When we got the date scheduled for my husband’s kidney transplant (and my donation surgery) I realized that being 43, out of shape and unhealthy was going to make for a really crummy recovery. The recovery for living donors is a bit rough anyway, so I really wanted to do whatever I could in the four weeks before the surgery to get to a healthier place. I joined a total fitness program that included a diet tailored to my needs. The first thing that really hit me hard was the vices I would be giving up cold turkey. The biggest of them being caffeine. This is my usual schedule. . . I wake at 7:30 and get a coffee. Then I drink coffee all morning and through lunch time until approx 1:00 pm. Then I have my first meal of the day and switch to Diet Coke. I drink diet coke until night when I will have a craft beer or glass of wine before bed. Can you see why when I was told that I was to stop all beverages besides water I FREAKED? I knew it was for the best and that I had to get my body clean to heal properly so here is how I dealt with the caffeine withdrawal and remedies I used to cope.
Here is what you can expect with caffeine withdrawal and some things you can do to make you feel better while you are dealing with it.
The most common symptoms include:
- headache
- fatigue
- sleepiness
- irritability
- depression
- anxiety
- inability to concentrate
- constipation
- muscle pain and fatigue
- sensitivity to light and noise
- even flu like symptoms can occur depending on your body’s reaction
Remedies to ease the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal:
- use pain relievers as directed
- drink lots of water infused with a little lemon and apple cider vinegar. (This will help purify your cells and counteract constipation)
- rest and sleep
- let other’s know what you are going through to explain why you may be acting out-of-sorts.
- try to keep your mood in check and your crabbiness to a minimum
- pamper yourself and do things you love to take your mind off of withdrawals
- resist eating processed foods and sugars in place of caffeine
- eat many small meals throughout the day to keep your energy up
- take vitamin B supplements
- exercise
- keep yourself calm, cool and collected
- if you use essential oils try lavender, cinnamon, ginger and frankincense
- if you think you may relapse, drink decaf coffee instead
*Pics courtesy of wikimedia and modified by jenny at dapperhouse
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
Oh man, the headache from caffeine withdrawal is the WORST. I am not at a point where I want to totally give it up yet, but when I go for too long without it, my head lets me know that I need it.
Deborah A.
Great article. It was actually inspiring to read that you had an obstacle to overcome, you did it, and now you’re helping others. Thanks for the great coping tips!
susan
I really need to cut back on the caffeine… I think a switch to decalf is in the future.
Christi
My husband used to be so dependent on caffeine that he’d get HORRIBLE headaches if he didn’t get enough each day! He’s cut back slowly now, thankfully!
Jenna Wood
I quit sugar and caffeine in my drinks last year- it was really tough going ‘off’ both at once! I think my best tip is to make sure you are eating healthy well rounded meals to keep your energy up!
Janel
My dad has gone off caffeine several times over the past 10 years. Every time he does he is incredibly sick for like 3 days straight! Crazy what caffeine does to you! Eventually he slips back into drinking soda and starts over again.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos
I find I have similar issues when I totally cut our sugar. Yet, I’m not ready to give up my beloved caffeine yet!
kristin
Wow who knew? I don’t drink a lot of coffee but when I do I crash and burn.
Kelsey Apley
I have had some withdrawls from caffeine before and it is rough, and it ain’t no joke!
Daisy
I didn’t know about B supplements helping. I wish that I would have known that when I gave up caffeine a few months ago. I still remember having the worst head ache and being so tired.
Dawn
I had caffeine withdrawal once. ONCE. Then I went back to drinking coffee.
Stacey - Seattle Mom Blog
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms are the worst! That’s why I continue to drink coffee. =D
Jennifer
I’ve never actually tried stopping coffee. Now that I’ve read the symptoms, I never will! Yeesh!
Ben @ Cheap is the New Classy
It’s not surprising that the withdrawal symptoms of caffeine are so terrible. It IS a drug, after all. I only have one cup a day, so hopefully, I won’t get anything like that if I ever decide to give it up.
Amy Desrosiers
wow, congrats to you for giving it up! I actually think I am becoming caffeine sensitive!!
Shauna
What great tips… My hubby is a diet coke addict and he doesn’t believe me when he is sluggish and crabby that I think it is because he hadn’t had any soda… ha
Heather @ Kraus House Mom
There is nothing worse than a caffeine withdrawal headache. I went cold turkey when I found out I was pregnant with my first baby, by the third…let’s just say she steals my iced coffee at age 6.
brett
i am not sure i can cut out caffeine just yet. definitely not tomorrow…
April
This is the worst. I tried quitting coffee a while back and was in hell!
Ann Bacciaglia
I drink a lot of soda so I get caffeine that way. I notice some of the symptoms you listed if I do not have a soda. Thanks for the tips. I am going to try to drink lemon water.
Liz Mays
Those headaches are horrendous. I think I had them for a good 5 days before they finally went away. Good luck with all of your healthy steps!
Debra
What a great plan you had to get healthy – so proud of you! Now, if I can only muster it…..the headaches can be rough, I remember.
Tasha
I get really irritable when I don’t have any caffeine. I’m not ready to give up my coffee or diet coke yet! It keeps me sane! LOL! Great tips though.
Aimee Smith
I stopped drinking caffeine back in high school and the headaches were enough to cure me forever! These are great remedies.
Mama to 5 BLessings
My husband is a diet Coke junkie. If he does not drink it he gets bad headaches so his solution is drinking a strong black up of coffee instead so that he is not drinking the soda.
Francine @ Teresa's Family Cleaning
Oh man, I have lived these! I limit my caffeine but I like my coffee : )
Stefani Tolson
I have experienced some of these with caffeine withdrawals. The most common for me is the headaches. Thanks for sharing this information.