using it already. This is great!
Bobby says
re: 30 days in and I am sending out an S.O.S.
I have read the posts on here over and over again. I read them at night when I cant sleep or when I am feeling weak/depressed like I am now. Reading the comments by people like DaveMM have helped me make it this far. I thought by the time I got to 30 days I would be all right but I am not at all. My brain is still foggy and I still have insomnia. I sleep for about 4 hours then pop awake. After a few more hours I am able to go back to sleep and when I wake up my head feels heavy like I was drugged. The heavy foggy feeling never goes away tho. I am programmer and being able to use my brain pretty much makes or breaks me. I am depressed bc I thought that if I made it this far I would be in the clear. I feel like my life is passing me by. I get very sad and I know part of it is chemcial caused by the withdrawal and part is bc my work output is terrible. Im 31 now and my history with caffeine goes back to maybe 13 years old. I was undiagnosed with gluten intolerance, so I was always tired and I relied on caffeine for my energy. Its challenging for me to even write this right now because my head hurts. I am going to buy some ginseng. I cant have another bad work day. I hope the ginseng does something good. Whats really depressing is that I know my energy is not coming back tomorrow or probably even this week. Sending out an S.O.S for anyone who is listening...
Margo says
re: Marvin,
You have made the
Marvin,
You have made the right decision to quit caffeine. Stay strong and don't give in to any cravings. I have been off caffeine for just about 2 months now and I have never felt better. I never thought I could do it. The withdrawal is so worth the feeling of accomplishment at having given up a very addictive substance. I feel very calm now, and believe it or not I have more energy then I did when drinking coffee. You can do it!
lyn says
re: Recent Cold Turkey Off Chocolate
I had a very bad chocolate addiction for years. I had chocolate in some form from morning until night after dinner until a bad reaction landed me in the ER 3 weeks ago. During the time I ate chocolate I was buzzing throughout the day and, after a while, really didn't feel good. I had headaches and eyeaches, heart palpitations and couldn't really relax. It also made me more impatient, irritable and on edge.
Well, it has been almost three weeks that I just went cold turkey off of any chocolate and anything with caffeine in it. Also greatly reduced my sugar intake. The first week was the worst with headaches, my ears felt full and I had a noticeable ring in them, my arms felt achey, thinking wasn't clear and anxiety would wash over me at times. I felt off everyday as if I wasn't myself. I was also very tired.
The second week I felt a little better midway through the week. The headaches were less intense and by the end of the week were much better. My arms still ached and I felt tired. It is a wierd relaxed tired feeling. Also my thinking became clearer but, at times, some anxiety would hit.
This is now my third week off of any caffeine and for the first time I have been having some desire for caffeine. I have a very light headache, my arms still ache, now by back aches more and I am still having that weird relaxed tired feeling. I also still have ringing in my ears some. Also, for some reason a feeling of anxiety has been coming and going earlier today that I hadn't had for a few days. I wonder if it has something to do with the stage of withdrawel I am in and/or the new craving for chocolate and caffeine that I didn't have until today.
This is the first time that I have tried to quit my caffeine addiction and won't ever go back to it. The overload of caffeine that I went through was horrible. Does anyone have any information regarding how long I can expect to go through these withdrawel symptoms. Everything seems to settle down some for a while and then and then a wave of these different symptoms hit.
Looking forward to feeling normal again but without the caffeine buzz daily and all that it included.
Dave MM says
re: Marvin,
Â
First of all, I'd
Marvin,
First of all, I'd like to extend my sincerest congratulations to you on making it two weeks caffeine free. From my numerous failed attempts to kick caffeine in the past, I understand what an important accomplishment that is.
I think you are correct in your assertion that sadness and negative thoughts are part of the withdrawal process. I clearly remember having similar thoughts, including incredible feelings of self doubt, in my first few weeks of caffeine withdrawal earlier this summer. I could also relate to your tales of feeling crazy and paranoid on high doses of caffeine. That has been a great side effect of being caffeine free: I rarely now feel paranoid or anxious. It is truly a wonderful feeling, one that I hope everyone can experience in their lifetimes.
