Caffeine withdrawal symptoms

Mitchell, S. H., de-Wit, H., Zacny, J. P., Caffeine withdrawal symptoms and self-administration following caffeine deprivation. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 51(4), 941-945, 1995. 

Phillips-Bute BG, Lane JD. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms following brief caffeine deprivation. Physiol Behav 1998 63(l) 35-39. 

Confirming that the observed withdrawal is physiological are studies in which a placebo is substituted for caffeine in dependent users. Withdrawal symptoms appear even under these conditions.289 In addition, the placebo substitution results in higher scores on depression scales.160-296... 

Bruce, M., Scott, N., Shine, P., Lader, M., Caffeine withdrawal A contrast of withdrawal symptoms in normal subjects who have abstained from caffeine for 24 hours and for 7 days. Journal of Psychopharmacology Vol 5(2), 129-134, 1991. 

Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder. Numerous medicines and drugs of abuse can produce panic attacks. Panic attacks can be triggered by central nervous system stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine, caffeine, over-the-counter herbal stimulants such as ephedra, or any of the medications commonly used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD, including psychostimulants and modafinil. Thyroid supplementation with thyroxine (Synthroid) or triiodothyronine (Cytomel) can rarely produce panic attacks. Abrupt withdrawal from central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines can cause panic attacks as well. This can be especially problematic with short-acting benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), which is an effective treatment for panic disorder but which has been associated with between dose withdrawal symptoms. 

Tolerance to caffeine does occur, but it varies with different people. About six cups of coffee a day, ten cola drinks, or eight cups of tea can result in dependence or addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can occur after longterm use of just a few cups a day. — These symptoms can include headache, sleepiness, and lethargy. 

Caffeine qualifies as an addicting drug because it presents qualities of reinforcement and its withdrawal induces a syndrome of symptoms. These include headache, drowsiness, fatigue, decreased performance, depression, and occasionally nausea and vomiting. Symptoms appear within 12-24 hours of last caffeine use, peak at 20-48 hours, and last about 1 week. Although withdrawal symptoms are more common in moderate to heavy users of caffeine (in excess of three cups of coffee a day), it can also occur with low to moderate intake (235 mg/day, equivalent to 2.5 cups of coffee). 

Tolerance and dependence. The regular, frequent use of caffeine-containing drinks is part of normal social life and mild overdose is common. Slight tolerance to the effects of caffeine (on all systems) occurs. Withdrawal symptoms, attributable to psychological cmd perhaps mild physical dependence... 

In general, coffee, tea, mate) Coca-Cola , and other sodas are so ubiquitous that people rarely think of them as drugs. Aside from individuals who are hypersensitive to caffeine, the controversy continues on whether caffeine itself is harmful or helpful to the people who use it. There is no doubt that caffeine is a CNS drug. It is well known that many individuals are physically dependent on its daily use and will exhibit withdrawal symptoms, including headache and disorientation, if their use is abruptly stopped. On the other hand, aside from the spiraling cost of cappuccinos, it may be hard to specify adverse consequences to the use of caffeine. 

In healthy boys, there were increases in subjective anxiety in long-term low-caffeine users, and withdrawal symptoms in high-caffeine users. No beneficial effects of caffeine use were found (37). It has been recommended that children should take caffeine only in analgesic products and in a dose related to their age (SEDA-5, 6). 

The adverse effects of green tea are those of caffeine, with tremulousness and insomnia and withdrawal symptoms (headache, drowsiness, and fatigue). 

The caffeine withdrawal headache is somewhat unique, starting with a sense of fullness in the head and progressing to throbbing and diffuse pain that is made worse by movement. The maximum intensity of the pain occurs 3 to 6 hours after beginning. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal are summarized in Table 65-7. 

When caffeine is reintroduced, relief of withdrawal symptoms tends to occur within 30 to 60 minutes. At present, this appears to be the most effective treatment for the caffeine-withdrawal syndrome. 

A hallmark symptom of caffeine withdrawal is a headaehe, along with fatigue, depression, and impaired performanee of daily aetivities. This question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask the ehent. 

Cessation of coffee may result in withdrawal symptoms including headache, drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability. Significant withdrawal symptoms can occur after 3 days of consuming as little as 100 mg caffeine (about one cup coffee) daily (Evans and Griffiths 1999 Juliano and Griffiths 2004). 

Juliano, L.M., and R.R. Griffiths. 2004. A critical review of caffeine withdrawal Empirical validation of symptoms and signs, incidence, severity, and associated features. Psychophanrmcology 176(l) l-29. 

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