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
User says
re: To Anon, Lisa ....and hi, Grace.
Hi, everyone, hope you're all doing as well as possible and glad to see you're staying the course, Lisa. It WILL get better. Haven't been on for a while as had pc problems. I'm still on the up. Had a couple of setbacks (1 normal coffee and 2 decafs) but that has made me even more determined to get off it all completely.....and I now KNOW that I will. The milky drinks are now starting to taste sickly, as well, which is helping. From months and months of saying 'I can't do it!'....I'm now saying 'I can and I WILL!.For whatever reason, it's been a slow process for me (over 18 months of weaning) but at least I'm on my way out. My diet has been super healthy and I feel better already - sleeping better, feel more like 'me' when I wake up and have a bit more energy. Anxiety is a lot better. Sometimes have that fear/dread but try to let it pass - and it does. Joints and muscles are still aching - but maybe that's my age lol. Feeling very positive and I know I can feel better than I do now. Do let me know how you're all doing. I saw you were feeling a little better, anon....how are you doing? I hope you're finding things a little more bearable. Good luck to all and keep going! Jackie
Lisa says
re: Grace
Wow you nailed it when you said that!! That is exactly how I feel!! I am
So scared as I can hardly take care of my kids now:(.. It's been pretty brutal
This last month. I won't take meds cause I came
Off se about two years ago and hellll no that's all I gotta say.. But this constant state of panic is scaring me:(.. It's not lifting at all yet.. I feel sick in every part of my being:(.. I feel like my body is dying somehow eve though all
Y bloodwork is fine.. Please write back.. Do you or did you have any other sympoms? How do you deal with the anxiety? Please keep in touch:).. My insomnia was bad last night .. I have never had it before.. My balance is so off And my body hurts terribly.:(
Grace says
re: Mine just feels like a
Mine just feels like a constant state of panic. In my body as well as my mind (if that makes sense).
Hang in there Lisa, I'm sure we'll get there eventually...
Lisa says
re: Severe anxiety
Actually grace I wish I knew.. What does yours feel like? I am
Suffering severe anxiety.. It's the worst symptom.. I just started to sleep
A bit more like 5 hours instead of 2.. When will his end!! Cannot handle the
Anxiety.. It's brutal
Grace says
re: Hi Lisa and Anon,
Great to
Hi Lisa and Anon,
Great to hear that you are both having small glimpses of improvements.
I have found that I have slept quite a bit better the last two nights, despite the anxiety, so I guess things *may* be turning a corner for me too.
Lisa, you asked why I stopped caffeine? It is because I have had pretty extreme restless leg syndrome for the past year. I've tried just about everything else to improve it, but alas, it seems it was the coffee *cries*. Oh well, it is starting to settle down for me, so I am very happy about that. And it's a pretty strong motivation to stay away from the coffee.
I wish I could ditch this anxiety though. It is miserable! Does anyone know how long that will last?
Grace says
re: Hi Lisa and Anon,
Great to
Hi Lisa and Anon,
Great to hear that you are both having small glimpses of improvements.
I have found that I have slept quite a bit better the last two nights, despite the anxiety, so I guess things *may* be turning a corner for me too.
Lisa, you asked why I stopped caffeine? It is because I have had pretty extreme restless leg syndrome for the past year. I've tried just about everything else to improve it, but alas, it seems it was the coffee *cries*. Oh well, it is starting to settle down for me, so I am very happy about that. And it's a pretty strong motivation to stay away from the coffee.
I wish I could ditch this anxiety though. It is miserable! Does anyone know how long that will last?
Lisa says
re: Hi grace!!!Yay!! I'm a month free also from caffiene!
