Reduce Caffeine Withdrawal

Caffeine is a stimulant found in many teas, sodas and coffee drinks. Some people take in so much caffeine on a regular basis that they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly and dramatically reduce their intake or quit altogether. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms usually last for a few days and include headache, nervousness, irritability and fatigue. There are ways to reduce symptoms while still cutting back on or entirely quitting caffeine.

Instructions

1. Reduce your intake of caffeinated drinks gradually rather than just quitting "cold turkey." Drinking one less can of soda each day or a slightly smaller cup of coffee will greatly reduce potential withdrawal symptoms and may eliminate them altogether. The bonus is you will still get the eventual benefits of reducing your caffeine intake or quitting altogether.

2. Mix your caffeine-containing drinks, especially coffee and tea, with an identical decaf blend. This may also help if you start feeling fatigued or get a headache.

3. Take an over-the-counter remedy and rest if vomiting and nausea occur in severe cases of caffeine withdrawal. Anytime vomiting occurs, the electrolytes of the body can be thrown out of balance and cause even more health problems, such as dehydration. Having caffeinated drinks could possibly help alleviate the symptoms, but you run the risk of further irritating your upset stomach and causing more vomiting.

4. Check all your over-the-counter medication bottles. Some drugs, like pain relievers, may contain caffeine. Using these regularly can exacerbate your body's dependence on caffeine and cause more withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Switch to caffeine-free pain relievers and other over-the-counter drugs once you have reduced your liquid caffeine intake to one or two cups per day.

5. Avoid caffeine, including chocolate desserts, which all contain the stimulant, within eight hours of your desired bedtime. This will help promote better sleeping habits and less dependence on caffeine.

Tags: withdrawal symptoms, caffeinated drinks, caffeine intake, dependence caffeine, pain relievers