Caffeine Withdrawal Treatment

Caffeine is the naturally occurring xanthine alkaloid found in the fruits, leaves and beans of certain plants. It is the psychoactive substance or drug, present in caffeinated beverages, that stimulates the central nervous system to increase mental alertness. This is the reason why people feel an increase in alertness after consuming caffeinated beverages including, coffee and tea. The effects of caffeine, however, last for a short period of time. When the stimulating effects of caffeine subside, the increase in mental alertness is replaced by drowsiness and fatigue, which often induce one to take more caffeine. The result can be caffeine addiction or overdose. Excessive intake of caffeine can culminate into several side effects like, headache, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, bloating, irritability, depression and insomnia. However, withdrawing caffeine is not so easy, as one can experience its several side effects.

Caffeine Withdrawal Problems

Today the medical community considers caffeine addiction and its withdrawal symptoms quite seriously, and suggests limiting the consumption of caffeinated beverages. Out of all the symptoms, headache can be considered as the most common as well as troubling experience. Headache, caused by caffeine withdrawal can be moderate or severe, and can occur between 12 to 24 hours after the last intake of caffeine. Apart from headache, the other important symptoms are, irritability, anxiety, mood swings, restlessness, difficulty in sleeping or insomnia, difficulty in concentrating, drowsiness, muscle stiffness, nausea and vomiting and depression. These symptoms can last for as long as 9 days, after the last intake of caffeine.

Getting Rid of Caffeine Addiction

Though caffeine withdrawal symptoms may seem quite annoying at times, caffeine is actually easier to quit than alcohol, nicotine and other psychoactive drugs. Its symptoms are usually milder, as compared to the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and other drugs. Most of the time, its effects can be minimized by adopting a gradual approach. Generally, it is observed that quitting caffeine all of a sudden can produce more intense withdrawal symptoms. So, one needs to cut down the amount of caffeine slowly, and gradually. Many times, such a gradual approach can help to minimize the withdrawal symptoms to a great extent.

It is very important to drink plenty of water while withdrawing caffeine. Water can help to minimize the adverse effects of caffeine on the body. To curb the impulse to drink caffeinated beverages, they can be substituted with decaffeinated beverages. If the headache is quite severe, even after adopting a gradual approach and drinking lots of water, then you can take over- the-counter pain relievers. However, be sure to check the label of the particular pain reliever, as some pain medications contain caffeine. Also make sure to take enough rest or sleep and follow a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Try to eat several small meals throughout the day, rather than eating two or three large meals.

Exercises can also help to manage its symptoms. It can prove effective, especially for managing the levels of stress and anxiety. Aerobic exercises, as well as yoga and meditation can be quite helpful for those people trying to cope with its symptoms. Regular exercising can not only strengthen your body, but your mind as well to cope with symptoms like, headaches, muscle stiffness or aches, depression and restlessness.

Most of the time, the symptoms last only for a couple of days. At the most, they can persist for a period of nine days, but, usually the symptoms will subside within 4 to 5 days with proper treatment. So, what is required is a little bit of patience and a healthy lifestyle to quit caffeine successfully, and thereby, avoid its side effects.