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How Long Do Caffeine Withdrawal Headaches Last?

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Withdrawal symptoms develop within 24 hours of stopping the substance. They’re initially subtle, but an apparent pounding headache develops over time, making it impossible to concentrate on anything.

As your body opposes the drug’s removal, you may have dull muscular aches, nausea, and other flu-like symptoms.

This isn’t withdrawal from heroin, cocaine, or alcohol. We’re talking about stopping caffeine, a commonly and innocuously ingested chemical that we sometimes ignore it’s a drug.

Caffeine withdrawal headache two weeks

Do you want to know how long it takes you to function normally after giving up caffeine? Months should not be required.

Caffeine withdrawal effects usually last up to nine days for most individuals, and they should be OK within two weeks of ceasing caffeine use.

How do you get rid of caffeine withdrawal headaches?

Below are some tips that will help you eliminate caffeine withdrawal headaches.

  • Slowly reduce your caffeine consumption
  • Drink a lot of water
  • Try to use over-the-counter or OTC medication
  • Use Caffeine-Free Energy Sources
  • Get some sleep.

Where is a caffeine withdrawal headache located?

Caffeine withdrawal headaches can manifest as a sensation of pain and pressure radiating from the brain. It might begin behind the eyes and progress to the front of the skull.

Caffeine withdrawal headaches can also accompany migraine-like symptoms that might contribute to the throbbing pain.

What does a caffeine withdrawal headache feel like?

Caffeine withdrawal symptoms include headaches, brain fog, fatigue, depression, problems focusing, anxiety, and tremors. 

Also, caffeine withdrawal can have a rebound effect, enabling dilation of the blood vessels. This is crucial because blood vessels widen before some forms of headache onset.

Caffeine also inhibits adenosine receptors which are pain modulators in the brain. Blocking these receptors may help reduce inflammation propagation in the brain. Caffeine withdrawal headaches are frequently described as broad, throbbing head pain.

How long does caffeine withdrawal last?

According to one research, caffeine withdrawal headaches might persist for up to 21 days.

Also, another research examined caffeine users who consumed 100 to 600 milligrams of caffeine per day. The results revealed that greater dosages increased the range and intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

For example, those who took 600 milligrams per day experienced considerably greater headaches and mood swings than those who used 100 milligrams per day. Even individuals who were acclimated to only 100 milligrams of caffeine per day — roughly one cup of coffee — reported withdrawal symptoms.

Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can often begin 12 to 24 hours after your last caffeine hit. However, some people suffer withdrawal symptoms sooner than others.

Symptoms will be at their peak 20 to 51 hours later and can linger for two to nine days.

How long does it take to detox from caffeine?

Many people ask how long it takes to detoxify from caffeine. It’s tricky, and it relies on how much

caffeine you regularly consume each day and how your body reacts to caffeine and its withdrawal.

Caffeine withdrawal usually lasts 2 to 9 days, and you ought to feel OK within two weeks after discontinuing caffeine use.

Caffeine withdrawal headache remedy

Below are some remedies that will help you deal with caffeine withdrawal headaches.

Use OTC pain reliever:

Various over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin will help reduce the pain. These medicines are usually used once every 4 to 6 hours until discomfort lessens.

If you use a pain reliever medication, keep it to twice a week. Taking these drugs too frequently might result in rebound headaches.

Apply peppermint oil:

According to some studies, topical menthol — the main element in peppermint — may help relieve headaches by lowering inflammation and soothing muscle tension. In fact, according to a 2016 study, peppermint oil may be just as efficient as acetaminophen for reducing headache pain.

Keep hydrated:

Caffeine might cause you to pee more frequently, resulting in the loss of more fluid or dehydration. Dehydration, or a lack of fluid in your body, can cause your brain to decrease in proportion.

Your brain creates a gap in your skull as it shrinks. This activates pain signals in the protecting membranes that surround the brain, perhaps resulting in a headache. So, to avoid this, remain hydrated.

Everyone’s needs vary, but a decent rule of thumb is to consume eight glasses of water daily.

Use an ice pack:

Many migraine sufferers swear by ice as a treatment. By changing the flow of blood or numbing the region, using an ice pack on your forehead can help relieve headache discomfort.

