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
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: To Sam
Thanks again, Sam, for taking the time to help us all and writing such a supportive and helpful reply 🙂 I really do mean that! It's so helpful to me personally that you seem to understand the fear/adrenalin/fear cycle - and that other factors like stress - and for me, anger, can trigger it. I think the key thing here for me is that having more understanding as to what is happening in me is helping me to get control. I do find that talking/writing about it all helps to process it and get a handle on things. I find I can handle the anxiety reasonably well now - it's milder than it was, generally. BUT it's the fear (and, infrequently, the anger) that really gets me. And I'm talking about that gripping, all-consuming night-time terrors sort of fear/dread - but I'm fully conscious and wide awake. It's completely irrational but nevertheless, I still feel it and it's a real feeling. It really IS overwhelming and, when I feel it, I'd do ANYTHING to make it stop. And I mean ANYTHING - so I turn to the caffeine which makes it subside. That is the key thing which is stopping me from quitting completely. Same with the anger - I don't get it very often but, when I do, it's a demon!! I guess it's clear that taking any kind of stimulant (like alcohol etc, as well) might give you a temporary high but then you crash and all sorts of repressed nasties are released from the subconscious. I'm sitting here thinking that there MUST be a way to work through or dissolve my fear in some way. I'm trying to hang on to the fact the I HAVE made progress over the last 18 months. My consumption is MUCH less and I do feel a lot better - and one thing I've noticed this week is that every morning I wake up and feel a bit clearer and a bit stronger. So I will carry on and believe that I CAN do it and get through this fear somehow and stop. If you have any tips for dealing with that fear I've described, I'd be very grateful. Thanks, Sam - and sorry to ramble on but the processing does help. And I'm so glad that you made it through. :)Best wishes to everyone and keep the fight going!! Jackie
User says
re: Well I have been off for 8
Well I have been off for 8 months now, surely the muscle weakness and fatigue would be gone if it was all down to caffeine withdrawal? And I still ache all over a lot of the time, I can't believe it is all from caffeine, there must be something else wrong. And the irritability and anger is just as bad.....
Lisa says
re: Thank god!!!! Sam!!
So funny even though I can't laugh right now!! Lol.. I am
So glad to hear you say that.. So weird my anxiety calmed down a bit yesterday but today it's through the roof!! I literally wish I could crawl
Out of my body.. This is terrible but the days should get better.. I keep scarring myself into thinking I have like post partum anxiety now even though I had five other children and I NEavER had this.. It's so creepy that it just sits there waiting to explode.. I have noooo idea how you worked.. You are strong!! I can barely cook it drive all the while shaking.. I swear this is the most uncomfortable feeling on the planet.. I am
Breastfeeding but maybes
Hormones are trying to turn back on but this started exactly 24-48 hrs after my last soda... Thanks Sam.. I need to keep going.. I bought the audiobook!! I love her voice... So soothing .. I really understand what she says .. Some of this is still so chemical and hard to work through.. I can't wait till that leaves!!! Talk to you soon;), Lisa
Sam (sjredd) says
re: No! LOL!!
No anxiety before
No! LOL!!
No anxiety before that and never took anything until that one Xanax. I have had a very small low dose 0.25mg Xanax prescription (qty10) that my doctor gave me a year ago, but never take it... those pills will probably disintigrate in the bottle before I ever take them. I prefer to steer clear of those things. I was put on an anti-depressant for a short time but couldnt handle the increased axiety those caused. I couldn't wait out the intro phase of those it was just too much. I stopped taking them after only a week.
You will get to see your children grow up, and since you are on the right path to a recovery, you will also enjoy it!
Keep reading that book and let me know how it's working for you. It's not easy because you have to accept the anxiety, but it eventually takes hold and works!
Take care,
Sam
Lisa says
re: About anxiety Sam:)
Did you ever have anxiety before this? And did you take anything for it besides that one Xanax.. Please say no lol. The anxiery is just so unbearable at times I feel like ill explode.. Thanks again for givinge hope that I will see my children grow up.. Yeah it's that bad:(
Lisa says
re: Awful fear Sam
Gosh last night I woke up in terror.. 4 times:(.. This is just awful.. I'm on 42 days and I feel like hell.. This anxiety is so awful too.. I really hope it ends soon... I bought that book and I like it a lot.. My symptoms are still so strong.. I'm still dizzy everyday and that makes me want to go back to the doctor but I know they won't help.. This anxiety is still pretty strong bit I am getting moments of peace sometimes half a day if I'm lucky.. It actually scares me because I've been in such a high state of panic for 6 weeks.. Thank too Sam.. Please keep writing and reassuring me this is just withdrawl.. Thank you , lisa.. Tell me were you dizzy for a while? And did you have body pain?
Sam (sjredd) says
re: Just to clarify...
Just to clarify...
I had a lumbar puncture three months ago and they instructed me to have a cup of black coffee to help prevent any spinal headache. That was my first cup in nine months. No out of control anxiety before or after the cup of coffee. I have had maybe ten cups since then, and I can go weeks in between with no anxiety issues. Just clarifying for you that I am still no longer addicted to it and do not crave it either.
Sam
Sam (sjredd says
re: Lisa, Sarah, Jackie and so
Lisa, Sarah, Jackie and so many others on...
I'm so glad you are all hanging in there and pushing forward even though this is so hard to do at times.
To answer Lisa question the her post below, I did have anxiety every day for a good solid two months... Nearly all day, every single day. As I pushed towards the end of two months and into three I would have moments of peace and calm. It would just happen all the sudden. Like a cloud instantly lifted and I could think. It would often bring me to tears with just how nice it was to get some reliefe. You will feel this too. In time. Keep pressing forward like you have been. Us anxiety sufferers have got to be some of the bravest people. We endure so much and yet so many people have no clue what it is we are having to go through.
