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
Lisa says
re: Been reading them over and over
I just wish I could calm down a bit.. I think benzos traumatized me so much that I'm terrified ill never get better.. I keep thinking that I'm losing it or I'm gonna go crazy..yes the post definately help me.. I have been so tired everyday fighting this anxiety.. I wake up all night like 4 times and that was never one of my benzo symptoms.. I just feel like I'm in a constant state of nervousness and that makes me panic and then I get worse.. I need some pointers on how to calm down.. Will my body just start to calm down by itself ? Ugh I hate this
Lisa says
re: This is not normal
What kind of anxiety are we talking about here ? I'm in a constant state of panic:(.. I don't want to end up in a hospital :(.. I feel like cold turkey.. I'm so scared.. How can I make it stop?
Lisa says
re: But the anxiety is not manageable
I was actually throwing up today from the anxiety and I still have diareaha too.. I know that I am healthy but why am
I feeling so bad? Was your anxiety this bad:(
User says
re: Lisa you've only been off 3 weeks
Just keep reading all the posts, that will help. I don't think it will take you 5 months to imprve the anxiety, you are much younger than me and haven,t been on caffeine as long.
The only other thing u can do (IMO) is to go back on caffeine, starting with tiny doses (thats how I did it) and then come off more slowly, but only you can decide. You might find that a timy dose of tea would not be so difficult as a huge dose of soda.
Loads of people on this site were still anxious at a month off - keep reading the posts......
Lisa says
re: To anonymous with the flu:)
If you could email when you are better I would really appreciate it.. I am really struggling withe the negative thinking and anxiety and I am not functioning well at 22 days off.. I fight to get through everyday and the anxiety is so har to handle.. I am so scared to introduce caffeine again.. These intrusive thoughts are so scary.. Really took 5 months to tame the anxiety a bit.. I don't want to end up back on benzos again:(.. It probably would not help anyhow, Thanks for writing me, lisa
Lisa says
re: Betsy how are you now?
I am wondering how you are coming long now Betsy... Are you improved? My symptoms are still so rough at 21 days off.. This stinks.. I hope it passes.. IMO desperate for a break, Lisa
User says
re: thanks Jackie and Hi Lisa
I agree, I won't put any toxins back now, I would be crazy. I think I was panicking because I was going down with flu and didn't realise it at the time. I still have it and of course it exacerbates all the symptoms. I am so relieved to hear you are still experienceing the anger ets, I had assumed that after your longer taper, you were not experiencing any more symptoms, but I suppose you must be. I would be very interested to know what symptoms you are experiencing and to what degree. I forgot to mention in my post to Lisa, that I still have anxiety, but that started to improve after I had been off about 5 months. My eyes are still very sore and itchy too., etc etc.
Anyway, thanks for the advice - I have calmed down a bit now, and of course I won't go back on the poison
PS Lisa I am too exhausted from the flu to get back to you at the moment, but I will eventually. I don't really want to discuss benzos here, I visit the benzo site for that.
It is wonderful that we can support each other here, I am so glad Jackie is back - I had been wondering how she was doing.
Lisa says
re: ANXIETY!!!!
How can this anxiety be normal? I have never felt such a thing in all my life.. I am 25 days off and I am in a horrible panic everyday.. I will not take meds but can someone please tell me this will stop some day soon! I was throwing up today because the panic was so bad! Where is this coming from!!! This is crazy
Lisa says
re: No end in sight
I swear I see no end in sight.. This is awful.. If I go by the last day of soda it's been 25 days and by ice tea it's 21 .. My god the fear and anxiety are consuming me.. I feel like it will never end.. I cannot handle this, Lisa.. Anyone???
User says
re: lisa i have already replied
See my post "going back on caffeine" perhaps it crossed with your post. No of course I am not on any medication, never again.
Lisa says
re: Going back on the poison
Thank you so much for writing me back!!! You have no idea how much it means to me!! Well I cannot even imagine going back now that I am 23 days off caffeine.. I am hoping to see some improvement soon... Yesterday I had a bit of a three hour window where I felt a bit better.. My adrenaline rushes are not as bad and don't wake me up in the last week or so.. I sill feel like utter crap and I'd swear I was coming off benzos again lol but in a milder fashion.. I just kept thinking that I was dying.. I too was suicidal about 10 days again and that in itself scared the death out of me... Can someone tell me if this gets worse after three weeks .. I seem to be very slowly improving but I keep getting a scary feeling that I will take a turn for the worse.. I have even consulted with all my old benzo friends and they have been a great help.. Well today I woke up with that dreadful anxiety .. I hate it more than anything.. I keep breathing through it but its hard.. I have the tight muscles and my vision is a bit messy still.. I want to ask you about the dizziness.. I feel like I'm on a boat all day!! This was one of my worse benzo symptoms and it scares me.. It shoots adrenaline right through me.. Also my feet are still sweating and I still have some nausea and I'm exhausted of course.. I woke up a few times last night and then I woke at 530 am and could not go back to sleep. I'm super cold and have a nervous tummy.. I also have some weird head symptoms, foggy , feels like sand in my head.. I'm pretty sure the shock of this brought back some of my benzo symptoms to remind me to never take drugs in any form again!!.. I was just curious as to when your anxiety became more easy to deal with.. I hate to be stuck with it again.. My neck and back are killing me ugh and I still have zero motivation to do anything .. The thought of going back on caffeine is so scary that I feel that I shouldn't .. I just want to know if this will improve cause if I get worse I cannot handle it.. This is scary enough to kill someone .. For caffeine!!!!! Anyhow thank you so muh for responding. My email is lisaleito0403@gmail.com and that way maybe we can keep min touch more.. Please tell me what benzo symptoms you have remaining and how long you were on and what and how you tapered? I'm so curious to know. Thanks for your response.. Lisa