For now, I encourage to keep up the good work and continue the struggle. You're in a sort of difficult time period right now in the withdrawal phase, in my opinion. You're likely not experiencing any extreme physical withdrawal symptoms... but you are far from feeling great. Does that sound about right? It seems to me that most people quit at that point, thinking it would be better to go back to caffeine in moderation than live their lives with negative emotions and insufficient energy.
But know that honestly these feelings will pass. It will take time for your central nervous system to reset and learn to operate effectively without constant artificial stimulation. It will take a lot of hard work to get through all of the withdrawal, but it is definitely something you can do. Good luck! Check back in and let us all know how you are doing sometime down the road.
Dave MM
Dave MM says
re: Hi, Mae. I can really relate
Hi, Mae. I can really relate to what you've said. The reason that you (and apparently 9 out of every 10 American adults) are addicted to caffeine is that it does make you feel great at first, delivering several weeks (at least) of profound alertness and energy. But unfortunately, the negative side effects like anxiety eventually come through, and become more and more noticeable. And then you are getting your caffeine fix each day just to feel 'normal'. Only by that point, you don't even know what the hell normal is anymore. This is my 91st day off of caffeine, and I feel like I'm finally figuring out what normal feels like.
Congratulations on making this positive change in your life. The first 30 days or so are easily the most difficult. However, it will definitely get better over time. Some people find the improvement to be slow, and others have posted that the improvement is dramatic. I'm hopeful that one day you can look up and realize that you feel good, just as good as you used to feel on caffeine, without the negative side effects.
Best of luck to you Mae in your struggle to remain caffeine free. We are all pulling for you.
Dave MM
Denise says
re: Hello Marvin
While withdrawal is a horrible and often frightening experience, know in your heart that you are absolutely doing the right thing by giving up caffeine. Your body is fighting to regain its health and the more time you allow yourself to heal, the better and better you will feel. This is no short-term thing. Healing the adrenal glands, central nervous system and other areas will take lots of time. But your freedom from being addicted to a substance like caffeine will be a sweet reward. Best of luck to you, Marvin.
John C says
re: Hi Marvin you sound strong
Hi Marvin you sound strong with good motivation - I reckon you are just going through the worst stage now, and by day 30 things will be getting easier - best wishes to you
John C says
re: Mae well done - every
Mae well done - every encouragement to you
Marvin says
re: Sorry if this is
Sorry if this is disorganised, it just mirrors my current state of mind.
I quit drinking coffee about two weeks ago. It wasn't until yesterday that I realised how much the withdrawal was still affecting me. The first three days I had a headache so bad that I actually thought of putting my head down on the train tracks in front of the train so that it would just stop. I'm not quite sure how the hell I made it because there is a Tim Hortons (I'm Canadian) right across the street. I actually went so far as to get some heavy painkillers from my neighbor, that I would normally never take.
On the second or third day into quitting, I was walking home from a friends house and my legs felt puffy and numb, although they didn't look swollen. I googled it, and it turned out that it is a somewhat rare caffeine withdrawal symptom.
That headache lasted for three days and got so bad I really wished I would just go to sleep and never wake up. Yesterday, my shoulders, which have been excrutiatingly tense for months, finally relaxed. I'm starting to feel like myself again.
It's 12:26 am over here. Today, or yesterday as of 26 minutes ago, I started feeling sad and it started to seem like the whole world was falling apart. I'm still completely riddled with negative thoughts. I just figured out a few minutes ago that that must be part of the withdrawal, because this really isn't like me and I have a lot of great things to look forward to right now.
Also, yesterday I started to finally feel tired. I haven't felt such a relaxed state in years. And I'm chosing to continue quitting because I'd rather feel sad like this than feel the way the coffee was making me feel. I was drinking about a liter of that crap three times a day. That may not sound like much, but it was affecting me like crazy. It was getting to the point where after my last cup in the evening, I'd be counting the hours until my mind slowed down enough to sleep and my heart stopped palpitating. Also, I was starting to act so weird that people thought I was on drugs. I know this might sound stupid, but I think it was actually making me psychotic and paranoid. Everything just seemed out of place.
