Reduce how much caffeine you have each day over two to three weeks or longer if needed. This can help to reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, although it may take longer for them to go away completely completely. Gradually reduce your consumption of caffeine instead of stopping suddenly.How can I treat a caffeine withdrawal headache? Caffeine withdrawal headaches can also present with migraine-like symptoms and as a widespread feeling of throbbing pain. Starting behind the eyes, it can move up to the front of the head. Where is a caffeine withdrawal headache located?Ī caffeine withdrawal headache can present as a feeling of pain and pressure that pushes outwards from the brain. Withdrawing caffeine can cause blood flow rates to temporarily increase in certain blood vessels in the brain and this is thought to contribute to the development of headaches when trying to quit caffeine.

Consuming caffeine can significantly decrease the rate of blood flow in certain blood vessels in the brain within half an hour, with flow rates returning to normal after about two hours. When caffeine is consumed it is absorbed into the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier where it blocks the adenosine receptors and prevents drowsiness.Ĭaffeine consumption also affects the blood vessels and the rate of blood flow in the brain. Headaches are the most common and dominant symptom of caffeine withdrawal, occurring in about 50% of people trying to quit caffeine. Trying to break the habit of consuming too much caffeine can bring on a number of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms including headaches, fatigue, irritability, depressed mood and more. The consumption of caffeine can have a negative impact on your overall health and mental wellbeing, which is why it can be beneficial to cut down or quit. They can last up to 9 days.Ĭaffeine is a natural stimulant found commonly in coffee, tea, chocolate, some sodas and energy drinks. Caffeine withdrawal headaches can start within 12 hours of stopping caffeine and are likely to be at their worst 20-51 hours after your last caffeine fix.

Length of caffeine withdrawal symptoms