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: To Anon (60 year habit)
This is really hard for you but the bottom line is that if we put poisons, caffeine, benzos etc into our bodies then payback IS going to be very hard when we are detoxing them - especially if we've been putting them in for a long time. When you realise how much harm these poisons do to our bodies, minds and emotions, it is very scary - and it's all legal. Everyone is different but I know this. If I'd not had caffeine etc and had been clean for 7 months, there is NO WAY I would put any more poison back into my body and mind. I, too, experience that irritablity, anger etc and I KNOW it's the payback from using stimulants. Now it's normal to get angry or irritable sometimes but stimulants (when they wear off or you stop using them, accentuate it). That's why they call alcohol the 'demon drink', as you probably know. When your body gets used to the hit of caffeine, it no longer produces that same hit without a ton of stimulant and, eventually, the caffeine stops working, at all (at least that's how it was for me). So you just end up feeling like hell all the time, physically and emotionallly. Again, the bottom line is that, until you FULLY DETOX all those stored toxins, you are going to feel very rough My feeling is this. If you put more toxins in, you are elongating the detox process so my advice would be - stick with it, if you possibly can - there WILL be healing! If you go back over the posts here, you'll find that it did take some people many months and up to a year to feel better again. I've noticed that the older we are, the longer it takes us - which makes sense I guess. Well, best of luck with whatever you do, keep me posted. Best wishes, Jackie. P.S. I'm so glad your diet is good - it does help with healing 🙂
Lisa says
re: Hi ( I thought you had recovered).. 7 months with symptoms stil
Please tell me what symptoms you still are suffering from? Did you cold turkey caffeine? Are your symptoms manageable now at 7 months off and are you on any medication? Medication really messes with withdrawl.. Please tell me as I am curious to know how you are feeling.. Lisa
User says
re: why can't i get to the recent posts when I click on them
Hello Daniel,
I am unable to read these posts :"Omg!! i couldn't stop laughing
Ahuman please write back
Hi Sam
Plus I tried to open a new account so I could login and have not recieved the promised email with further instructions
Thanks for this v useful site!!
Lisa says
re: Dear fellow benzo buddie
Can you please tell me hat benzos you were on and for how long? I'm wondering if that is why we are so very sensitive to caffeine.. I actually came off the caffiene back in dec 2010 and I started drinking At about 5 months pregnant and my baby is now 7 months... I quit almost a month ago.. Can you tell me what symptoms you are having ? My anxiety is brutal and I never had it until I came off benzos but it totally went away a while ago... I absolutely sick that it came back to haunt me.. I have like this organic fear in my body and its so scary.. It's crazy how much this feels,like benzo wd and its so devastating that I am back in this boat after I fought so hard for my life.. If I could start drinking caffeine again I would but I tried and I had the mother of all panic attacks.. So here I am struggling through everyday a praying this leaves me soon.. Can you tell me if you have anxiety cause it is my most hated symptom and some days it is so powerful I cannot stand it.. I also I feel like I'm on a boat too all day and I'm so dizzy.. I really threw my body into something and I am praying it levels out.. I am 37 and I was on benzos a total of 9 months including my 7 month taper.. I really think that is what is messing me up:(.. Can you please tell me all your symptoms? Thank you so much for your last reply.. It helps to know I'm not alone.. I pray that you are feeling better soon..Lisa
User says
re: going back on caffeine
Yes, I had problems going back on caffeine too, and I had to go back v gradually, over about 3 weeks I got back up to my original dose (a huge, 500ml mug of very strong tea per day) and then I cut down very gradually over 3 or 4 months. I wish I had taken about 6 months but I didn't know how fast to taper and I just wanted to get off the stuff
I have been off for 34 weeks now, and I have flu, so it is a bit dificult to assess how I feel, but the aches and pains arevery much improved, ( I could hardly walk for the low back pain for about 3 months), the fatigue is lifting, the low 'depressed" mood has gone, the gut problems come and go, my main problem is my inability to deal with ANY stress, the least little thing makes me so frustrated and angry, I am a nightmare person atm. But tapering off worked much better, I didn't have the severe symptoms I describe below this time, just severe back ache,fatigue etc, nothing I cannot cope with, it just means I am not really enjoyig life much atm. But they are improving all the time.
The best thing about it for me is that my sleep has greatly improved, I still wake 2 or 3 times per night (this is one of my remaining benzo symptoms), but now I ALWAYS get back to sleep, and the sleep is a much better quality sleep. Plus, since I got off caffeine food tates so GOOD, it's unbelievable, and my skin looks so healthy. I think I was panicking because I was going down with flu when I asked Jackie about going back on caffeine again, I think that would be crazy. But for you I think it might help. When I cold turkeyed off caffeine, I was so suicidal I even went to NA meetings, just to be around people, and I was so nauseous and dizzy I could hardly stand up, I lasted about 2 weeks before I went back on and that was a nightmare until I stabilised after a week or two. I hope this helps you. Do you drink tea? it might be easier to get back on tea rather than going back on sodas. I would avoid coffee though, I tried going back on coffee and my throat was so sore it was bleeding. I had a sore throat on tea too, butnot so bad.
