Q: What happens during caffeine withdrawal and what can I do to avoid it?
A: As little as 100 milligrams of caffeine per day (roughly the amount in 12 ounces of coffee) can lead to symptoms of caffeine withdrawal when consumption is stopped. When doses of caffeine are higher (the average adult caffeine consumer in the U.S. ingests about 280 milligrams per day), the symptoms of withdrawal are likely to be more severe. Caffeine withdrawal syndrome is marked by three or more of the following symptoms:
- headaches
- marked fatigue or drowsiness
- dysphoric mood, depressed mood, or irritability
- difficulty concentrating
- flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or muscle pain and stiffness)