To Jackie,
I completely cut out caffiene for almost nine months. My anxiety was completely (for the most part) under control. I do now very occasionally drink coffee in the morning only. No energy drinks or any other crazy drinks like that though. My anxiety levels are completely normal to this day with only an occasional hiccup (but who doesn't experience some anxiety from time to time). The difference is in how I view the anxiety symptoms now and not react to them the way I used to. I do not spiral into the fear cycle anymore, which when you are able to let it be and move on without exacerbating the symptoms... Then you are considered to be cured. You're anxiety is at normal levels again and you recognize the feelings as nothing more and you move past them with ease. You are cured when they don't matter anymore. It's a great feeling to have!!
A quick note... This anxiety cycle (I don't like calling it a disorder. Too strong a word and in our case can be misleading), this cycle of fear adrenalin fear can be set off by many things, not just caffiene. Although caffiene was my main trigger and seems to be most people here as well. Any continual stressful and or traumatic situations can set it off as well.
No matter... the cycle is still broken in the same manner. Accepting and facing (not fearing), letting the symptoms happen freely as you do your best to go about your regular activities, and finally, letting as much time pass as is needed.
Remember you will have awful terrible days but you will begin to have peace that is at first fleeting, then as you make progress, the peace may stay for an entire morning or afternoon. And then you will have a whole good entire day and eventually great weeks and then months.
You will also experience set backs, but these are actually positive because it gives you a real good opportunity to put into practice the method of facing, accepting, letting the symptoms run their predetermined coarse, and then letting the time pass some more.
Again please look into reading the old, but still so effective book "Hope and Help for Your Nerves". I'm not affiliated in any way financially with this book. It just helped me so much. You can most likely find it at your local library as well as online.
God Bless you all!
Sam
Lisa says
re: Thank you but no pills here
I didn't develop an anxiety disorder.. Thank you though.. Sam also had anxiery for quit some time after caffeine cessation.. Please don't say that because it scares me.. I haven't had anxiety in 37 years.. Read through people's posts. This is caffeine induced and that is what I will stick too.. Thanks again
sensitivetocaffeine says
re: To Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I'm praying for you to get some relief from your anxiety soon. As others have suggested, buy the books by Claire Weeks, "Hope and help for your nerves". I think it will help you cope with your high anxiety days until you get some relief. I also wonder reading your post if you aren't developing an anxiety disorder or have developed one. For your anxiety to be server after such a long period w/out caffeine seems like something else is happening. I know you're against benzos but there are other pills that may help reduce your symptomtology until your start to feel better. You don't have to be on them long term, just until you get some relief and your anxiety dissapates..
I'm on day 7 w/out caffeine. I had the classic symptoms reported by so many thru the first week. I'm still experiencing off/on mild anxiety thru the day along with a strong feeling of being stressed out and on edge. My trap muscles on my shoulders and back are frequently rock hard. I too am hoping this anxiety is from the withdrawal of caffeine and some pain pills I was taking and quit at the same time. No fun, forsure.
Lisa, when you're anxiety is high, just tell yourself you do have other options to get some relief. I know not adding additional pills is your goal but they do help many people cope with withdrawal anxiety thru withdrawal and the then discontinue them once the withdrawal symptoms are over.
Lisa says
re: Sam another question
When you say it took you two months to even get to a point where you would have a couple good days does that mean that you had anxiety everyday.. I know that sounds like a dumb question but I feel like this is something my body is doing to me.. I know I can make it worse by feeding it with fear but this is just awful everyday.. I have never had anxiety like this in a my life.. Somedays I swear I don't know how to handle it.. I do breathing exercises, go for walks, just cry a lot and pray I make it through another day.. Do you think as the days went on Sam that you just noticed you had less anxiety? That time is all I really have huh.. That my body just has to calm down? I'm not working right now so that's good but I feel like hell everyday:(I swear the anxiety just sits there inu throat and stomach and waits to get worse.. It's just awful .. Thanks again
Lisa says
re: Sam<3, and everyone.. Thank you
Thank you all for your wonderful posts.. Sam I went to the er also three times and twice to my reg doc.. They ran all sorts of blood tests and heart tests and said I'm healthy as a whip.. Did try to give me benzos and believe me the shape im in I almost took them.. But then I remembered what hell I went through to get off and since I knew this wasn't me I said no.. Thank god..I woke with a lot of anxiety today:(.. It's so hard to not be able to do everything I would normally be doing..my kids are sad cause I just got over this and life was back to normal.. This is very sad for me.. I can't go places yet, can't hardly drive:(.. Too much panic.. I was able to force myself a few times to the store... I am trying hard to be patient.. Panic is rough along with all the other scary sx.. Jackie I have been trying to change my diet and thank you .. Sarah you are too sweet and will get through this.. It's hard waking everyday thinking I won't get to see my babies grow up:(.. I literally shake when the wind blows:(.. Anon I hope u are doing good as well.. Thank you all and please keep writing.. It helps a great deal.. Love u all my virtual saviors:), love, Lisa oh my email is lisaleito0403@gmail.com in case anyone wants to talk more:)
User says
re: Hello again Jackie and others
It is so good to hear that we are not alone with this problem - I am so fed up with it. Jackie u asked how i am at the moment, well I am always exhausted, always aching and anxious. I am wondering if others have problems with loss of muscle strength - I can't do any of the things I used to do easily- I can't carry as much shopping as I could, I have problems opening heavy doors, I feel as if I am wading through water etc etc. I hope I get back my strength. Plus I am sensitive to sound and light and smell. I am in such a horrible mood too.
Luckily I know, because of this site, that it is not permanent, but it has been going on for a year - I spent months taperig and I have been off for 8 months now, and I am tired of it.
Jackie I find it hard to understand why you keep driinking it - I wonder if you could try and remember that it will stop you recovering, every time you drink it, you give your brains another dose so it can never ever truly calm down. I think it is a mistake to take in any more caffeine until you have recoverd and been symptom free for quite a while.
Nest time u are tempted, perhaps you could visualise your poor brain - thinking at last it has a chance to recover and then you go and screw it up again, with more poison...