So to be clear, my remaining symptoms are:dry cough, slight headache occasionally, fatigue (improved and improving ), constipation alternating with diarrhoea, severe irritability, can't deal with stress, back ache, occasional bouts of the shakes, weird cramping sensation in feet (at night), patch of exzema on face (improving), variable appetite, bouts of cog fog, and I cannot stand any mess anywhere and as my flat is usually in a mess because I am so tired all the time, too many 4 letter words get hurled about.
Lisa says
re: Ahuman please write back
Can you tell me more about you timeline... I am doing so bad and I want to know how long before you saw any changes... I am so sick and scared:(.. I'm like 21 days in... I need a break.. Thanks so much, Lisa
Lisa says
re: Omg can we talk
Omg that is what I said!!! It's just like benzo withdrawl:(.. I am so scared here!! Are we allowed to exchange email or no? If we are my email is lisaleito0403@gmail.com.. How long are you off caffeine now? Does this stop eventually? It's been 21 days!! Now way I can go back on!! I tried and they called the paramedics cause I was sooooo bad!!! Im just waiting for a break.. If the symptoms were just manageable I could cope better... The anxiety and numbness and all the weird sensations came back and they are FREAKiNG me out!!! Please please write me back ASAP!!! Thanks for responding;).. Lisa
User says
re: Jackie thanks
thanks for replying, if you read my comment to Lisa "well u could try" you will see that I have had to eliminate all toxins and am on a super healthy diet. I didn't realise you had tapered over 18months, and I am tempted to go back on and do that myself. I tapered off over 3 months and have been off 7 months now. It is the mental stuff I can't deal with, it makes life hell, Iam always always in an angry irritable mood. do you thin that I should go back on a low dose and see what happens? I am 70 this year, most of my life was wrecked by benzodiazepines, I don't want the last few years to be wrecked by caffeine withdawl symptoms.
I tapered off one large cup of strong tea a day over 3 months, and perhaps I should go back and start again.... Please tell me what you would advise
Lisa says
re: Hi Sam
What you said about the anxiety.. I think that is so true.. It's been 20 days for me now with no end in sight with the anxiety but today was manageable.. I forced myself to clean and distract.. It's so hard to push though the days with anxiety cause I have never had it.. Praying it leaves!! How long did it take you? I hope you are well, Lisa
Jackie from the U.K says
re: To Anon - (60 year habit)
Thanks for your reply, much appreciated 🙂 Well, when I read that you're still struggling after a 60 year habit, can I be honest and say that I'm not surprised it's taking a long time to recover!? I'm 62 and have been struggling with caffeine and sugar/eating problems as long as I can remember (although I did have a long period when I didn't drink tea or coffee and, also, ate a very healthy diet and lost 5 stones ( 70lbs) in weight). It seems to me that the longer we're putting all that poison into our bodies (and being aware that if the liver can't handle detoxing all the toxins, it will store them in fat), it's no wonder that it takes longer to get rid of them. As you've read, it took me 18 months to taper off....which is much, much longer than most. I tried to go turkey but never could. I think the drinking/eating patterns were just so ingrained in my mind and body and that's why it took me so long. It's still pulling me now. I wonder if this rings any bells with you?? So I would say try to keep going, it definitely WILL get better but when we've been putting poison in, I'd guess it takes longer to get it all out. Anyway, let me know how you're doing and best of luck. Jackie P.S. Sorry to go on about this again lol....but the importance of a healthy diet is so important when coming off any toxic substance.....it really will help to hasten the healing process ( hope that's OK to say :)) Good luck!
Jackie from the U.K says
re: To Lisa
Hi, Lisa, haven't got much time but wanted to reply 🙂 First, I'm really glad you're against taking any more drugs which would mean putting even more toxins into your body. From what I've read over the years in relation to drugs, caffeine, sugar, pesticides etc etc, if our bodies get overloaded with too many toxins, they get stored in the body (mainly in fat) so......if we stop taking in those toxins and, particulary when we're trying to lose weight, we start to detox like crazy and get all of these horrible symptoms. I noticed you were trying to lose weight so this might have contributed to how ill you're feeling. I'm not a doctor so I can't say if this is 100% true.....but it sounds to me that you could even had stored some of the toxins from when you were on drugs after your dad passed ( sorry to hear that). So what with caffeine, prescription drugs and all the other rubbish we eat/inhale etc, I would say it's possible that's why you're feeling so rough. Your body is on a major detox. But it WILL get better as your body gets rid of all the toxins. Again, from what I've read, it is SO important to eat a healthy diet when your body in in detox mode. We need vitamins/minerals to help with the detox and to replenish what's been lost. If you could just add some fruit/veg to your diet, that would really help. (Again what I've read.) I've been dieting on and off for 50 years so there ain't nothin I don't know about dieting lol! One final thing, it looks like you've already seen the doc and that your bloods came back normal....so it does look like your body is in detox overdrive. It WILL get better, Lisa, I hope you can hang on in there 🙂 Best wishes, Jackie P.S. And I'll just say, try not to worry about your kids at this stage. It sounds like your fiance is looking after them while mum gets better. And that's what they want - for mummy to get better!
User says
re: well u could try
you could try my going back on and tapering off again. btw, I share your benzo experience, I was on them for decades and have been off them for 10 years plus and still have residual sx. I had no history of depression or anxiety pre benzos, I was put on them for a physical (muscle related) problem, but that's why I am having a hard time with caffeine, I am extra sensitive to all chemicals and some foods now. If I had realised what caffeine was doing to me, I would have stopped drinking it years ago.