Hi grace and anon!!! I am so glad to hear from you both!! I was also relieved to find this site!! I literally thought I was going insane or suddenly had a nervous breakdown.. This has been a absolute hell month.. Horrible
Symptoms I could have never imagined.. Omg grace the anxiety!!!!!! It's horrendous. I have never suffered from anxiety.. Wow!! I am hoping it passes soon.. Omg please keep in touch with me. I am
Doing pretty rough still.. Lots of meditation, crying, screaming, phone calls to friends and prayers.. I honestly did not think
I would make it through this month alive.. Honest to god.. Severe suicidal thoughts, depression , anxiety.. I'm still scared to death it will
Get worse but it seems to have lifted a tiny bit.. I actually slept a bit last night and my bowels have improved only in the last two days.. Still have tons
Of muscle pain, weakness, headaches , tingling, anxiety, unreal!!!! I hope to hear back from you guys and anon
I am so glad you got out for a walk!! Gosh I hope this gets better soon!! Onto month two!!!! Praying to see some serious changes..!thanks for the support anon, Lisa I can't believ this is caffeine wd!!!!!what the ell
Do they put in that stuff!! Grace pleas tell me
Your story? Why and how you came off caffeine? I cold turkeyed to lose weight.. Can't wait to hear for you both.. My email is lisaleito0403@gmail.com in case you'd like to talk more:)
User says
re: hello Grace,
I am also very
hello Grace,
I am also very grateful for this website, or I would not have a clue what was happening to me. I had a very good day yeserday, my flu is on the way out and I went for a little walk and for the first time (since I started cutting down on caffeine over a year ago) I was able to walk without being bent over with back ache, it has not gone completely, but it has greatly improved. I just wish my mood would improve, I have never used so many 4 letter words in my life as I do atm.
PS thanks for the new Captcha Daniel, it is much clearer
User says
re: Hi lisa, I couldn't post
Hi lisa, I couldn't post yesterday, so fingers crossed today.
Thank u so much for that link, as u say, I understand it only too well.
How are u today? I hoe you are feeling a tiny bit better today. I understand why u did not want to reinstate on caffeine, but I thought a benzo relapse would be worse in the long run. thankfully it seems that u have avoided that
Grace says
re: 1 month caffeine free
Hi everyone,
What a relief to find this website! I am one month into quitting and am suffering from horendous anxiety. I don't have a very strong central nervous system, so I knew this wouldn't be fun, but it's been hell.
Thanks to everyone who has shared, reading your testimonies has made me feel less alone.
How are you all doing today?
Lisa says
re: ANoN read this ..it
http://www.madinamerica.com/2013/10/setbacks/... It's very insightful and u will understand it completely .. It's from a benzo friend, lisa
Lisa says
re: Omg Marc thank you for writing me!!
Yes I definately Agree with you on the hormone thing.. I have no period yet ( sorry) but I swear I should today. This is normally when I would get it.. I went back over the last month of journaling and exactly day by day to the same but last month was EXTrEmE prob because of the caffeine.. Oh god it's got to level out soon.. I'm a mess.. I was def able I handled hormomes before this so it's gotta be a mix of both... Hormones checked last week and nothing of course.. They can't see our insides.. How long before you noticed a change in then anxiety.. I'm 27 days already.. Seems like it came
Down a notch but nothing to party over.. Thanks again for writing me!!:).. Just tell me about the anxiety? Omg it's hell!!
User says
re: Hi Marc,
what's it like being
Hi Marc,
what's it like being off caffeine? I have been off for 7 months and still feel rough.
Marc says
re: Get tested (if you haven't already)
Hi Lisa,
I am caffeine free since 12/12. After going through some pretty bad withdrawals (and I agree the anxiety was the worst part), in 2/13, I had my doctor test my hormone levels. I am a 40 year old male who lives a pretty active and healthy lifestyle. The results came back (I don't remember the actual numbers), but in short, I had high levels of estrogen and low testosterone. My doctor put me on some meds in order to better balance the hormone levels. Right after taking the meds, I started feeling much better. My mood greatly improved and the anxiety went away. My point is, sometimes it maybe more than just the withdrawals at play. As you point out, you just gave birth and are currently breastfeeding. I am no doctor, but you have some pretty major hormone activity going on right now. Anyhoo, just a suggestion that worked well for me.
Good luck, I hope you continue to feel better. And yes, it does get better in time.
Take care, Marc
Lisa says
re: I hope I can make it ... 26 days already
Today is 26 days already of complete and utter hell.. I actually had a granola bar in sept 21 not knowing it
Had a tiny bit of chocolate but I'm sure that is ok.. The anxiety is what is getting me.. Today I am so tired.. I actually slept for 5 straight hours last night.. That is the most I have slept in a month.. I hope this means I am improving.. I am also breastfeeding so I don't have a period yet but I could swear some hormonal stuff is going on anyhow especially today and yesterday and it would be normaly when my period would have come.. I wonder I I still have hormonal fluctuations even though I have no period and its adding to this.. Anyhow l have lots of muscle pain.. Been trying to walk for an hour or so.. Have the burning skin which was a hormone thing for me.. I need this stupid anxiety to go away.. Hope you are doing better, hope the next thirty days are easier.., Lisa
User says
re: it sounds as if
it soiunds as if u r improving, and if u can hold out for the 60 days that would be good!