Anyway thas what I think,
Thhanks for your looong post Sam, very helpful. How many months altogether have you been off?
Lisa , I do hope you are getting through your days a bit better, at least u are getting accustomed to this hellish state.
Keep on keeping on everyone.
Jackie from the U.K. says
re: To Sam
Hi, Sam, just wanted to say thanks so much for your post. It really struck a chord with me and helped me to understand how I'm reacting and why my nerves are so bad. I have been on the road to recovery from my coffee addiction, through weaning, although the process has been very slow (over 18 months now). I've still been having the odd decaf and the odd normal coffee but generally much better than I was ( I was on 6-8 large coffees a day). But I've had a couple of really bad days and I feel that it's a huge setback as I felt in such a state, I went back to having 2 normal ones a day which then sets off my sugar cravings. Two maybe doesn't sound a lot but I know it sets me back and I almost feel like I can't bear to fight any more. I 've been like this for months. I forge ahead for a few days and think my addiction is "cured" and then something happens to set my nerves/fear/anxiety back off and I RUN BACK to the caffeine which stops it. So what I'm saying is that reading your post has helped me to understand how my nerves have become so sensitive to any stresses or problems. I would add that my daughter has been ill for 18 years (she's 32 and I'm her full-time carer) and I constantly worry about her and she has also had a problem with her nerves - partly made worse by anti-ds, I believe, and other problems - so between us, we are a right couple of stressed out, ill people who seem to be struggling to find any light in life. I think that sometimes we drown and it's hard to swim back to the surface. Anyway, sorry to unload. But, as I said, your post helped. The bottom line is I need to accept my feelings and ride it all out, as you say. I've got to stop "shrinking from the fear of them", as you say. I just wish I could JUST STOP altogether. So many people on here have done that AND recovered. But I think my addiction is now now psychological than physical. I feel so exasperated with myself. You went through terrible symptoms when you went cold turkey but you didn't go back on it, did you? How did you stay so strong, Sam? Anyway, I salute your achievement and am so glad you're where you are now. I'll also check out that book and try to stay strong and ride out my feeling etc. Thanks again and good luck to everyone. Best wishes, Jackie.
Sam (sjredd) says
re: Hang in there Lisa (this is a loooong post)
Dear Lisa, and all the others that are here looking for support.
Whatever you do, do not give in to despair. This is not permanent at all!! This process takes a lot of time. This will fade eventually, but very slowly. In the meantime try not to be as fearful of this thing these feelings...
Just as Sarah said, this is not at all your new normal self. It will get better. I know beyond all doubt just how stinking hard this thing is to handle. I know how truly difficult it is to believe it when others, including doctors tell you that this is anxiety... Even it if was triggered by caffeine, benzodiazepines drugs or any stressful event in your life. This happens. This happens to the best of us! This is frazzled nerves, whatever the cause was it has definitely left you with tired achy nerves... And that is what they are. They have become so sensitive to the slightest difference in the way you feel from moment to moment, that any single little change, no matter what it is, even things you may once have felt but dismissed, send you into a state of panic. This, my friend does take some time to wind down, to "desensitize" your nerves. You are still in the throes of fear-adrenalin-fear.
You asked me to describe the anxiety I had and what exactly it felt like... I will do my best to explain...
Remember this started for me without warning and suddenly! I was also a very heavy drinker of coffee and energy drinks... Until I had a major panic attack which landed me in the ER thinking that I was dying. So here goes... I woke up in the middle of the night feeling strange. I couldn't quite explain why I felt strange I just did. I had a strange fear and weird crawly skin feeling, then all the sudden BAM!! My legs went ice cold and my hands and face went cold numb and tingly. I was already up and so I walked over to my wife's side of the bed and asked her to call 911. In the meantime my groin started to feel really painful and very cold. I then felt my heart start racing really really fast. I thought I was literally on my way out of this life! My wife took me to the ER where I spent the next four hours being tested. They found nothing wrong with me except elevated heart rate. They told me it was anxiety and gave me a Xanax and sent me home to follow up with my regular doctor. I did follow up with my regular doctor who did more tests and came to the same conclusion... Which at the time I refused to believe!
I refused to believe this doctor and went to a different doctor who looked at the results of my previous tests, did some of his own, and then guess what?... He diagnosed me with anxiety!! I still did not believe it.
I couldn't believe it because I was having so many awful feelings and experiences all of the sudden. I was so different inside and felt so bad that I couldn't believe that this was nerves.
In the following two months after my attack I would wake up all hours of the night with ice cold face arms hands feet just shaking and shivering. My legs would ache and hurt so bad that no matter how I sat or laid down I could not get comfortable. I would have to force myself to go to work. Force myself to do anything that I used to do. I was depressed. I thought I was going crazy (just so you know, if you thing you're going crazy, you aren't. You wouldn't know it if you really were). There were many many times where I felt as if I was going to crawl out of my skin. I felt unreal. Detached. Like I was viewing the world from a dream haze. My vision felt different. I had lots of trouble breathing and there were many times that I felt I was suffocating. I started developing little phobias of things like soap and being in the air at work. All because I was desperate to link the way I felt to something tangible.
The most upsetting thing that happened to me was when, after about three weeks of this hell, I strangely felt a bit better... Not my old self mind you, but better and more manageable for a few days. My wife and I were going to go see a movie on Friday, had it planned for days. That Friday I was on my way home from work and the panicky feeling came back in the car while I was in traffic! I started losing it again and when I got home I tried to go, but I was just so extremely physically uncomfortable and weirdly irritable that I finally told my wife that I just couldn't muster the strength to go out. It really made her feel bad and made me feel worse. I laid on the bedroom floor for hours squirming around as my skin tingled and burned and heart raced. I felt dizzy and couldn't get up.... Needless to say this was the worst stuff. This happened many many times regardless of whether I was at home or work. I could not accept it at the time as being anxiety. That is until realized that I had quit caffeine cold turkey... That was the very beginning of a really slow recovery. I also came to this wonderful forum where I really began to see the light of what was happening to me.