It seems just like benzo wd to me too, but milder. I just hope it is shorter...........(and I do seem to be improving faster than I ever did from benzos). I think it might be wise for you to go back on caffeine for a few months and do a taper.
User says
re: that's good news
I have read all your previous posts and have been wondering how you are getting on. I am the "anon" who has been off for some months after tapering, and I cannot believe how long recovery is taking, but I am recovering from a 60 year habit. Anyway, I am so glad you are off the stuff after all your struggles and I hope it won't take you a long as it is taking me to get fully better. My mood is constantly horribly irritable and my gut is still playing up, fatigue is a lot improved, but still very much around as are the aches and pains, memory probs etc.
I was disapppointed to read John C's post saying that he is sort of off and on now, but if you read this John C, what I really wanted to hear was another post saying that you feel so wonderful when you are caffeine free, you would never touch the stuff again. So why did you go back on? Anyway, nice to hear from you both.
Lisa says
re: Are u feeling any better
Are you feeling any better? This is so scary and awful.. I'm terrified it will neverass and I'm gonna go crazy or something, Lisa
Lisa says
re: Dizzy
Is it normal to be this dizzy? I have never been so dizzy and it's scaring me.. Please let me know.. Thank you, Lisa
Lisa says
re: 19 days off caffeine
I swear I will never do this to myself again:(.. Anyone have dizzy spells.. They are kicking my butt and when do my bowel fix themselves.. My gosh!! Sorry I know .. I wish the symptoms would at least lift a bit.. I cannot belie how normal I look an how awful I feel.. My poor kids and fiancé.. Wow they are looking at me like mommy not again.. How can you be sick again.. How can I be!!!! Absolutely beautiful baby , disaster house, need to shop, kids have appointments, omg the anxiety( which I never ever had before except into benzo withdrawl), please god let it lift ... I am having some weird head symptoms and always feel like I'm
On the verge of panic.. Like my poor body is in overdrive.. Everyone says the second month is a little better .. Omg I pray for that.. Please let it pass.. I'm
So glad I found this forum.. I seriously thought I was suffering a complete mental breakdown.. Thank you Pepsi and caffeine
Lisa says
re: 60 year addiction wow
I sure loved my caffeine too:(.. I was in the Navy and our ship had the best mud ever... I stopped coffee as it gave me too much anxiety.. I drank it for 20 some odd years.. This is horrible .. I feel like death on wheels and I kniw nothing can help but time..19 days off today.. Does it really get better or at least manageable.. My gosh I've been in bed almost three weeks with very little energy to do anything but cry cry and cry.. I hate the dizziness and adrenaline hits when I'm falling asleep.. So glad I slept last night.. I'm so ashamed that I did this to myself.. I hope I make it out alive cause I'd swear I was dying.. Not according
To the docs though.. I'm in perfect health.. Does it get better.. I pray it doesn't get worse:0
Lisa says
re: Thank you Jackie
Omg thank you for writing me back... Woke up this morning and sill feel like hell.. I cannot believe that I am going through caffeine withdrawl right now.. I went throw absolute heck with benzos because the stupid doctors kept shooting me up with them after I lost my dad.. Needless to say I had no idea what hit me and I got slammed for months with unspeakable sympoms.. This is all too familiar and I'm very scared how long it's gonna last
.. Medication is NOT an option .. I'd rather die.. I am two years off benzos on October 21 and three years off opiates, nicotine and caffiene for the first time on Christmas.. Omg i need support as no one understands... I think my body is just so so sensitive to any huge changes because of what I went through.. I was like 98% healed!!! I'm absolutely devastated.. I cannot believe it.. I was just trying to lose weight:(.. I never thought to taper.. I tried having some caffeine about 4 days before I had totally quit and I had a huge panic attack...they are terrifying to say the least.. You can't imagine the pain of not being 100 percent for my kids again.. I'm disgusted and I pray that I can at least get through the acute phase and become partially functional again.. I wanna punch myself..I felt amazing until a month ago..:(.. Well I still have a bunch of sympoms like horrible anxiety, depression, weird throat sensations, diareaha , sweaty feet ( omg horrible), some shaking, lots if head symptoms, hot flashes seem to be calming down, some shooting head pain, body pain, nausea... Yuck I feel like I'm in cold turkey again from benzos.. Can someone tell me when you felt a little Better.. Thank go I'm
Not working right now!!! I would have to quit.. My acid reflux calmed down a bit but my other symptoms not so much.. My body is so mad at me:(... U had all my bloodwork come back perfect, perfect perfect... This is unreal.. I actually had a window of okayness last night and I slept better... I'm so sad.. I have got to get through this. Any help is so greatly appreciate.. I don't want to miss my baby's first Halloween, thanksgiving, Christmas:(... This stinks
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: To Lisa
I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this, especially with a new baby. It's difficult to know how to advise you. One thing you should know is that the symptoms WILL reduce and eventually, you'll feel better. Part of me wants to say that as you've already done 17 days (and possibly longer now), it might be a good idea to try to carry on as you've already come so far. The longest I ever managed was 5 days clean - so you've done really well, already. 🙂 But it depends on how you're coping with your family. I, too, tapered for a long time and have only just got off caffeine so you have all my sympathy. I'm not sure how old your baby is but maybe you might consider speaking to your doctor about this ( although beware of other drugs which might make it worse, as you already know). If you can, eat as well as possible as this will help to stabilise your blood sugar and help with the symptoms. I know this is hard when you have a family but it does help. I swear by oats - they help with anxiety and sleeping problems. Well, best of luck and let us know how you're doing. However you decide to cope, don't give up - you'll get through and WILL feel better. Best wishes, Jackie. P.S. I have just posted about my own experience so there might be some tips for you there.
