Caffeine Withdrawal Side Effects

Caffeine is an alkaloid found in certain plants that has a stimulating action on the human central nervous system. Tea and coffee beans are said to be natural sources of caffeine whereas it is also added as a flavoring and stimulating agent in many aerated energy drinks, sodas and even chocolates. Caffeine is also considered as a drug by some scientists as it is equally addictive as others. As it is easily available, caffeine is one of the most addictive products in the world. Let us have a look at caffeine side effects on the human body.

Effects of Caffeine
As mentioned above, caffeine directly affects the functioning of the human central nervous system (CNS). Caffeine makes the heartbeat faster, resulting in expansion of the blood vessels. Due to this, the brain receives more amount of oxygen and becomes alert and active for a certain period of time. However, this period is very short and hence, in order to regain the normal functioning of the body and the brain, people again have a cup of caffeine or soda. Our body also develops a tolerance for caffeine and hence, in no time, a person gets addicted to caffeine. One may not be aware, but there are several harmful effects of caffeine overdose or intoxication. The harmful effects of caffeine include elevated blood pressure, headache, irritability, insomnia or other sleep disorders, dizziness, increased heart rate, poor concentration, etc. Although it is extremely rare, but caffeine overdose can even result in death of the person. Therefore, people are advised to decrease or limit their caffeine intake. Limiting or completely avoiding caffeine is known as caffeine withdrawal. Let us know more about it.

Caffeine Withdrawal
The body and the brain of a person consuming caffeine becomes adapted to the presence of the drug in the body. Therefore, the body is habituated to produce more number of adenosine receptors in the human brain. When the intake of caffeine is reduced, the body becomes over-sensitive to these receptors resulting in several adverse symptoms. These side effects or symptoms are temporary and rarely serious. Let us take a look at it in detail.

Side Effects of Caffeine Withdrawal
Headache is one of the most significant symptom of caffeine withdrawal. The type and severity of the headache differs from person to person. In some people severe migraine like headaches are observed, while some have even reported of having cluster headaches. Secondly, a person may also abnormally crave for caffeine containing products. The following is a list of other potential caffeine withdrawal side effects:

• Irritability
• Crankiness
• Insomnia
• Lack of concentration
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle stiffness and pain
• Inability to work
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Ringing in ears

This is not an exhaustive list, and one can even experience some other side effects apart from those mentioned above. Also, not all symptoms are observed at the same time in a person. Secondly, the exact duration of these side effects cannot be mentioned. They may last for a week or even for the entire month. However, one should note that these side effects are temporary, and can be treated with the help of other medication. In order to avoid the symptoms, people are recommended to gradually reduce the intake of it rather than ending it abruptly. Also, exercises, yoga and meditation is also helpful in alleviating caffeine withdrawal symptoms.

As a concluding note, one should remember that caffeine withdrawal side effects are not dangerous or life-threatening . On the contrary, they can be effectively overcome, enabling the person to live a happy and healthy life!