I also was directed to the book that I have recommended in a previous post, "Hope and Help for Your Nerves". I can't recommend this thing highly enough... In it the author explained everything that was happening to me down to a tee. She also went to great lengths to help me understand why it can happen and why it is not harmful to your health. She is a survivor herself of this mess. She fully recovered from it as well. She also was a general physician and understood very well the effects of adrenalin. Please find and read this book. It will help you so much.
This is not the end of it all. You are not doomed to this strange world. It really is a temporary thing and this does require acceptance of the symptoms and riding them out. AND not shrinking from fear of them!!! The less you fear anxiety, the less adrenalin gets released. And eventually the grip of this monster will loosen enough for you to breath. You will then be on your way to a full recovery from the fear of this mess and your anxiety will return to normal healthy feeling happy levels.
After more than a year, I can safely say that I am much better. This really is a time thing. You have to let time pass as you work through this. You will have many down and awful days, but you absolutely will have moments that are peaceful. Enjoy these moments and do not fear the troubling moments as they will pass. The peaceful moments will come more and more often and one day you will look back and realize that you aren't nearly as bad off as you once were. Remember to face these feelings, accept them, let them run their temporary coarse they can't harm you!! And most of all... let time pass. Time and acceptance is the key!
Best of wishes to you and lots if prayers. You'll make it. You'll be fine. Keep in touch.
-Sam-
Sarah says
re: Seeking answers
Dear Lisa,
This is NOT your new normal, hard as it is to believe. It is TEMPORARY. 40 days feels like forever, I know. But you will find your way out of this. You will find peace, and I hope when you do you will let the rest of us know. That said, I REALLY encourage you to talk to a medical doctor and/or a therapist/psychologist to explain all the symptoms you've been experiencing the last 40 days. Maybe what began as caffeine withdrawal has developed into ongoing anxiety after all your poor body has been through. Also, if there is any way you can engage in aerobic activity, it may help. Please continue to nourish your body with good food, lots of water, and movement. While those of us in the virtual community are cheering you on, I hope you have a physical group of family and friends providing you support as you trudge your way through this.
Lisa says
re: I feel like I'm dying
I swear I feel so bad like I'm dying or something.. How can't his be? It's been 40 days! Something else has to be wrong with me.. I wake up so sick everyday.. So dizzy I can barely do anything.. Is this my life now? It's falling apart.. I want to go to the er again.atbe they are missing something .., I just can't dont this.. I feel so bad but all my bloodwork is normal.. So petrified:(((((anxiety is super bad
User says
re: To Lisa and Sarah....and, Anon, where are you!?
Hi, Lisa and Sarah.........just wanted to add some encouragement and say (as always!), just KEEP GOING!! I'm finding that I AM improving but it does take time. I agree with you, Sarah, that getting outside in the fresh air and taking exercise really helps. If you've read any of my previous posts, you'll have read that I'm also a great advocate of healthy eating as I know it's helped me with the detoxification process. I eat only pure, whole ingredients (I'm vegan, too) and mostly organic - as I don't want to put any more poison in to my body! Anyway, I know it's helped with the detox process and helped to replenish lost vits/mins etc. Also, when I eat this way, my sugar cravings stop. Well, good luck to everyone and, lastly, Anon, where are you?? How are you doing? Best wishes, Jackie.
User says
re: To Jonny V
Hi, glad to hear you're getting clean again. I've been trying for over 18 months to get off caffeine and sugar and have learned that the bottom line is I just can't get away with it any more. The truth is - if we put poison and rubbish into our bodies, whether it's caffeine, alcohol, sugar, nicotine etc etc, we WILL get ill. As your symptoms are more managable this time, you should find it a lot easier. Just imagine being free of all that irritability, anger and anxiety...not to mention feeling physically better and just generally more healthy! You CAN go the distance - and it sure will be worth it! Good luck! Jackie
Lisa says
re: Panic attacks
These are kicking the crap out of me!!! What the heck?? I to talk myself out of them but they are kicking my butt:((
Lisa says
re: Sarah thanks
I have been forcing myself to walk everyday.. I think it helps a bit.. I had anxiety for about 6 months after my benzo taper but not this bad.. This is brutal.. Sending you a hug as well..
Lisa says
re: Ativan reply
I was accidentally given benzos when I tapers off my pain meds too fast .. I was on lortab 6 years for back pain and I had enough.. I fast tapered off them and nicotine and caffiene(25 years of) all in the same day.. I had my first panic attack and the paramedics gave me Ativan . I only got worse and stayed on the Ativan a couple weeks .. Went crazy and crossed to Valium and tapered.. Benzos are no joke.. At all.. I will never take a pill again:(
sensitivetocaffeine says
re: Ativan
Lisa,
I'm confused.. You said you have not had prior issues with anxiety. What were you taking benzo's for then?
Sarah says
re: Lisa, does it help to go for
Lisa, does it help to go for walks or engage in aerobic activity? Something to burn off some of that adrenaline... Yoga to help stretch your tight and tired muscles and also relax your mind? I engage in both of these and they are not quick fixes but help ease the physiological and emotional effects of anxiety. Also, I wish it weren't so stigamized, but perhaps you could consider talking to a counselor or therapist to give you some strategies and tools to apply especially during some of the more intense moments (e.g., breathing exercises, ways of thinking to help calm and contextualize your fears and worrisome thoughts). I see one weekly and have noticed a difference. When my anxiety was so bad, it was difficult to imagine how I could make it through the day let alone the next minute. I know our experiences are different, but I notice that I can experience intense anxiety for hours especially if my mind continues to perpetuate and recycle the same scary thoughts, what ifs, and if I continue to perceive my anxiety as a threat and fear the physiological sensations. Mine is still a work in progress but these are things I continue to tell myself:
-You are STILL in control
-The scary thoughts are JUST thoughts. They don't hold truth. Entertaining thoughts isn't the same as believing them.
-I've made it this far. I'm already winning.
Sending you a virtual hug Lisa.