Lisa says
re: Been pushing through everyday
This has been absolute hell pushing through these days.. I can handle symptoms for two years if they were manageable... I just want the acute stuff to pass.. Everyone says first 30 days are the worst and then the next 30 get a bit easier and so on.. I am only seeing tiny changes .. It's been 25 days... The anxiety has been brutal .. The adrenaline shots are getting better as well as I don't have hot flashes anymore.. I still feel sick morning , noon and the night is a little easier.. I am able to relax a it maybe just due to the fact that the body calms down.. I have been falling asleep at around 8:30 or 9 pm and waking around 1030 and then I have to eat and then I fall asleep and get up,at 130.. Harder to sleep then and I wake up at 6 am unable to relax at all....that is the worst..the terror that was waking me up every morning is now doing it every other morning.. Instead of everyday.. But it truly scares the bejesus out of me.. I feel like I am living in a boat.. All day long.. That's awful.. I hate the dizziness so much and the inner restlessness is truly horrifying.. The changes are not huge.. If the anxiety would die down a bit maybe this would be manageable.. Just praying for that soon..do think I am Changing for the better? The nausea is lifting a bit but my bowels are a mess.. I don't know what to think.. Could I be improving very
Very slowly?, Lisa.. Ps thanks for all the support.. I'm such a mess.. Horrible body pain too and tight muscles..
User says
re: i dont know
I dont know why my last post got called 6 months off caffeine, it should hve been called Why dont you
v confusing
User says
re: 6 months off caffeine now
Why don't you wait for a couple of weeks before you decide anything, at least you would know that at the end of 2 weeks (or whatever time period u choose) u could try going back on the poison (and start gradually feeling better) and it might take the pressure off you a bit. Or you could decide to take it a day at a time and notput yourself under the stress of wondering how long it is going to go on for etc etc, becuase you would know you only have to get through it for that day, but you would just get through it somehow. You never know, you might suddenly start feeling better.
That is the trouble, none of us know how long it is going to take. I am worried that I am going to feel crap for 2 years, but I don't KNOW that I won't get better sooner, I just doubt it , knowing how long it has taken me to get almost better from benzos.
Sorry I can't tell you what you want to hear, I just don't know the answers, but i am thinking of you and hoping u r going to take a turn for the better v soon
User says
re: i don't know - I am not an
i don't know - I am not an expert, it's the first time I have come off caffeine. Of course your body will adjust eventually, but I don't know when or if u have stirred up benzo symptms, it could go on for months, nobody can tell I am sorry to say. All I know is, I do not regret going back on caffeine, it was a very good move for me, and I partly did it to stave off a benzo relapse. Perhaps u couldtalk to your benzo friends about it and ask them what they think. Otherwise it is all guesswork. Nobody in the whole wide world can give you a definitive answer, and nobody but u can know what u can put up with.
If u feel the same as when u first came off caffeine, then I would wait, but if, as u have said, it is getting worse, thein if I were u I wd go back v gradually on tiny doses of tea. I know u want to be off for Xmas - I was v disappointed when I went back on it, but I think my recovery will be shorter in the long run than if I had tried to carry on with my cold turkey. What does your husband think? you will need his support for this, whatever you decide.
Lisa says
re: Ok I read that
Now tell me please if I stay off caffeine will my body adjust and will this anxiery last a while? It preventing me from functioning ..it's been almost a month .. I don't think I should go back on anon.. So scared
User says
re: the same old info again, hope it helps
The reason we feel so crap when we go back on caffeine is because in just a few days of being off caffeine we have lost our tolerance - that's why I told you to hurry up and decide. The longer you are off caffeine, the more tolerance of it you lose. If you do go back on it, you will have to build up your tolerance again - I had to do it over about 3 weeks and even then I felt dreadful, but once I had got my tolerance back, I felt ok("normal") again. Then I started to reduce by tiny amounts every fortnight. I made up a huge jug of tea, using the same amount of tealeaves and water every week. I got some digital scales and reduced by a few ml every 2 weeks (1 mg weighs the same as 1 ml). I felt a bit crap whilst I was tapering and crappier when I came off, but nowhere near as bad as when I cold turkeyed.