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: FINALLY......after 18 months!!
I just wanted to post on here and say that, after 18 long months, I've FINALLY turned a real corner in beating my caffeine and related addiction to sugar. From 6 -8 large mugs/take-outs a day ( and feeling absolutely terrible, most of the time), I very gradually weaned (this was a battle not a rational decision) and finally got to the point where I was having 1 or 2 decafs a day, with the odd lapse of a normal one. However, after a summer of weddings, birthday parties and holidays, my eating was out of control (again!) and I had a major munchies problem. I felt ill, desperate and very unhappy. Originally, I'd been using caffeine and sugar to try to escape the problems in my life or to make myself feel a little better (oh, the irony)......but, of course, you end up feeling like hell.
This is what changed my perception. I'd been thinking that at least I was down to mainly decaf but was agonising over why my eating urges were still so strong. I am a vegan and the main part of my diet is very healthy - pure, whole foods - but then I get these overwhelming urges to eat, eat eat sugar/carbs and once I start, I can't stop. Then something came to my mind. I've got a book, Natural Alternatives to Dieting by Marilyn Glenville and I remembered the chapter ' Mood, Food and Cravings.' So there it all was. How coffee AND decaf coffee (it contains 2 other stimulants), tea and sugar etc all spike the blood sugar and lead to that cycle of highs and lows. When your blood sugar falls so low (after the highs of caffeine/sugar etc), you experience these strong biochemical urges to eat sugar/drink more caffeine to raise it again. Now, I knew this but reading it all again made me realise that I COULD actually try to control my eating/drinking and hence my moods by ditching caffeine/sugar properly. Instead of always thinking, I can't do it, I can't do it, I suddenly realised there WAS a way.
So here I am ....only a few days in but it's my attitude that's changed. I already feel a little better - a little clearer, more motivated and more positive than at any other period in the last 18 months. I guess because I feel hope. I had been sleeping better, anyway, as my caffeine consumption was lower but I do still get very tired, experience a lot of 'brainfog' and aching joints. I know that the longer I'm clean the better this will get. I just hope I've not done too much lasting damage. Anyway, good luck to anyone who's trying to get off the dreaded bean and I hope this mght help someone. Check out Marilyn Glenville's book - it's a real eye-opener! Best wishes, Jackie.
User says
re: tapering?
Yes that happened to me, so I went back on caffeine and cut down more slowly, even so it has been several months and I still feel crap (although improving) However I am recovering from a 60 year addiction to caffeine, so I do not think it will take you as long. If you read through all the posts here it might give you some idea of what to expect. If you decide to to go back on and taper off that might lessen the recovery time for you. I had to go back on and taper off because I became so depressed I could not function. Now I just feel tired, achy, have stomach problems, headaches, anxiety and generally unwell, althugh I am improving all the time and my sleep has definitely improved. I don't know how you can cope with a new baby plus all this, that's really why I am suggesting a taper off caffeine. Anyway, good luck, whatever you decide.
OMG the captcha looks impossible..........
Lisa says
re: I cannot believe this is happening and it's real
I am so upset right now as I have been so sick from what I now know is caffeine withdrawl.. I cut down from about 6 cans a day of pop to basically none because I was trying to lose weight.. Well can I just say that about three days after my last dose of caffeine I thought I went crazy.. I went through an awful medication withdrawl after my dad died and that was two years ago.. I was doing so well and then I decided to stop drinking pop.. Well I am having every symptom in the book and I am completely devastated.. I have severe anxiety, depression, panic, weird body sensations, adrenaline shooting And a bunch of other crazy stuff like a severe flu.. It's been 17 days and omg does is end!! I am so scared right now and I will never take another pill but the anxiety is brutal.. I just need to know it will pass.. Please tell me this will stop.. I have a new baby and other kids that need me:(.. I'm devastated ..please reply so I know im not crazy .. Thank you all, Lisa
User says
re: Cannot believe this
I am 16 days off caffeine and I literally thought I was going crazy.. I have had panic attacks, severe anxiety, feel just awful and After reading this I know why!! Please email me and tell me this will pass.. I went through a horrible medication withdrawal two years ago and now im back in hell again.. Thank you all for this.. Lisaleito0403@gmail.com... Does this end!!
JohnC says
re: 7 stages of caffeine use
Interesting - includes post heavy use and post clean... http://www.pepper.ph/7-stages-of-caffeine-addiction/ - any views?
JohnC says
re: Hi.
I have had slips up
Hi.
I have had slips up periods where I drop back in to 1-2 cups/day for a few weeks/months, but I am basically off. When I withdraw now I get anxiety for 5 days (especially days 4 and 5), emotional volatility on day 6 and then I'm through the worst. After that it's down to avoiding temptation, and I tend to slip up if I'm just wanting a high or facing some stress.
Some people, particularly if they've been a heavy caffeine user for a long time, do see issues going on for months; it maybe 3-6 months before you are really clean ('before your body is fully de-toxed'). As before, I'd suggest cutting out alcohol and sugar as well. It might also be sensible to see a doctor, and maybe have some blood tests.