-
Lisa says
re: Sarah<3
Thank you so much Sarah for your response.. I have never honestly been so terrified in all my life.. I know this is happening as I lay her in my bed trying to gash for air right now.. The adrenaline is just shooting though me like wildfire and still I fight:(.. I refuse to take any poisons because I know in my heart this is not ME.. I know me.. I am a very healthy person, a mommy , a wife but right now I am down.. And I don't know how long this will take.. I have even thought up ways to end it all but I have to keep fighting.y body hurts, my mind, even my soul and I weep as I write this.. I hope I can get though one more day.. No one seems to understand how bad this is.. Hell I don't even believe it.. Thank you Sarah .. I appreciate your words.. No one can ever tell how our bodies can react under certain situations.. I need to crawl out of this.. Pills are not an option for me.. I need to just keep going .. I pray that I come out alive on the other end, Lisa
Lisa says
re: Sam I wonder
I'm wondering if we are talking about the same anxiety? Mine seems to be so so bad all the time and I have never felt such a thing:(.. Only going through Benzo wd.. Can you describe how it feels for you? Like I can't relax, watch tv, my throat feels closed, I feel like I'm going to crawl out of my skin.. I can't focus and I feel like my brain is going crazy.. It calms down here and there but not enough to really notice.. Please describe it.. I really want to know if its how I feel.. This is destroying my life.. I feel like it will kill me:(..
Sarah says
re: I am new to this site and new
I am new to this site and new to the conversation string. Lisa, I am moved by your resilience and your tenacity. I am also moved by this anonymous community of supporters. I too suffer from anxiety--triggered by an intense panic attack at a travel clinic getting shots for going abroad. For weeks I was convinced that I had a reaction to the vaccine and denied that panic and anxiety was the underpinning reason. Leading up to the panic attack, I was consuming gobs of caffeine (tea, coffee) and sugar to get through the demands of grad school. Post-panic attack, I had recurring anxiety, racing thoughts, dizziness, weird head sensations (like someone pressing an electric toothbrush at the base of my head), and when the anxiety was really bad I had eird out-of-body sensations. I gave up caffeine completely and got on an SSRI (and experienced a whole new set of horrible physical and mental sensations the first few weeks). Not knowing that caffeine can react with SSRIs, I started drinking coffee again (not much, just a cup or two) and within an hour or two sensations of panic and anxiety would catch me off guard. I'd be loading the dishwasher, riding in the car, or out shopping, and would get dizzy out of nowhere, feel panic flashing in my chest, heart palpitations, and I would cry and freak out. I didn't know what was happening.
While my experience is different from many of the contributors, I thank the universe for stumbling upon this site. Lisa, what you're going through is scary, exhausting, and frustrating BUT KEEP GOING! You are a beacon of hope and resilience. I will share with you the words my sister told me. When I call her after an intense anxiety episode and ask "Why does this keep happening? When will it get better?" she replies with "Sarah, you're doing great. Don't be too hard on yourself and be patient." Me: "I am being patient but it's hard. How long do I have to continue being patient?" Her response "As long as it takes." Best wishes, Lisa. Keep looking forward.
Lisa says
re: Sensitive !????!
You take Ativan?? I came off benzos 2 years ago.. You have no idea.. I would not take that for caffeine wd:((
Lisa says
re: I had everything checked
All my bloodwork is perfect.. Did you at Ativan? Omg!! Don't take that!
sensitivetocaffeine says
re: To Lisa
Lisa,
Sorry to hear you're suffering so much. I'm on day 5 of quitting caffeine after only a few weeks of drinking it again. I also was taking percoets 1-2 a day for a month for jaw and back pain. I quit both at the same time. My main symptoms now are constantly feeling stressed and on edge. Body tension in my shoulders and neck and low grade, nagging anxiety in the 2-3 range if 10 is horrible. I'm sure if a combination of quitting both drugs. I do have Soma muscle relaxers and Ativan that I will take if the symptoms get to intense.
In your case Lisa, have you been to the doctor for a check up/blood work to insure something else isn't going on? Thyroid or other issue?
Lisa says
re: What does your anxiety feel like Sam?
Mine is like a constant state of panic.. It kinda lets up at night a bit most nights but I have anxiety all day.. What did it feel like for you please tell me?, Lisa... We're you able to do a lot of things? The anxiety makes it so impossible
Lisa says
re: One more thing Sam
I also think that because I just had a baby seven months ago my hormones are pretty screwy but I was ok until I quit the caffeine.. I really think caffeine withdrawl messed up everything going on in my body so to speak.. I am breastfeeding but I still feel hormonal fluctuations throughout the month which are intensified right now I think by the caffeine wihdrawl.. All the cortisol and adrenaline is making me feel so damn sick .. I heard that caffeine really plays on our hormones anyhow so when we take it away it probably gets pretty mad.. Gosh i sure do miss my caffeine:(... I will eat a candy bar again someday!!! But never in excess:(
Lisa says
re: Sam thank you!
I am still struggling with just awful awful symptoms.. I am so depression ans I have funky anxiety all day long that even wakes me up in the morning.. Did ou have trouble sleeping ? I seem to not be able to sleep more than 5 or 6 hours.. Yes the dizziness oh god.. I feel like a bobble head.. I just want to cry cry cry all day.. I had like 4 pretty good panic attacks yesterday .. It was a particularly bad day and I sure felt it.. I feel so worn out from all the adrenaline and my body hurts tremendously:(.. My jaw, head pressure and the worst is the anxiety and depression .. I just am
Having such am hard time dealing with them.. I seem
I shake all day and if I feel numbness I shake more.. And it's a horrible cycle.. Someday I cannot stand up from the dizziness..... Jelly legs and all.. Does this sound familiar? Please keep in touch Sam.. You have no idea how much you are helping me:)
Johnny V says
re: Well, after I've made
Well, after I've made a... "recovery", I'm now back again since I'm going through a little relapse. Ever since I quit caffeine two years ago and beat my withdrawal symptoms early this year, I've felt pretty good. I still had anxiety and heart palpitations, but it was managable. Since I thought I made a recovery, I started drinking caffeine again (even though when I said I wouldn't), alcohol, and picked up smoking. I didn't notice any ill effects at first, but after a couple months, I noticed that I'm still sensitive to caffeine as well as nicotine. I stopped consuming both (but not alcohol) and after a month, I'm suffering a bit of a relapse. I feel the same symptoms I did two years ago, but stangely, it's more manageable this time now that I know what it is.