BTW, I tried to estimate the amount of caffeine I had been drinking and then when I had built up my tolerance to that amount, I stabilised on it for a few weeks before I started tapering off it.
That is all the advice I can give you Lisa, but try not to get caught up in the circular thinking patterns of anxiety, no matter how many times you ask me about this, this is the same information, the ONLY information I have access to, and the information is based on my experience. I do hope it helps you, but i cannot add any more.
Lisa, from what I know, i think we have both stirred up our benzo symptoms. If you really are getting worse and not better (in any way), or just staying at the same level,I would think deeply about going back on to caffeine. But if you have improved (in ANY WAY), I would try and tough it out. Have a look on BB and see what ppl say there about stirring up old benzo symptoms. (all sorts of things can do it, stress, medications, anasthaetics, viruses etc. And those relapses can go on for quite a time.
But please please try and be objective (I know how hard that is in an anxiety state) about whether or not you are improving and look out for the tiniest improvements. I was also worried that I might stir up a terrible benzo relapse, but I don't think I have done, I
Medication/Drug Usage During Benzodiazepine Withdrawal and Recovery
People who are in the midst of or have completely withdrawn from benzodiazepine drugs often ask the question of what medications they need to avoid in order to ensure they don't risk the danger of making their existing withdrawal symptoms worse. The following lists some, but not all medications ,which are commonly prescribed during withdrawal and highlights both the dangers and benefits which can be derived from such medication thereby enabling the reader to make an informed judgment when in discussion with his/her doctor.
The information given on these medications is primarily related to benzodiazepine withdrawal but , for the most part can be equally applied to other GABA addictive drugs e.g. barbiturates and alcohol.
Caffeine
Caffeine is unlikely to stop or hinder your recovery from benzodiazepine withdrawal as it does not work on GABA receptors. However it has the potential, as a stimulant drug, to enhance withdrawal symptoms. You should not stop caffeine suddenly if you are addicted to it as it can provoke a withdrawal/discontinuation reaction of anxiety, depression, irritability and craving.
PS if you want to read the whole thing the thread is in bold at the top of this excerpt
Lisa says
re: Just found out
I just read that caffeine wd can cause this horrible agitation / inner restlessness and panic anxiety ... Will it go away? Did anyone else have it?
Lisa says
re: Please tell me
http://akathisiainfo.wordpress.com/... This is exactly how I feel .. What the heck is this all
About.. I wake up like this everyday
Lisa says
re: Went to the er
Went to the er this morning.. Told them about the caffeine.. Checked my bloods and im in perfect health.. I just wish this damn stuff would calm down already!! I am in so much distress.. Jackie how long do u think the acute stuff will last? I can handle a lot but this is way oo much and at a whole diff level...
Lisa says
re: Why do I feel like I'm going crazy? Is that from anxiety?
What could be making me have such scary thoughts and fear? I only had that when I was in cold turkey off benzos?
Lisa says
re: I thought I was improving
I thought I was improving but the dizziness ans the anxiety and panic ans insomnia is catching up to me.. It's so hard to see anything through such awful symptoms .. I cannot relax
Or do anything right now.. I'm just trying to survive... I came to the er for such ba chest pain.. My blood pressure is so high but I'm sure all my bloodwork will be fine..how long can the acute stuff last!!
User says
re: excerpt from BB
People who are in the midst of or have completely withdrawn from benzodiazepine drugs often ask the question of what medications they need to avoid in order to ensure they don't risk the danger of making their existing withdrawal symptoms worse. The following lists some, but not all medications ,which are commonly prescribed during withdrawal and highlights both the dangers and benefits which can be derived from such medication thereby enabling the reader to make an informed judgment when in discussion with his/her doctor.
The information given on these medications is primarily related to benzodiazepine withdrawal but , for the most part can be equally applied to other GABA addictive drugs e.g. barbiturates and alcohol.
Caffeine
Caffeine is unlikely to stop or hinder your recovery from benzodiazepine withdrawal as it does not work on GABA receptors. However it has the potential, as a stimulant drug, to enhance withdrawal symptoms. You should not stop caffeine suddenly if you are addicted to it as it can provoke a withdrawal/discontinuation reaction of anxiety, depression, irritability and craving.