Another alternative is to place the ice pack behind your neck. In one study, doctors put an ice pack over the carotid artery on patients’ necks, and Cold therapy decreased migraine discomfort by around one-third.

Work on some pressure points:

Your health is related to several spots on your body. These are referred to as pressure points.

You may experiment with acupuncture at home. A spot associated with headaches is between the index finger and the bottom of your thumb.

If you experience a headache, try pushing hard on this area for five minutes. Don’t forget to do the same thing with the opposing hand.

How long does it take for the brain to recover from caffeine?

Caffeine is structurally similar to adenosine, which helps it to fit into the adenosine brain’s receptors. People who consume coffee/tea, soda, or energy drink daily can see changes in their neurochemistry and physical traits over time.

The most noticeable effect is an increase of adenosine receptors in brain cells, which is the brain’s effort to maintain balance with a continual bombardment of caffeine.

Now, just because you have extra adenosine receptors, it takes so much caffeine to block a substantial portion of them to get the desired effect. This is why habitual coffee users develop a tolerance over time. 

This also explains why abruptly discontinuing caffeine might result in various withdrawal symptoms.

The good news is that, compared to many other addiction problems, the effects of caffeine are pretty temporary. You must go through 7-12 days of discomfort without consuming any coffee to get rid of it.

During that time, your brain will reduce the number of adenosine receptors in response to the total lack of caffeine use. If you can go that far without a cup of coffee or a cup of tea, your brain’s adenosine receptors will restore to their initial levels.

Then your dependency on caffeine will be ended.

Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal

Caffeine withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Headache and dizziness
  • Feeling unsteady or having “the jitters.”
  • Insomnia
  • accelerated heart rate
  • Dehydration.
  • The increase in blood pressure.
  • low power
  • sleepiness
  • gloomy mood

Other symptoms may include the ones listed below.

  • Concentration issues
  • Tremors
  • Symptoms of the flu
  • Irritability
  • Fog in the mind
  • Muscle aches and stiffness
  • Anxiety, especially if you believe you require coffee to operate and perform well.
  • Vomiting or nausea

Is Quitting caffeine worth it?

This question depends on your situation; if you think your body is overly reliant on caffeine or is interfering with your daily operations, it may be worth giving up caffeine. But if you are a person who casually drinks coffee or caffeinated products, you might not need to quit it. Still, staying away from caffeinated products is what we recommend.

Is caffeine withdrawal dangerous?

No, withdrawing caffeine is not dangerous, but some new research reveals that when individuals do not obtain their regular quantity of caffeine. Then they might experience various withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, headache and difficulty concentrating

They may also have nausea and muscular ache as if they have the flu. As a result, it is advisable to gradually reduce caffeine use; otherwise, abruptly discontinuing caffeine might shock the body and exacerbate withdrawal symptoms.

Weaning off caffeine gradually can lessen the likelihood of suffering unpleasant side effects.

Extreme caffeine withdrawal

The extreme Caffeine withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, but the most frequent include fatigue, headache, decreased energy, decreased alertness, sleepiness, low mood, difficulty in concentration, impatience, and feeling foggy.

FAQ relating to how long do caffeine withdrawal headaches last?

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Where is a caffeine headache located?

Caffeine withdrawal headaches can manifest as a sensation of pain and pressure radiating from the brain. It might begin behind the eyes and progress to the front of the skull

Can giving up caffeine cause headaches?

Caffeine withdrawal might result in headaches. Attempting to quit the habit of taking excessive caffeine can result in various uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, lethargy, irritability, fatigue, depression, and others.

What happens to your skin when you stop drinking coffee?

Quitting coffee can boost collagen production, making your skin seem healthier and more radiant. Furthermore, caffeine detox can result in enhancement in the appearance of your skin.

How do I wean myself off caffeine?

Instead of immediately cutting the source of coffee, try to gradually cut the quantity. However, if there is a method to eliminate caffeine without realizing it, you may have minimal withdrawal symptoms.

In a 2016 research, frequent coffee consumers who consumed decaf but believed they were consuming usual coffee reported fewer symptoms of withdrawal compared to those who knew they were having decaf.

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