It's been 8-days since my withdrawal symptoms started, and even though I said it's manageable, it's stressing me out a bit. I noticed I'm angrier and more irratable than I was when I was just going through caffeine withdrawals two years ago. Must be the nicotine. Also, my heart palpitations are now triggered by certain things rather than having them coming and going at random. I really hope this goes away soon. Even though it's a more minor withdrawal, I don't want to deal with this again.
Sam (sjredd) says
re: Lisa,
My anxiety came on
Lisa,
My anxiety came on suddenly, and remained very strong for a good two months before they even started to lift. And when they did start lifting it was only very fleeting at first that I actually felt good. Then, very gradually I would have less and less intense sensations. I had so many new and unusual feelings during this time that I really was convinced that something was seriously wrong with me. No joke! I went to the ER three times, each time with some new concern stacked on top of the old concerns. I haunted my doctors office more times than I care to say. My symptoms we're many, but the most troublesome to me were the dizziness and the lightehead feelings. Also I had this strange electrical zap like sensations that would run through my legs and arms up through to my face. Very disturbing. The worst of it all was that hopeless feeling that I was permanently damaged and that my nerves were fried and I would never recover. Well, I did recover! And so will you! I hardly notice the symptoms any more and when they do try to sneak up on me they are so much easier to dismiss. I know how hard this is right now. You are probably still thinking that something is very wrong with your health. It's hard not to think that way when you are having to deal with these strange feelings going through your body. I know how hard this is to accept, but these things absolutely will fade with time. The key is in facing your symptoms. Stopping your self and saying "hey this is anxiety". Then examining the sensation. Anxiety causes so many seemingly unrelated sensations, all of which are related to excess adrenalin hormones being released into your system. The racing thoughts, the dizziness, the churning stomach, feelings of not being able to breath, pins and needles and numbness sensations... All are actually harmless to our body and, if you face these and accept them wholeheartedly, not fearing them and not running from them, you will break the cycle of fear-adrenalin-more symptoms more fear... And you will gradually over time become less and less sensitave to them and they will eventually fade. You're nerves are sensitized right now and need time to become less and less sensitive. Over time you will look back and realize that you feel much better. I know it's very incredibly hard right now, but you will recover. Youve been here before and it will get so much better for you. Time and acceptance are your best weapons in this battle. You will get through it. But you have to remind yourself each time you are faced with this to not fight. Fighting it and resisting it only makes it stronger. You must accept all of it. That is the key. It takes time. Lots of it. I promise you it will get better. Take it day by day moment by moment.
-Sam-
Lisa says
re: Sam are you there?
Hey Sam it's me again I just wanted to ask you a few questions about your Withdrawal? Like first of all how long was your anxiety very strong for? Mine seems to be very very strong and it's very upsetting to me. I just had a panic attack today and it was very upsetting. I know you say that it's going to end for me but there is no end in sight right now.. I am just so so scared that I'm going to be stuck like this for a very very long time. The anxiety is so very strong and powerful I don't know how to get through it every day. This just doesn't seem normal to me like just caffeine withdrawal.. I just don't know how this could happen:((((, Lisa
Lisa says
re: Never had anxiety!!!
No I have never had anxiety in my life:(.. A ton of people on here experience anxiety months out from wd.. Read through the forum.. You'll see:)
sensitivetocaffeine says
re: 38 days of hell
Hi Lisa,
Have you had issues with anxiety before coffee or do you have an anxiety disorder? It sure appears you're suffering a lot after 38 days of caffeine free.
Lisa says
re: 38 days of hell
Well today I am 38 days free from caffeine.. I am still having a ton of symptoms especially head stuff , weirdness and anxiety! I pray that all of this passes soon.. I cannot deal with the head symptoms!! They are so so awful ... Sensitive to caffeine hello!! I hope that the anxiety passes for you soon!! I have had it over a month and its brutal!! A lot of people say 3 months.. So I still have a while to go:(.. Are you having any other symptoms? I am so so dizzy.. This sucks, Lisa
sensitivetocaffeine says
re: withdrawal after short time on caffeine/coffee?
I've read a lot on this site about folks getting pretty good increases in anxiety when they quit and go into w/d. I only drank coffee and other caffeine for a couple of weeks along with eatting chocolate. Well, I stopped all caffeine on Tuesday. I wasn't drinking more than a couple of cups of coffee. Well, I'm now feeling anxious as hell, lots of tension in my traps muscles, back pain, loose stools, etc. I'm also feeling blah w/minor depression. What's getting me is the large increase in anxiety! Today is day 4 of no caffeine. I woke up to elevated anxiety in the 3-4 range if 10 is horrid. With only drinking caffeine so short a period, how long should I expect this increase in anxiety? I am a person that has generalized anxiety but it had been pretty calm until this.
Thoughts?
Lisa says
re: Can anyone tell me!!
Why why why are the mornings simply horrendous!!!! Please someone tell me this.. The depression is horrid and I feel like I got hit by a truck:(, Lisa
Lisa says
re: Sam!! You are my savior!!