User says
re: I thought you had completely recovered by now?
Hello again
Hello Again, Could you tell me how long you have been off caffeine now - I thought you had copletely recovered. I woud find it very helpful to know if your physical and mental withdrawal symptoms fluctuated in intendity or did they gradually taper off, because mine show no signs of tqperint at all (at 7 months off) and I find they fluctuate in intensity, some even seem worse at this point. I am beginning to wonder if there is something else wrong with me, because if it was just caffeine withdawl, surely they would be gradually getting better, not fluctating in intensity. I will never touch caffeine again, this is hell
And now to battle with the CAPTCHA
hope I can do it
JohnC says
re: yes I know what you mean. I
yes I know what you mean. I have periods of low energy, feeling 'bleeuughhh', and those are the dangerous times for temptation. I feel sometimes I am walking right on the knife-edge of temptation; we are not strong enough to beat temptation, but sometimes we can 'slide-by' and outwit our inner 'monkey man', e.g. by not thinking about caffeine, or by walking a long way round that keeps us well away from the coffee shop etc... I guess the temptations last for life - as for any addict.
User says
re: 6 months off caffeine now
I have already done those things before I stopped the caffeine. I suppose I just have to accept the long recovery tiime, but I did not expect it to be so up and down - a few weeks ago I felt really well and thought I had cracked it, but then it all came back and I can hardly move for low back pain etc. At the same time as I went downhill again, my enrgy level rose a bit. So I just do not know where I am regarding my recovery, it is very confusing. Was it like this for you? Or was it a steady improvement?
and thank you for your reply, I had given up on any replies.....
JohnC says
re: Hi. I would suggest coming
Hi. I would suggest coming off other drugs also; alcohol, sugar, chocolate, etc.. Maybe wheat also. I.e. getting clean. Best wishes
User says
re: 5 months off caffeine and still not better
I have been off all caffeine for just 5 months and although the depression and anxiety have greatly improved, I still have severe fatigue, low back pain, and numb very cold feet. I also still have a sort of fluctuating IBS. I know other people (just a few) have complained of similar symptoms this far out, but I would like to know if there is anybody else in a similar position so we could compare notes. I am also finding that stress can bring on the terrible irritable mood which I seem unable to control, and wonder if anyone has any advice - I have tried relaxation and meditation, but although they help, it always comes back
User says
re: Caffeine withdrawal -
- starting to read caffeine withdrawal may last up to an entire year with additional symptoms such as red face or rosacea and schizophrenia - in other words there are times when schizophrenia may turn out nothing other than caffeine withdrawal - those psychiatrists are so smart
Q says
re: Don't change everything at
Don't change everything at the same time. Get rid of the coffee first. After four weeks take out the sugar from your drinks and then, after another four weeks out of your food. Drink a lot of water and eat (not drink) a lot of fruit. You'll feel amazing!
Good luck!
JohnC says
re: Partners - more aware of caffeine's effects?
Interesting comment from a counsellor; "some clients report perceived benefits of " coming off" high levels of daily caffeine and, I would say, even more often, their partners observe positive changes." It may be that caffeine users have poor self-perception about its effects.
J says
re: FINALLY Over Withdrawal and Anxiety!
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to share my story here. I've been drinking 1-2 cans of Coca Cola per day since I was a young teenager. Over the last couple months, I've been reading about how bad soft drinks are for you and I decided I didn't want the health problems that may occur if I kept it up. I'm 33, healthy and active, and I decided to drink the rest of the Coke in the refrigerator and quit cold turkey after that for my future health.
My diet isn't too bad. I eat an occasional pizza, Chinese/Vietnamese/Indian/Thai food (I'm Asian so these are my favorites) and I love pasta. The other foods I eat are toast and caffeinated green tea for breakfast; apples, oranges, and bananas as snacks; peanut butter & jelly and turkey sandwiches and salads for lunch; and chicken, fish, corn, broccoli, other veggies, for dinners. Maybe once a month I'll have a frozen yogurt with raspberries, but I generally don't eat dessert. I also take gummy multi-vitamins and Reishi pills, and exercise almost everyday for at least an hour.
For my new lifestyle, I just cut out the Coke and pizza.. I kept the rest of my diet the same but lessened the salty Chinese food and soups. I kept the green tea so I could avoid headaches.
The first two weeks were great, no headaches or bodyaches that I was expecting, but I was just exhausted and stressed out since I've been working 14-16 hour days and hardly sleeping. Work was the most stressful and overwhelming in my career, but my husband (we work together) thought it felt like a normal amount and didn't think it felt any differently.
The third week was extra demanding at work, I found myself eating Panda Express for dinner everyday, forgetting breakfast, and forgetting to take my vitamins. I was sleeping 5-6 hours a night. My healthy diet went downhill and so did my exercise. This is when the anxiety started.
I had a thought that maybe I'm not feeling right because I haven't been drinking Coke. That's the only major change I made recently. After some research, I realized I have been going through caffeine withdrawal ever since the 1st day I quit Coke without even knowing it.
Here's my experience:
March 26th - Had my last half can of coke at lunch.