PS if you want to read the whole thing the thread is in caps at the top of this excerpt
User says
re: Lisa (from anon)
Lisa, from what I know, i think we have both stirred up our benzo symptoms. If you really are getting worse and not better (in any way), I would think deeply about going back on to caffeine. But if you have improved (in ANY WAY), I would try and tough it out. Have a look on BB and see what ppl say there about stirring up old benzo symptoms. (all sorts of things can do it, stress, medications, anasthaetics, viruses etc. And those relapses can go on for quite a time.
But please please try and be objective (I know how hard that is in an anxiety state) about whether or not you are improving and look out for the tiniest improvements. I was also worried that I might stir up a terrible benzo relapse, but I don't think I have done, I feel crap, but I know I am definitely improving.
thinking of you
Lisa says
re: I guess I thought
I just thought after 24 days I would t least feel a bit better.. Please keep writing me Jackie cause I just don't feel like I'm gonna make it out of this alive.. I am just so sick and the doctors tell me nothing is wrong.. This is worse than benzos at this point.. I am not doing well .. I'm so dizzy filled with horrible anxiety, feel like I'm gonna pass out all day, can't sleep, have severe anxiety and I seem to be getting worse everyday.. I'm trying so hard To be positive but I so so so sick and scared.. I am at a loss for words.. I am getting worse everyday .. I just cannot describe it.. Please keep telling me Jackie that I'm ok
User says
re: Jackie
I know, I find it hard to believe too, it makes life a bit difficult to say the least. But I too think it is my body's way of saying "no more toxins please". I hope your daughter has fond some online suport, I have found that GP's are v ignorant about drugs, unless u r very lucky and find an exception.
Regarding our symptoms re caffeine, I find my worst symptom is a complete inablity to be cofortable anywhere, and all my clothes feel uncomfortable and my hair feels uncomfortable - I can't bear ANYTHING at the moment........
and I live in London and I can't BEAR IT! lol
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: Anon
Oh, my word......I can't believe that the benzos have left you as intolerant to so many different things. It defies logic how all these toxic 'medicines' are prescribed yet leave us so ill. My daughter has been on anti-depressants and it's totally messed her up. She's cutting down now, thank goodness. But I do believe, like you say, that it will get easier as your biochemistry adjusts. I will say this, though, I have noticed, over the years that I'm more sensitive to different foods etc. But nothing like you're experiencing.....although it does seem like you've sorted out your diet and know what you can have. It's only just this minute occured to me that maybe we get intolerant as that is the body's way of protecting itself....basically, stop putting any more poison in! ......which, in the long run, is good, I guess. It's seems so complicated, in a way. Actually, the notion about caffeine being fat soluble has raised a few questions so I might have a google myself. I'd just add that when I'm eating the way I feel I ought to eat, it's pure, natural and organic food and when I eat that way, I feel so much better. I can't always do it and, of course, I still get the munchies when I want to eat everything in sight! Anyway, as I keep telling myself, keep going, it's a rocky road. Good luck, anon 🙂 Jackie P.S. I'm from Leicestershire.
User says
re: jackie
The real half lfe of caffeine cannot be hours if it is fat soluble, that's what I am trying to find out. But anyway, it's not v important. But if it were only a few hours our troubles would be over far more quickly.
I share all the symptoms that you have mentioned so I can sympathise. The only one I don't have atm, but I know it only too well from benzo hell, is the feeling of dread.
since I came off benzos, many years ago, I have been allergic/intolerant of all meds, including topical meds, all chemicals in household products, all food additives, all food supplements including fish oil. I have to make my own bread etc and yeast is the only raising agent I can tolerate, I cannot tolerate baking powder or self raising flour etc.
I wouldn't be able to tolerate your No-Caf because it contains msg in the form of malted barley (see info below), but I can tolerate organic Barley Cup which only contains roasted barley and chicory. I have also developed an intolerance/allergy to some foods: mangoes (which contain a toxin similar to poison ivy) and a few others.
this intoerance is very common in ex benzo users, and I hope it will stop eventually.
Yes I am in the UK too!
Here's the info:
It is very difficult to really know whether MSG (monosodium glutamate) is in your food, because it goes by so many aliases. To avoid ingesting this toxic additive, you’re best off choosing fresh, unprocessed foods. But becoming familiar with the hidden names of MSG can also help you determine what foods to eat.