First of all I just want to say thank you so much for writing me back after all this time.. i was hoping to hear from you and I figured that you were no longer on the site... Anyhow I am so glad that you wrote me back.. Gosh Sam I am in such a bad place right now I don't even know what to do I'm so scared from the anxiety that I'm having as it's been 37 days straight.. I suffered a severe withdrawal from benzodiazepines about two years ago and I was totally in the clear from that I was almost healed or about 98% healed from that experience... It's a very long story and I rather not go into it but I think I posted it somewhere in the forum .. Anyhow on September 8 I was going to the store with my boyfriend and all the sudden panic came over me panic but I've never felt in my whole life it was absolutely horrifying I didn't know what to do and I told him to take me straight to the emergency room but then he told me no it's okay you just need to go home and rest so I came home and from that day on I have had nothing but severe panic attacks And anxiety.. The problem saying that it's only anxiety is that I have very real symptoms that I do feel like dizziness ,I had diarrhea for 30 days straight ,I was also throwing up and I had nausea ,muscle pain ,severe lower back pain and a couple of other weird symptoms that I've never had before.. When I was going to benzodiazepine withdrawal I had Horrific symptoms.. And I do mean horrific and it seems like this withdrawal is similar to the benzodiazepine withdrawal or that my body is just remembering what I went through two years ago and it's repeating that... I did a very slow taper and I had anxiety for about five or six months after but it wasn't near this bad this is just horrible... I remember that I had to work through it for very long time to be able to go anywhere to go to the stores and do a lot of things that I used to do.. I literally feel like somebody put me in a time machine and set me back two years... Some days the dizziness is so unbearable and I don't know how I'm supposed to function taking care of my children.. I cannot nor will I ever go back on benzos and I don't think they would even help me at this point anyways.. Oh my god just the thought makes me cringe... Anyhow I was wondering what you did to help with the anxiety because I do feel like a lot of this is anxiety but I also like I said I'm having very strange symptoms.. I swear to God I went to bed and I woke up in this hell.. And I have not been the same since... I have only had a couple hours here and there in the last 37 days where I felt halfway decent this is been so horrible I can't believe I did this to myself and to my body and I wish that I could go back and taper the soda... When you say that the physical withdrawal is over I don't know if I can believe that yet because I'm still having some pretty rough symptoms like the muscle pain in the dizziness and even the nausea still I do feel like the anxiety is really really getting to me though.. Gosh I do pray that I get through this soon at least if I could get to the point where the anxiety is manageable it won't be so bad but it is really really bad right now I'm having a hard time doing anything around my house everything puts me into a panic I can hardly go to the grocery store do anything that I used to do I just can't believe it... I kept doing everything like you said like googling and doing a whole bunch of other things I did go to the doctor and get a whole bunch of blood work done . doc told me that maybe I had postpartum anxiety but the problem with that is that I didn't have any anxiety until I quit the soda and my withdrawal didn't start until today after I was done with my cold turkey.. So then I started thinking oh my god what am I to do to get out of this I can do I have to go back on pills but there's just no way I can never go back on another pill again... Can you tell me what around when you thought that your anxiety was starting to lift a little bit ?tell me more about what happened to you and how long it took for most of your symptoms to go away.. I just want to say thank you so much for writing me back and for helping me out.. I still have a bit of insomnia I'm only sleeping maybe five hours a night which is not like me I also am still having those horrible nightmares and my stomach is starting to figure itself out... But the awful headaches and head symptoms that im having and the dizziness are really really making It hard to live... Also my muscle pain is terrible and it makes me feel like I'm 90 years old I swear that this withdrawal brought back some of my old symptoms it just doesn't seem like that could happen but it really did.. I just want my life back and I really appreciate all your help... I'm hoping that next month maybe some of the stuff will start to lift.. Please keep in touch with me and tell me how long before you're anxiety started to go away a little bit and if you had dizziness or not because that is the one it's really getting to me.. Take care Sam I hope you are well, Lisa
Sam (sjredd) says
re: Hi Lisa,
You had replied to
Hi Lisa,
You had replied to one of my last comments about a month ago... I apologize for taking so long to reply as I haven't been on this site in nearly a year.
Here is my update as well as some encouragement for you...
YES YES YES you will recover from this. You are suffering intense panic and anxiety that was triggered by your use of caffiene and kept alive by the effects of withdrawal. It took me about six months to get to a point where I could say that I just overall felt better and able to be happy for the most part again. Your withdrawal is probably physically over and what your are going through now are the effects of being afraid of the symptoms caused initially by the withdrawal. Anxiety is the biggest bluffer... It causes you to release adrenalin creating these bizarre feelings which in turn makes you fear them which causes even more adrenalin to be realesed thus reinforcing the symptoms... It becomes a vicious cycle. Believe me I suffered through all sorts of odd symptoms and self diagnosed myself with everything from lupus to multiple sclerosis because of all the symptoms and GOOGLE. Word of advise... Stay away from GOOGLE! Do not search out your symptoms. Go see your doctor if only to confirm that it is anxiety. And if your doctor says it's just nerves then you need need need to accept that and move forward. That is what I eventually did. I pretty much guarantee you that this is just anxiety!! I've been there trust me. The single best thing that helped me to finally beat this beast and get back to a more normal state of mind was reading a book called 'Hope and Help for your Nerves' by Dr Claire Weekes. Look it up on Amazon. The book was written in the late 1960's so the terminology is a bit dated. However the information and help offered here is every bit as relevant today as it was back then. Do not be put off by the publish date. She was a pioneer in the area of recognizing and properly dealing with anxiety and panic issues regardless of what set them off. Trust me this book is a life saver. It is still in print and costs less than ten dollars. (I am not affiliated with her family or her publisher, I just want to help you and this is the best way I know how.)
With time you will get better... You are not losing your mind and you do not have some sort of rare disease this is just anxiety and can be worked through.
Take care and God bless!! Keep us all updated on your progress.
Sincerely,
Sam
Lisa says
re: Grace again:)..