March 27th - April 14th - Woke up with nervous tummyaches every morning, cold and sweating, weird tingling in my arms. No headaches or bodyaches at all, but I felt increasingly exhausted, unmovitated, and wanted to cry every day at every little criticism or difficulty I faced, which is very unlike me. I normally love a challenge. This is why I felt like I had the worst two weeks of my career when it was like any normal week. I thought the nervous tummyaches and exhaustion and lack of motivation was due to tough weeks at work and my unhappiness from it all, but now I realize it was all caffeine withdrawal. Even though I felt sad, I drank green tea, ate healthy, took vitamins & Reishi pills, and exercised regularly. I was very cold all day every day and nothing could keep me warm for longer than half an hour.
April 15th - 18th - Still had nervous tummyaches every morning, no appetite, started feeling a little anxiety, and more depression, unmotivated, freezing all day and all night, tingling feeling in my arms in the morning and sometimes throughout the day. I talked to my husband about how I was feeling. I looked fine on the outside but felt incredible depression and anxiety on the inside so I felt like I had to explain myself. Thankfully I have a very understanding and supportive husband. He didn't pressure me at all to do what I didn't feel like doing. I couldn't get out of bed until noon or later each day. Didn't care about work or chores. I skipped work a couple days. My anxiety was up and down, but I calmed myself everytime I felt it got worse. I definitely did not want an anxiety attack. I became worried about the consequences of not working. Started losing weight I didn't need to lose. Ate half to one meal a day (my stomach was growling like crazy but my anxiety made it difficult to swallow), didn't exercise (anxiety prevented me from wanting to move), didn't take my multi-vitamins or Reishi pills. I came across this site and at the advice of some here, I started taking GABA chewable, 5-HTP capsules, Bach's Rescue Remedy, and L-Theanine chewables, which worked for one day, but wasn't strong enough for the anxiety overall. I also quit drinking anything with sugar and caffeine (no green tea and no smoothies), because I noticed the day after drinking them my anxiety increased. At this point I knew there was no going back to Coke even for a sip to get relief. It would definitely give me an anxiety attack.
April 19th - Still had a nervous tummyache and woke up in cold sweat, almost numbness in my arms. First day of feeling anxiety all day long even with increased amounts of GABA, 5-HTP, Bach's and L-Theanine. I stayed home all day and cried off and on. I could handle the amount of depression I was feeling but the anxiety worried me a lot. I felt hopeless, useless, and I thought I was only getting worse and would have to quit working. I didn't like that my husband had to see me this way. Every activity was a huge task and I had to do them carefully so I didn't send myself into a panic attack. I had to be patient with myself and wait until I was calm down enough to get out of bed, or brush my teeth, or eat a bite of toast, or to walk to the kitchen, or put on jeans. Every one of those tasks would make my heart race and I'd have to slow down. I knew the anxiety would be over at some point but I just didn't know when. I thought it could be months or the rest of my life. Around 10pm, I realized because of how little I had been eating, my body wasn't getting enough nutrients and I hadn't been taking my vitamins. I took my gummy chewables and Reishi pill (both for the 1st time in several days), GABA, 5-HTP, L-Theanine, Rescue Remedy, all at the same time. I felt anxiety relief for the first time all day at about 10:30pm. I was able to do some laundry, and was in the mood for the 1st time in 3 weeks to get some work done. I was able to eat a little cereal before bed. I also went to bed early and decided to sleep in with no alarm for the first time in months.
April 20th - First day of waking up with no nervous tummyache. I had no heaviness on my chest, only slight anxious feelings. I finally had an appetite and had 2 small meals before 2pm, one piece of toast and some noodles for lunch. I had completely calmed down and had motivation around 2pm to go to work and drive around. Got home around 4pm and cooked a small dinner, chicken, corn and broccoli. I was finally feeling like my body temperature was normal, I felt good and that I could finally be over the withdrawal and anxiety, but I wanted to wait until the next day to see if this wasn't just one good day. I ate a total of 5 small meals and took all my vitamins and supplements at night. It was also the 4th day since my last caffeinated tea or sugary smoothie.
April 21st - First day of waking up with no anxiety. I feel better than ever and am not even worried about anxiety. I feel like I've gotten through caffeine withdrawal, depression and anxiety FINALLY! We got out of the house, did some grocery shopping, did some work in the field, talked about stressful things, and nothing started any anxious feelings. I'm feeling pretty good!
So, aftering quitting Coke without researching first, and going through the ups and downs of caffeine withdrawal, here's what I recommend based on my experience:
- Eat apples, bananas, spinach, other vegetables, protein, peanut buttery & jelly sandwiches. I had all these the first couple weeks but my diet declined for a week which was the worst week I experienced. I already love these foods and eat them regularly, but in my anxiety research I read that bananas, spinach, and peanut butter are all high in magnesium and the lack of magnesium causes anxiety. Sliced apples were just something I could swallow during my anxiety.
- Take GABA, 5-HTP, L-Theanine, multi-vitamins (I have the gummy version), and Reishi pills all help relieve anxiety, stress, lack of motivation, and with the overall health of your nervous system. I followed the recommended dosage on the bottles. I have taken gummy multi-vitamins pretty much daily for at least 4 years and Reishi pills daily for at least 10 years... I believe taking Reishi pills everyday probably helped me to not have withdrawal headaches when I quit caffeine. They've also "cured" my allergies and have boosted my immune system. I can be around people with colds and flu and not get sick. Anyway, I didn't mean to go off on a tangent...
- I believe quitting Coke cold turkey was a very good idea. If I had kept up with the vitamins and knew about the supplements in the beginning, maintained a good diet and exercised, I probably would have gotten over the withdrawal symptoms (depression, no motivation) sooner and not even hit the point of anxiety. I also think drinking green tea and ordering smoothies prolonged my withdrawal symptoms and eventually started my anxiety.
