Effects of Caffeine Withdrawal : Headache & Migraines
I’ve been wondering since yesterday why I’m experiencing headache. I went to the mall yesterday, as I was still in a jeepney, my headache started. I thought I was not just use to have a long ride for commuting.
Again, today headache attacks same time around at noon time, I feel so dizzy and unbearable headache. I thought again maybe I’m just lacking sleep or I was hungry, wondering because I just ate my breakfast and lunch.
Wondering again, it’s been two days I have this headache and came across to my mind that it’s been 2 days too since I stopped drinking coffee. We’ve been trying to conceive a baby and my Ob-Gyne advised me to stop drinking coffee, tea, softdrinks or any caffeinated drinks. And my husband reminded me over again to stop drinking. So I just did. It’s ok that I’ll take some headache. I know it’s worth sacrificing when you know it’s for your future little one J
If possible I don’t want to take any medication. Just because the pain wont gone, I asked my sister Tin to buy me some Biogesic, they said it’s safe and even on empty stomach.
I never knew caffeine was a bit dangerous.
I found out some facts about coffee and caffeine article
Please read below: thanks!
Coffee and Caffeine Fact
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 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).
Often, people who are reducing caffeine intake report being irritable, unable to work, nervous, restless, and feeling sleepy, as well as having a headache. In extreme cases, nausea and vomiting has also been reported.
References.
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.
Migraines, Headaches, and Caffeine
Caffeine can be both beneficial and harmful for a headache sufferer. It can serve as a treatment or, in some cases, can cause withdrawal or rebound headaches.
What Is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a commonly used drug that increases alertness, decreases fatigue, and improves muscle coordination. Though coffee comes to mind as the most common source of caffeine, it's also naturally found in tea and chocolate, and it is often added to soft drinks and non-prescription medications like pain-relievers and cold remedies. People vary in their sensitivity to caffeine. If used excessively, caffeine can be too stimulating and cause anxiety, sleep problems, muscle twitching, or abdominal pain.
How Does Caffeine Treat Headaches?
Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter headache medications (see list below). Caffeine additives make pain relievers 40% more effective in treating headaches. Caffeine also helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly, bringing faster relief. By adding caffeine and, in turn, taking less medication, you can reduce the risk for potential side effects and possible drug addiction.
| Common Over-The-Counter Drugs Containing Caffeine | |
| Drug Name | Caffeine Content |
| Actamin Super | 65.4 mg. |
| Anacin Maximum Strength | 32 mg. |
| Anacin Tablets and Caplets | 32 mg. |
| Aspirin-Free Excedrin Caplets | 65 mg. |
| Bayer Select Maximum Strength Headache Pain Relief | 65.4 mg. |
| Dristan Capsules | 16 mg. |
| Excedrin Caplets | 65 mg. |
| Excedrin Caplets Extra Strength | 65 mg. |
| Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets and Tablets | 65 mg. |
| Goody's Extra Strength Tablets | 16.25 mg. |
| Goody's Headache Powder | 32.5 mg. |
| Midol Menstrual Maximum Strength Caplets | 60 mg. |
| Midol for Cramps Maximum Strength Caplets | 32.4 mg. |
| NoDoz100 mg. | 32.4 mg. |
| Pain Reliever Tablets | 65 mg. |
| Vanquish Caplets | 33 mg. |
| Vivarin | 200 mg. |
| Common Prescription Drugs Containing Caffeine | |
| Drug Name | Caffeine Content |
| Cafergot Suppositories (other names: Cafertrine, Cafetrate, Migergot, Wigraine) | 100 mg. |
| Cafergot Tablets (other names: Ercaf, Ergo-Caff, Gotamine, Wigraine) | 100 mg. |
| Darvon Compound 65 Puvules | 32.4 mg. |
| Fiorinal Capsules and Tablets | 40 mg. |
| Fiorinal with Codeine No. 3 | 40 mg. |
| Norgesic Forte; Norphadrine Forte | 60 mg. |
| Norgesic; Norphadrine Forte | 30 mg. |
| Triaminicin with Codeine Tablets | 30 mg. |
Note: The drugs listed are some of the more common drugs containing caffeine; all drugs containing caffeine are not included. Always check the labels of over-the-counter medications for the caffeine content. Or, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the caffeine content of your medications.
Other Caffeine Sources
Beverages
· Chocolate milk, chocolate milkshakes, hot chocolate, and chocolate drinks
· Cocoa mix, malt powder, chocolate flavoring
· Cola and other sodas, like Mountain Dew or Surge (regular and diet)
· Coffee
· Tea
· Chocolate or coffee liqueurs
NOTE: caffeine-free and decaffeinated beverages also contain small amounts of caffeine.
Foods
· All chocolate products including brownies, cake, and éclairs
· Chocolate-covered graham crackers (or chocolate-flavored graham crackers)
· Chocolate ice cream or pudding
Source: FDA's Center for Drugs and Biologics.
How Can I Prevent Caffeine Withdrawal?
Withdrawal from normal caffeine usage is rare. However, with excess use, over 500 mg daily (approximately 5 cups of coffee) over a long period of time, sudden cessation could cause symptoms of withdrawal. You can avoid caffeine withdrawal by limiting your daily consumption, being educated about sources of caffeine, and by gradually decreasing the consumption rather than ending use abruptly.
Because of the risk of withdrawal, people should not take caffeine-containing pain relievers on a daily basis.
What Are the Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal?
· Headache
· Fatigue, drowsiness, or loss of energy
· Irritability
· Anxiety or depression
· Nausea and/or vomiting
· Decreased ability to concentrate or perform mental tasks
Can Caffeine Cause Rebound Headaches?
Rebound headache is a condition that develops from the overuse or misuse of any headache medication, including caffeine-containing medication. While caffeine-containing medications can be beneficial, these medications, combined with consuming too much caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks, or chocolate) from other sources, may make you more vulnerable to getting rebound headaches.
Relief from rebound headaches can only be accomplished by completely quitting all medication; however, this should only be done under the supervision of a doctor.
http://www.webmd.com/
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