Yes I tried that too:(.. I had a huge panic attack and my hubby called the paramedics.. Geezzz.. My guess is that we are now intolerant to the caffeine so out bodies are rejecting it like poison.. How bad is your anxiety on a 1-10 level.. Mine is always at least an 8 sometimes at hight I get a 3 if I'm lucky.. This suck.. I also didn't realize that I was consuming about 60-80 tbsp of sugar a day ack!! So my body is prob going through some
Kind of sugar wd too.. Imm35 days in and the only sugar I have is yogurt , fruit, granola , some oj and a bite if ice cream.. I didn't want to cut it out completely but my body kinda did that by itself.. I still feel like hell on wheels.. I talked to a guy named Dave ans he said that his anxiety took a few months to go away so I am praying for that .. Tell me what other sympoms you have? I am so dizzy, lightheaded, feel like a bobble head, some
Weird burning skin patches, pins
And needles and if course some insomnia.. And anxiety!!!! I effig hate hate the anxiety so much ...hoping this passes soon for us.. No more coffee for now:).. Let your body detox first and then you can maybe have a little, write back, Lisa:)
Grace says
re: Confession
So, I just gave in and had a coffee (I know, I know, so silly) and now my anxiety is even WORSE! I did not expect that at all.... so weird because it never gave me this kind of anxiety before....
In a way I am glad because if it made me feel better it would have been harder to stick to my guns.
Does this mean I have to start all over again? I know I don't deserve sympathy, but I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself right now.
Lisa says
re: I've been eating pretty good Jackie
I have been eating as well as I can.. I am eating bananas, almonds, almond butter, pb and j, yogurt, apples, chicken , veges.. Basically whatever I am able to cook.. I can't understand why my feet keep sweating and why my face keeps getting pins and needles.. And why is my balance so off... I thought maybes hormones are adding to it but it would not be 24/7.. This is crazy!! I felt amazing before September 8th!!!!
User says
re: Lisa
I really am sorry that you're having such a bad time with your withdrawal. But it's important to understand that the reason you feel like hell is because you ARE in withdrawal. This is why you have all your symptoms (and,as I understand, as long as you've had a check up with your docotor?) That IS how it feels - it's NORMAL to feel like hell when you're coming off any substance.....and the bottom line is that until you have come through the worst, you ARE going to feel like this. All you can do is to try to look after yourself as well as you can and KEEP GOING. You have come this far so you know you CAN do it - you've already done 34 days. I think you're very brave and deserve a big medal for going through this!! Just try to remember that IT WILL GET EASIER....and the more days you do, the nearer you are to getting back to normal again. I can't stress how important it is to eat healthily when you're going through withdrawal. Your body needs all the nutrients/vitamins and minerals it can get to help with the healing process. You feel like hell, physically and emotionally, because you are detoxing. At least you know it's working! The only thing I can keep saying is to KEEP GOING and make sure you're eating properly....and it WILL improve. What have you been eating? Are you eating enough? My prayers are with you - I know you can get through 🙂 Jackie
Lisa says
re: Jackie
It's been 34 days of utter hell already and all I can Do is cry, cry.. Why is my balance so off? It's really scaring me .. And my anxiety is absolute unreal as well as the feel inf of dread and fear.. I don't know if I can do this.. I am really bad off.. Mentally and physically.. I have not seen any huge improvements and the mornings a re impossible ...I woke this morning with pins and needles and tingling.. Numbness.. Is this even normal:(.. I am in hell still .. I did sleep 6 hours and my bowels have improved .. This weakness and heaviness in my body scares me.. I feel like death
User says
re: Lisa
Hi, Lisa, please don't panic! ONE of the reasons that it's taken me so long is that, because I've STILL been putting posion into my body while tapering, my symptoms have lasted LONGER. If you are STILL taking something which makes you ill, you're STILL going to feel ill - even if you're having less and not feeling quite so rough. TWO - I am much older than you (I'm 62) and when you've been putting poison in your body for a long, long time, it's obviously going to take longer to detox and get it out. THREE - as we get older, our bodies are much less efficient and don't detox as well as they did when we were young......SO, you ARE young, Lisa, and so I TRULY believe that it will not take you as long. PLEASE remember, though, that when I've been tapering , I'm STILL putting in the poison, so I'm obviously STILL going to feel rough. I think anon would agree with me that when we get older, it's harder. I'll say it again. If I'd been completely clean for over a month (well done!!), I'd NEVER put the posion back in my body again!!!!!!!! YOU WILL GET BETTER and have already experienced some slight improvement. From what I've read, the benzos have contributed to you feeling so ill while you're detoxing, as well. Keep praying for strength to get through and you WILL begin to see some improvements. You have done so incredibly well so PLEASE keep going. There is an end. Once you start to feel some real improvement, it will spur you on. Good luck and keep us posted. TC Jackie
Lisa says
re: Hi Jackie and grace and anon:)..
Jackie I am kind of scared after reading your comment..you said it has taken 8 months to start feeling better and you tapered.. What does that mean for me:(.. I'm so scared that I'm not gonna see any real changes for a very long time and I am a mommy who has to take care of her kids.. Do you think I should reinstate if I'm gonna be sick for a year.. I do t know what to do.. It's been 33 days and I've been sick roughly 40 from cutting down too fast in the first place.. My bowels are definately starting to ease up and the panic is not 24/7 now but it's still pretty rough.. My sugar is all over the place and I have to keep snacks by my bed. Last night I went sleep around 11 and woke at almost 6 .. That's the most sleep I have gotten in over a month.. The high anxiety is what is gettin me... Most of the time I can't drive or go anywhere which is really hard with kids.. The fear eased up a bit ( it was brutal) hit I still have it sometimes almost everyday at different times.. My feet are still sweating ( don't know what the hell that is about) .. I am just wondering if I am going to continue to go forward slowly or go backward and get worse.. That is my fear of course... Grace how are you dealing wih the anxiety.. It scares me and makes me want to run or crawl out of my skin.. Awful awful..anon I hope you are improving.. When did you start to see changes? I guess I'm rushin it but I'm just over this.. I have lots of muscle pain and balance issues too.. Is that normal? Docs say I'm
Not dying . I pray they are right .. The dizziness is getting me too.. Scary stuff.. I can handle the anxiety if it wasn't so bad.. Am I stuck with it forever:(? thanks all and I hope you are all well.. Lisa