- Try to quit caffeine when there's not much responsibility so you don't have pressure to get things done at work or at home. It makes anxiety and depression worse when you know you need to get something done when you can't because you're depressed or anxious.
- Talk to friends, spouse, or anyone you know who struggles with anxiety, about what's going on. I think it's important to share this with friends and family so you're not worried about how they feel about you or that you're hurting their feelings because you don't want to see them. I didn't want to visit anyone, but because I told them I was struggling with anxiety, I had several friends and family texting me that they support me and will be there if I need anything.
- Get lots of rest. I definitely wasn't doing this, and I believe if i got plenty of rest (going to bed early and waking up without an alarm) my body would have recovered more quickly from the withdrawal.
- Try to make it through the withdrawal symptoms of headaches, bodyaches, lack of motivation, depression, anxiety without going to back even a sip of caffeine, sugar drinks or prescription meds if you can. If you don't have any caffeine or sugary drinks after quitting cold turkey, I believe the withdrawal symptoms will go away sooner. Just remember there is an end to the withdrawal and how you'll feel afterward is worth it. You're choosing to be healthier and all these symptoms are because of a choice you made. It will all be over and it will all be worth it.
My experience with caffeine withdrawal has taught me that caffeine is something I never want to have again. Over the years, it turned me into an uptight, high-strung person who was always trying to get things done perfectly and in a hurry and wasn't happy when others weren't doing things perfectly in a hurry. I was angry inside over little things and didn't realize it was my problem. I was the most care-free person when I was younger. Caffeine was slowly changing my personality for the worse. After quitting caffeine, I can already tell I'm not as uptight and I am finally ok with people around me working at their own pace and in their own way. I'm seriously a different person - more pleasant, laughing more, and having more fun.
Yesterday, April 20th, 2013 is the last day of caffeine withdrawal symptoms and anxiety. I feel 200% better today and am confident I won't have any anxious feelings related to the withdrawal again. I hope my story helps others find some relief in knowing there is an end to the symptoms and maybe help some figure out why symptoms are hanging on. I also appreciate everyone who has posted about their experiences. I've read probably 30 pages of comments over the last few days, and the comments have helped me to understand what my body is going through and to not lose hope and to not give up. Thanks so much for all the help!
Now I have a few questions: Now that I've quit drinking Coke, I feel like my body can't handle foods like I used to, like now a single glazed cashew w/ vanilla & pomegranate made my body go cold and made my heart race for over an hour. No food has ever made my heart race. I'm also still gradually eating more again after a week of hardly eating, so I'm wondering if my body is still adjusting from the withdrawal or the introduction of more foods again, or am I forever changed and now I have to learn what my body can handle and what it can't? What can I eat and what should I avoid? What types of foods tend to cause anxiety? What is everyone eating? I really wish they would put caffeine content on nutrition labels. Anyway, any input and insight would be appreciated!
JohnC says
re: One other point make on
One other point make on withdrawal which I have not mentioned earlier; I get a lot of emotional highs/lows on withdrawal days 5-6; in the past this has led me to fail on day 6, but now I know what is happening. Perspective is great!
I continue to find a non-stimulant diet (no sugar or alcohol) and lots of exercise very helpful.
JohnC says
re: I have found paleo type diet
I have found paleo type diet helfpul in withdrawal. I increasingly think that anythings like drugs (incl alcohol), sugar, maybe even processed carbs, that upset our body rhythms are dangerous; that instability grows and leads to temptation and fall. I went cold turkey on meat and veg only (with occassional cereal and cheese) and have found it very good to get through.
RR says
re: I just quit...again. I think
I just quit...again. I think this is the last time I will have to go thru this. Even though I weaned myself off I still had the headache, lower backache and sleepiness. For a while I was taking two naps a day and still sleeping soundly all nite.
I drank black coffee for 15 years (47 now) and have quit several times but come back to the beast when the weather turns cold.
Some positive things I have noticed now that most of the withdrawal symptoms are gone:
I look younger, feel more relaxed, less trips to the bathroom, my earwax no longer stinks (I know,,yucky and weird), I sleep much better and wake up at 7:00 every morning without any problem and my eyesight has improved. I had started to need glasses to read because of my age but one day I sat down to work on my jigsaw puzzle and it was about 30 minutes before I realized I had never put my reading glasses on. Now I can read a book without them but I still have trouble with small print on certain things. I also think my digestion has improved slightly.
It really is a drug. Like all drugs, there are positive effects but eventually they ruin your health.
JCJC777 says
re: also
also here; http://www.energyfiend.com/caffeine-withdrawal-symptoms-top-ten/comment-page-20#comment-219060
User says
re: I have drank six to eight
I have drank six to eight cups of coffee with two to three teaspoons of coffee in a 500 ml cup on average for twenty to thirty years. I work, I write, play with the kids and are reasonably fit for a fifty year old due to a consitant diet of healthy foods. With a taste for potatoe chips. Just stopped drinking coffee two days ago and have mild headaches and sore neck and shoulders. Maybe i'm lucky compared to everybody else. i have had crohnes disease for thirty three of those years and one surgery to correct the bowel. I am considering though that coffee has had an adverse effect on my condition, which is why i am stopping drinking it as a primary drink. i have gone to herbal teas, (which i have also drank at night for decades.) and the occasional hot chocky. If there are any other crohnes sufferers out there who have done the same, could you leave a post at how you went. ta.