Headache caffeine-withdrawal

It is added to pain relievers because it enhances the effects of aspirin and because many headaches are caused by caffeine withdrawal. Caffeine closes down blood vessels by competing with adenosine, and helps alleviate the vascular headaches caused by withdrawal. 

The often severe headaches, common in caffeine withdrawal, appear to be caused by vasodilation of cerebral blood vessels. This action is probably mediated by the action of the methylxanthines on adenosine receptors. 

Fennelly M, Galletly DC, Purdie GI. (1991). Is caffeine withdrawal the mechanism of postoperative headache Anesth Analg. 72(4) 449-53. 

In this section, caffeine is discussed only briefly and the focus is on other stimulants that produce psychiatric disorders. Caffeine can lead to a withdrawal syndrome characterized by lethargy, irritability, and headache, but withdrawal appears to occur in less than 3% of regular coffee drinkers. Moreover, the morbidity associated with caffeine overdose, which can include disturbing effects on sleep and heart rhythm, is much less than the morbidity associated with other stimulants. 

M. van Dusseldorp, and M.B. Katan, Headache caused by caffeine withdrawal among moderate coffee drinkers switched from ordinary to decaffeinated coffee A 12 week double blind trial. Br. Med. J. 300 1558-1559, 1990. 

Restlessness, irritability, and headache are withdrawal effects attributable to caffeine. These and other sjmp-toms can occur with lower doses of caffeine than generally supposed (30). The caffeine withdrawal headache may be responsible for the widespread practice of taking caffeine-containing analgesics habitually, since a withdrawal headache could create a vicious cycle of drug use (SEDA-5, 6). 

Headache 5 Disequilibrium syndrome Caffeine withdrawal due to dialysis removal... 

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. 

Dreisbach, R.H. and C. Pfeifieri943. Caffeine withdrawal headache The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine 28 1212—1219. 

Fact. Such adverse effects as the above are rare with moderate intakes of coffee. Rather, the nervous system is stimulated agreeably— there is enhanced alertness and wakefulness, increased energy, and elevated mood. Of course, those who experience gastric distress from minimal amounts of coffee should abstain from it. Two remedies for caffeine withdrawal headaches are suggested (1) a gradual decrease in coffee consumption—a weaning period of about a week and (2) the use of a suppository containing 150 mgm of caffeine. 

Mathew, R. J., and Wilson, W. H., Caffeine consumption, withdrawal and cerebral blood flow. Headache 25 305-309, 1985. 

Many people experience undesirable withdrawal effects when they stop consuming caffeine. The most prominent undesirable effect is a headache. Additional effects... 

Caffeine and theophylline decrease total sleep time, time spent in SWS and REM sleep and increase the number of intrasleep arousals. Withdrawal of caffeine in regular users leads to daytime sleepiness, increased slow wave (delta) activity on the EEC and headaches. The mechanism of action appears to be antagonism of central adenosine Ai and A2 receptors which normally exert a CNS depressant action, with consequent interference with the sleep-inducing action of adenosine (Chapter 6). 

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). 

Tea and coffee have been popular beverages for centuries, primmly because they contain the stimulant caffeine. It stimulates respiration, the heart, and the central nervous system, and is a diuretic (promotes urination). It can cause nervousness and insomnia and, like many drugs, can be addictive, making it difficult to reduce the daily dose. A regulcu coffee drinker who consumes as few as four cups per day can experience headache, insomnia, and even nausea upon withdrawal from the drug. 

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. 

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

No definite association has been demonstrated between habitual caffeine use and hypertension, myocardial infarction, carcinogenicity, or teratogenicity. Abrupt cessation of chronic caffeine ingestion may cause withdrawal headaches. 

Most preparations contain low doses, although they may be sufficient to add to gastrointestinal adverse effects. Caffeine is also habit-forming and may itself induce headache in large doses or on withdrawal. 

Caffeine s pharmacologic actions are similar to those of other stimulant drugs. As such, abstinence from caffeine induces a distinct withdrawal syndrome that includes headache, drowsiness, and fatigue. 

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