Caffeine Withdrawal Headache

Caffeine is used to alter the mood by a lot of people all over the globe. It can be consumed in the form of tea and coffee, along with various other cocoa products. People start consuming these products regularly in order to get their dose of caffeine. Although it is not actually a drug, the effects on people are the same as drugs. Naturally, this means that these people slowly start becoming dependent on caffeine. This leads to a lot of health issues and side effects in these people. Withdrawing from caffeine or ceasing to consume products containing caffeine will mean withdrawal symptoms. Headache is one of these withdrawal symptoms. Let us look into the relationship of caffeine withdrawal and headache. How long will it last, however, will differ on case to case basis.

Once people realize that the caffeine is not good for their health, they want to go off it. Unfortunately, it is not as simple. As mentioned earlier caffeine works as drugs and as withdrawing from drugs takes a long time, so does caffeine withdrawal. Needless to say, there are caffeine withdrawal syndromes that follow. One of these symptoms of caffeine withdrawal is headache. Fatigue, irritation, inability to focus and flu-like symptoms are just some of the other symptoms of withdrawal that accompany headaches. The person may go into depression too, due to the lack of caffeine. As mentioned above, headache is the most common symptom. These headaches make the person irritable. He/she cannot concentrate on any work and they also feel quite sluggish. Some may lose their control and reach for that cup of caffeine to get rid of these headaches. Unfortunately, the solution is to drink more caffeine and as this is not a choice to those who are trying to reduce caffeine, experts have come up with various ways to deal with these headaches. The below paragraphs will elaborate on the caffeine withdrawal and headache treatment in detail.

Sleep
Sometimes, the best way to get rid of this type of headache is to sleep it off. A good refreshing nap will not only get rid of the headache but will also be useful in refreshing the person as caffeine withdrawal can make the person sluggish. However, this is not a good option if you are not at home or are not in the position to take a nap.

Peppermint
Sniffing peppermint oil or drinking a cup of peppermint tea not only helps to reduce the headache but also helps in reducing the dependence on caffeine. There are a few studies conducted and people have confirmed that they feel a lot better after a cup of peppermint tea. Try this for soothing relief.

Massage
Massaging the head with some coconut oil will help to reduce the headache. Alternatively, you can use olive oil to massage the head. A good massage may also induce some sleep which is a sure way to reduce the headaches. Go in for aromatherapy if possible.

Acupressure
Massaging the pressure points with the help of acupressure is another way to release the headache. Learn some of this technique from an expert and use it on yourself when in pain. Going to the expert is the right thing, however, as you may end up pressing the wrong pressure points. The advantage of this technique is that it can be used when at office, during travel or at home too.

Water
Drinking lots of water is another way to reduce the headache. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the various caffeine withdrawal remedy followed.

Medications
It is recommended that this be the last method to get rid of the headache. A doctor can be consulted if all the above methods do not work. Taking medicines should be the last resort. It is not good to pop in pills whenever there is a headache. Chances of the person becoming addicted to the medications cannot be ruled out. Another important thing to remember is not to take any over the counter medications. Self treatment can be as harmful and hence should be avoided.

The above remedies are safe and are followed by the people all around the globe to get rid of the headache. Go to the doctor, if none of these work. However, avoid self medications. Caffeine withdrawal treatment is not very difficult to follow. It will take time but eventually, the symptoms will go off and you will be free from the caffeine addiction. As there are several negative effects of caffeine on the body, it is necessary to get rid of this addiction as soon as possible.