Here is just a sampling of ingredients that contain MSG (the link below has a full list):
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: Lisa
If I'd done as long as you, there is NO WAY I'd go back on it again!! You have come so far and you are young, you have plenty of time to heal and feel better. The KEY thing is to stop putting any more of these harmful substances into your body. It will help, as I've said, if you can eat a healthy diet. If that's too hard atm, just concentrate on NOT having the caffeine..... but maybe try to eat some fruit/veg and to eat less sugar. That should help. KEEP GOING,LISA!!! Jackie
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: Lisa
Hi, Lisa, sorry to hear you're having it so rough. The thing you really need to know, for DEFINITE, is that, YES, the anixety, the sleep disturbances....ALL these sypmtoms are coming from your caffeine withdrawal. You are on major detox- that is, your body is expelling all the stored toxins/posions and so it feels like hell. Sorry to be graphic but it's a bit like when you eat some chicken that's gone off and your body wants to get rid of it and so you are violently sick. So, now,your body is trying to 'throw up' all the stored toxins - from the benzos, caffeine etc and all the other toxins that we eat or breathe in. So I'm afraid the bottom line is that the only way to get these toxins out is to go through the withdrawal. BUT, like I've said, you've come a long way already and the more days you can get through, the nearer you are to feeling better. My anxiety IS better than it was and, also, my sleeping pattern is better, thanks. But it all takes time and TBH the only way is to KEEP GOING! You WILL get better. And I'd say, Lisa, DO IT NOW.......because when you're older (like Anon and myself), it takes a lot longer! You've come this far already so you KNOW you CAN do it. Also, if it helps to relieve your stress, just keep posting here, as well. Good luck!:) Jackie P.S. As Anon said, keep reading the past posts, it will help.
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: Anon
Morning, thanks for your reply 🙂 I completely understand why you'd feel relieved....it makes you realise that what you're going through is normal. Sorry for being thick but I'm not sure why you're concerned about caffeine being fat soluble or the real half-life of caffeine?? I take it to mean you're trying to find out about how long it takes to get it out of the system?? From what I've read, it takes a full 12 hours for the caffeine from 1 cup of coffee or tea to get out of the system......so if we're drinking coffee/tea all day, basically, it's never out of our system. But the way I understand it is that when we stop getting our caffeine fix (and particularly if we're eating a healthy diet), we then begin to detox all the toxins that have been stored in our bodies. Over the years, if we injested toxins from caffeine, perticides from food, antibiotics/hormones in meat etc, toxins from car fumes, toxins in plastics/paint etc (and on and on), then the liver can't handle it all and the 'extra' toxins are stored in fat. So when we come off caffeine and particularly if we eat a healthy diet, our bodies go on major detox and we feel like utter hell........which is to be expected when you think about it. Anyway, sorry to ramble on.....but it's good for me to remember this too! The other thing I've just remembered about coffee is that it also contains 2 other stimulants, theobromine and theophylline, so, if you come off coffee, you're detoxing those as well........and, incidentally, that's why decaf coffee is still not good and it still contains those other 2 stimulants. Also, tea contains tannin which binds important vits/minerals and, of course, sugar (in coke etc) is also toxic to the body. Anyway, you asked about waves.......no, I kind of just feel what I'm feeling at different strengths. Sometimes, if there's a stressful situation, I'll get waves but mainly not. About the metallic smell (no worries about TFI!), that's GOOD because it proves you are detoxing! By the way, I'd be interested to hear about your diet...there are some really helpful foods which help with the detox process and help to replace the lost vits/minerals etc. With the sleeping, it WILL improve but it all takes time. I find oats help me to settle and, also, calcium citrate and magnesium citrate which I take as a supplement, anyway. BTW, the other symptom I experience (which I forgot to mention) was a complete lack of motivation for and enthusiasm about life. I have a family and am interested in lots of things but the world often seems flat and empty. Too much stimulation from dopamine has casued this and it's horrible. I NEED to get my sytem back in balance SO much.....and that's what our bodies/minds will do, if we let them, I believe. Anyway, I really am rambling, sorry, part of the condition! Well, bye for now. Keep Going!! Jackie P.S. Are you from the U.K. too?
