Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms

How many times have we heard from people,"Coffee alone gets us through the day". Well it should, as it has caffeine in it, which is a psychoactive central nervous system stimulant drug. Caffeine was first discovered in 1819, by a German chemist, Friedrich Ferdinand Runge. Caffeine is a chemical compound found in coffee, and also in beans, leaves and fruit of some plants in varying quantities. It is extracted from coffee beans, leaves of the tea bush, kola nut, yerba mate, guarana berries and the Yaupon Holly. More than 90% American adults consume this stimulant in beverages such as coffee, tea and various soft drinks. As a stimulant drug, caffeine acts upon the nervous system altering brain function, that result in positive as well as negative changes in mood, behavior, perception and consciousness. Its use and the quantity is unregulated and legalized in most jurisdictions world over. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), caffeine is listed as a 'multiple purpose generally recognized as safe food substance'.

Caffeine Addiction

As the consumption of caffeine laced beverages and foods increases, caffeine stimulates the cortex of the brain, thus, heightening the intensity of mental activities. Depending upon an individual's weight, build and tolerance levels, caffeine affects each person differently, and for different durations of time, though caffeine effects stay on for 4 to 8 hours after consumption. However, this feeling of alertness fades away in a short while replacing it with drowsiness, fatigue, high levels of anxiety, etc. To counter this effect, we tend to consume more caffeine products. When this habit of ours spirals out of control, and we find it difficult to get by, without that cup of coffee or other caffeine items, it is known as an addiction. When this habit starts to affecting you emotionally and physically, it is time to kick the habit, before it turns into a serious health complication.

Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal

Our brain starts to adapt to the continual presence of caffeine by substantially increasing the number of adenosine receptors in the central nervous system. In time it requires a relative increase in the dose of caffeine to sustain alertness and other mental activities, which often can culminate in a caffeine overdose. But, when a sudden reduction in caffeine intake occurs, it effectively increases the normal physiological effects of adenosine, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal can start anywhere between 12 to 20 hours after your last caffeine dose. A severe headache is often the first exhibited symptom associated with caffeine withdrawal. Fatigue, restless and a feeling of hopelessness is also commonly seen among those who are resisting caffeine. Irritation, mood instability and depression, sometimes accompanied with nausea and muscle stiffness may also occur. Some experience difficulty in sleeping, while some just feel sleepy and exhausted throughout the day. Depression, heightened anxiety and accelerated heartbeat may also occur. Thus, the symptoms include drowsiness, lethargy, trembling and reduced concentration. To reduce the severity of symptoms, it is advisable to ease off caffeine over a period of 7-15 days by reducing its consumption. It's best to reduce and then stop the intake of caffeine, and then regulate its use. One can try several caffeine withdrawal remedies to help manage the sudden changes in the body.

Symptoms of withdrawal can last anywhere, from a week to a month, depending upon the severity of your addiction. Caffeine addiction, unlike other substances, is not difficult to come off, and once you are done, moderation in consumption should be your mantra.