Furthermore, I don't think I've had a single night of proper, restful sleep in over a year. I actually felt awake for what felt like the first time ever today, but then the brain fog set back in.
Also, when I woke up on the second day of withdrawal I thought that I was dying. I felt so drained.
Anyway, despite the fact that I'm cranky, tired and sleep deprived, I still feel better than when my heart was pumping so hard I thought I was going to explode. I still feel better than when I was paranoid or when I was acting like a speed freak.
Oh, and something funny, sort of, when I had the really bad headache, I was so mad I wanted to walk over to Tim Hortons and yell at them. But luckily I didn't, but I still might some day.
So far, this experience has really changed my perception on caffeine. I thought I was going insane, or at least more insane than I already am, but it was just that stupid drug.
Another thing I forgot to mention is that it had reached the point where I'd skip all my meals during the day and just get a drink that had a crapload of sugar mixed in with the coffee. I'm eating again, so that's a good thing.
Oh, and the constipation, holy crap, no pun intended, has been going on on and off since I quit.
And that is all I really have to say right now.
John Campbell says
re: congratulations and all
congratulations and all strength to yu neveragain - look forward to your next update
Mae says
re: Cold turkey caffeine withdrawel
After years of daily consumption of chocolate in various forms and an increase during the last couple of years, I finally had too much caffiene in my system. I was on a constant caffeine buzz that felt good at first - alertness and energy in the morning - but as the day wore on caused headaches, hearth palpitations once in a while, nervousness and being in edge. One night after eating too much chocolate I had horribly fuzzy and disjointed thinking and reasoning with nervousness and anxiety that I have never experienced before. Backtracking through this fuzziness I realized that my system could no longer handle the caffeine. I had had it.
It scared me so much that the next day I went off of caffeine cold turkey. During the first week I had a bad headache, eyeache, ringing in my ears, cold symptoms such as popping ears and some congestion, arms aching, fatigue, problems concentrating, and nervousness and anxiety that would just hit out of nowhere.
I had read that after a week the symptoms would get better and surprisingly at 1 week I felt better. But then the desire for caffeine hit, which I ignore. I am at day 11 and still have symptoms such as daily headache, arms aching, backache (that I haven't had before) and fatigue. It is really hard to get going in the morning. I finally get some energy after breakfast and then start to feel fatigued later throughout the day. Sleep at night has been fine.
I have concentrated on getting enough sleep, eating more healthy meals with my vitamins each morning and exercising more. After what I experienced 11 days ago it scared me so much that I will never go back to anything with caffeine in it.
I just hope that all of the symptoms will disappear soon. Sounds from Dave that they can last a while so I will be patient. Feeling off every day is a pain but it is worth it if the end result is true good health.
Dave MM says
re: Hi, JJkale. Thank you taking
Hi, JJkale. Thank you taking the time to make such a well thought out post, including your own personal history. I could relate to your feelings of being incredibly high and wired on caffeine. And of course the corresponding lows were awful.
I don't really have much advice for you, especially on decaf coffee, which I've never consumed. You would seem to have a real advantage on beating your caffeine addiction given that you've beaten other addictions in the past. But be prepared, it could very well be easier or much more difficult than withdrawal from other substances. I was a smoker for the better part of 4 years. My whole life I've seen people describe how difficult quitting smoking is. Well, for me, quitting smoking was like a walk in the park compared to quitting caffeine. Time and time again I've found that caffeine is truly is an easy ride to get on to, and yet a surprisingly diffcult one to get off of.
I sincerely wish you the best of luck in your quest to beat caffeine. It will be a long and difficult process, but it is definitely something you can do. I've been caffeine free for almost 90 days now... and I'm nearly ready to label it the best thing I've ever done for myself. Post back sometime and let us all know how you are doing. Take care,
Dave MM
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