User says
re: PS
The reason we feel so crap when we go back on caffeine is because in just a few days of being off caffeine we have lost our tolerance - that's why I told you to hurry up and decide. The longer you are off caffeine, the more tolerance of it you lose. If you do go back on it, you will have to build up your tolerance again - I had to do it over about 3 weeks and even then I felt dreadful, but once I had got my tolerance back, I felt ok("normal") again. Then I started to reduce by tiny amounts every fortnight. I made up a huge jug of tea, using the same amount of tealeaves and water every week. I got some digital scales and reduced by a few ml every 2 weeks (1 mg weighs the same as 1 ml). I felt a bit crap whilst I was tapering and crappier when I came off, but nowhere near as bad as when I cold turkeyed.
BTW, I tried to estimate the amount of caffeine I had been drinking and then when I had built up my tolerance to that amount, I stabilised on it for a few weeks before I started tapering off it.
That is all the advice I can give you Lisa, but try not to get caught up in the circular thinking patterns of anxiety, no matter how many times you ask me about this, this is the same information, the ONLY information I have access to, and the information is based on my experience. I do hope it helps you, but i cannot add any more.
User says
re: lisa of course you aren't
Of course you aren't damaged for life, but you have cold turkeyed off caffeine, look at what a hard time Jackie is having - after an 18 month taper!! If you are going to go back on and taper off, the sooner you try it the better, but that is a decision that only you can make.
After my caffeine cold turkey, I felt so bad, I chose to go back on caffeine, and look how bad I am STILL feeling after a 4 month taper plus 7 months clean.
PS another symptom I forgot to mention is a constant dry cough.
Hurry up and decide what you are going to do!
Lisa says
re: Jackie and anon please tell me what you think
I know your probably going to laugh at this question but am I damaged for life if I don't go back on a tape? If I just stay off will I heal from this.. I know that sounds dumb but I'm just waiting for a break and I'm
So scared. Like I said I'm traumatized...Lisa
Lisa says
re: This is awful
Well my anxiety is beginning to get the best of me. How in the world did you both make it through? It makes me think im going crazy.. 23 days of utter hell already!! Can caffeine withdrawl really last thins long!! Im beginning to think it something worse.. I want to jump out of my skin!! I don't know what else I. The world would give me such bad anxiety like this!!
Lisa says
re: H Jackie and anon:)
So Jackie I was thinking now that maybe anxiety is a definate caffeien wd symptom and may I ask how is your anxiety now? Did you ever have it before this? It's just awful and I am hoping that it lays off me soon! Anon you said that your anxiety improved a bit .. Is it manageable ? I swear it feels like I just finished my benzo taper.. My anxiety took some time to go away but now I have some agoraphobia again which I despise.. Never had that until benzos.. I got through it last time but it took some time.. I'm trying to not let it control me.. This is just hell.. Anon I got a few hours straight and then I woke at 4 am and fell asleep for a bit and them woke again.. Nights seem easier as far as anxiety is concerned.. I am really trying to distract from it.. So. Hard.. Jackie please tell me about your anxiety?:).. Thanks for all the support you guys.. I really need.. I think we all do
User says
re: hi Jackie (and Lisa)
Thanks for all that v useful information Jackie, I am sorry to hear that you are still so symptomatic (although I am relieved too in a selfish way). I have read all I can find about caffeine metabolism and I cannot find anything relevant about the fact that caffeine is fat soluble. I know that Vit D3 has a half life of 6 - 8 weeks because it is fat soluble - I had a bad reaction to it and it took months to recover, but I can find nothing about the REAL half life of caffeine. I agree with you though, I think it will take a very long time to properly detox. Are your symptoms coming in waves? Mine are :sometimes they are almost bearable and at other times (like now) they are dreadful. I notice that when they are at their worst, I stink of what I now think g as "caffeinne" a horible sort of metallic smell. TMI I know, so sorry about that. I have started waking up for hours too, I find watching Newsnight (which I record for the purpose) usually gets me back to sleep eventually, along with a bananand and milk smoothie.
Lisa, I hope you got some sleep last night, I didn't get much......
