Caffeine withdrawal is a set of symptoms, behaviours, and physiological changes that can occur when an individual significantly reduces or stops consuming caffeine. This condition typically arises in individuals who have regularly consumed caffeine over an extended period or in substantial amounts. Common sources of caffeine include coffee, energy drinks, and certain over-the-counter medications.

Causes and mechanism

Prolonged caffeine use leads to physical dependence.[1] When caffeine intake is suddenly reduced or halted, the body may respond with withdrawal symptoms. For habitual users, caffeine's reinforcing effects are often linked to its ability to suppress mild withdrawal symptoms that emerge after short periods without caffeine, such as overnight abstinence. This cyclical pattern may contribute to ongoing caffeine consumption.[2]

Symptoms

Caffeine withdrawal can present with a variety of symptoms, which may range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:[1][3]

  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Depressed or low mood
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty concentrating

In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can cause significant distress or impair daily activities. While rare, extreme cases may be temporarily incapacitating.[4]

Diagnosis

Caffeine withdrawal is recognised as a clinical diagnosis in major diagnostic manuals, including the DSM-5-TR, ICD-10, and ICD-11.[2] Diagnosis is based on the presence of characteristic symptoms following a reduction in caffeine intake.

Management

For those experiencing caffeine withdrawal, headaches may respond to common pain relievers such as aspirin or other analgesics.[2] If withdrawal occurs as part of a planned reduction in caffeine intake, gradually tapering consumption is generally recommended to minimise symptom severity.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Malenka RC, Nestler EJ, Hyman SE (2009). "Chapter 15: Reinforcement and Addictive Disorders". In Sydor A, Brown RY (eds.). Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. p. 375. ISBN 978-0-07-148127-4.
  2. ^ a b c d "11.4 Caffeine-Related Disorders". Kaplan & Sadock's comprehensive textbook of psychiatry. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. 2025. ISBN 978-1-9751-7573-3.
  3. ^ "ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics: 6C48.3 Caffeine withdrawal". World Health Organization. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
  4. ^ First, Michael B.; Tasman, Allan (2010-02-08). Clinical Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-470-74520-5.
  • Sajadi-Ernazarova, Karima R.; Hamilton, Richard J. (2023-08-08). "Caffeine Withdrawal". StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine_withdrawal
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