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: To Anon
Hello! I thought I'd reply here to save us scrolling down. First, I hope your 'flu is getting better.....you'll hopefully feel a little better when that improves 🙂 You asked me about my symptoms. Well, stress/anxiety has been a big issue - and, also, I get this terrible dread/fear that was one of the main reasons I couldn't get off it and why it took me so long to taper. The caffeine stopped the fear. Those symptoms are still quite bad sometimes but not as bad as they were. I think the main difference is that they were controlling ME but, now, I'm just about getting a handle on THEM (if that makes sense). I also get extremely fatigued, get a lot of brainfog and sometimes, just feel like there is no energy in my head, at all. My sleeping has improved a bit and I am getting more sleep but I still wake up in the early hours and it takes quite a while to get back to sleep ( about 2-3 hrs). I know that caffeine affects my joints and they are still aching but I hope that will improve. But as I've been tapering and the toxins are still in my body from the last 6-7 years, I don't expect to be feeling a lot better for quite sometime. (I only started drinking coffee again after not drinking tea/coffee for many, many years - and how I regret ever starting again!). I would say, though, that I definitely do feel better than when I was having 6-7 a day. Well, that's about all I can think of. I also think that in the early months, part of me didn't want to let it go. Now, I'd do anything to be free....and that includes being psychologically dependent on it. Even now, I get up and feel what do I do if I don't have a coffee?? I have a drink called 'No-Caf', made by Whole Earth. It's made from chicory, dates etc and tastes really nice....but it's not the same as coffee. But I know that will fade and I can't wait to be free ....and get on with my life again. That's how it feels, really.........that my addiction has robbed me of my life! Well, please keep going and let me know how you're doing.If you want to ask any more questions, please feel free. Thanks for your support - means a lot 🙂 Best wishes, Jackie.
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: Lisa
Hi, Lisa, just wanted to offer you some support. Try to hang on in there and keep going but, as Anon said, you're only just over 3 weeks in so it IS going to take time to detox all that posion from your body/mind. That's why we feel so ill when we come off these substances as the body is detoxing. But also remember that the first few weeks are usually the worst (at your age) and I agree with Anon in that I don't think it will take as long for you to start to feel a little better. But try to remember that with every day you're clean, you're nearer to feeling better again. Good luck and KEEP GOING - you've done so well! All the best, Jackie.
Lisa says
re: Unreal
It amazes me that I can feel so awful during the day like on the brink of death but web the night comes around 8 or so I lay in bed and I feel healt way dece t.. I am waking up like 4 times a night.. Driving me nuts cause I can't fall back asleep sometimes .. Wonder why the withdrawl symptoms are less at night .. Not that I'm complaining at all. Ugh it's amazing web I get a break from the anxiery.. I wish others would chime in on the anxiety and depression aspect..tomorrow I will be off 23 days tea and 27 days off pepsi
Lisa says
re: Breastfeeding
I am also breastfeeding and I'm pretty sure my baby went though withdrawl too..I can't imagine putting her through that again:(
Lisa says
re: So good to talk to someone
You have no idea how much you are helping me.. I am
Trying so hard to not go back on the caffeine.. I am 22 almost 23 days completely clean and I'm wondering of it will just let up.. I can't imagine goin though this again!! You think I will see
Bit of a change soon?
User says
re: me again Lisa
Well maybe you should go back on and do a taper. I cold turkeyed off benzos you see, so that's really why I went back on caffeine when I felt as bad as you, and yes it gave me panic attacks but then I sent back on it even slower. But I don't know what I would do if i were you.......all I can say is going back on the posion helped me - I couldn't have got through another cold turkey. If I had known about tapering when I came off benzos i would have tapered - but it was so long ago when there was no info available at all. When I came off caffeine the first time I didn't have a clue how bad it would be or I would have tapered initially. Ah well, we live and learn.
Only you know how to deal with your body
Lisa says
re: Thanks for replying anoymous
I know it's crazy right.. I cannot believe I m
In wd.. My whole body feels like I got ran over, the anxiety is thru the roof, the fear itself is terrifying, and I just just keep thinking that I am dying from some unknown cause..the adrenaline is literally attacking me..
I only get a couple peaceful hours
At night to rest a bit.. And then I wake up to hell again.. I tapered very slow and I pushed through .. This feels different .. It just does.. I feel like death
User says
re: Hi Lisa
I know what you mean about being traumatised, I have the same thing going on, plus the caffeine insomnia ......
but come on, you know you will get better, and yes, your body will calm down by itself (I wish mine would hurry up). `you got through benzo wd, you know what you have to do. Just keep telling yourself that this is just another caffeine wd symptom, try and accept it and wait it out. I am so ------- off with it, but we just have to get through it.