• Cluster Headaches
• Migraines

Can Caffeine Cause Headaches?

Many people start their day with a morning cup of coffee. Consistent caffeine intake can alter how your brain relates to caffeine whether you notice it or not. Not drinking caffeine as you normally do every morning can lead to caffeine withdrawal. A period of withdrawal can lead to symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and headaches. 

Everybody reacts to the effects of caffeine differently. For some people, caffeinated beverages can make them feel nauseated instead of energized.

What Causes a Headache from Caffeine?

Caffeine is a stimulant that the body can feel the effects of fairly quickly. On average, caffeine takes about 30 to 120 mins to absorb into your system. Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages cause blood vessels to dilate and expand which can cause a headache. A headache from caffeine can feel like a throbbing around the head and behind the eyes.

Caffeine intake activates adenosine receptors in the brain. Drinking caffeine consistently can cause these receptors to become more sensitive and overregulated. Some people may have a natural hypersensitivity to caffeine even if they don’t regularly consume it. You may experience a headache after ingesting caffeine if your threshold for tolerance is low.

What are the Symptoms of Too Much Caffeine?

The amount of caffeine considered “too much” is unique to each person. Factors like body weight and how fast your body absorbs caffeine affect how much you should be consuming. 

Generally, most adults should consume no more than two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee or 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. Other sources of caffeine like tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks have varying amounts of caffeine depending on the brand. 

Some energy drinks may have higher amounts of caffeine from multiple sources. Be sure to carefully read the label of caffeinated beverages to know how much you are consuming.

You may want to limit your daily intake to less than the recommended maximum amount if you are more sensitive to caffeine and experience any of the following symptoms:

• Increased heart rate

• High blood pressure

• Anxiety

• Jitteriness

• Upset stomach

• Nausea

• Headache

• Heart palpitations

What are Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms?

Those who go on a coffee detox may experience headaches when they stop consuming caffeinated beverages. For regular coffee drinkers, caffeine withdrawal can kick in as soon as three days without the usual daily cup of coffee. The same can happen with those who consume energy drinks or tea daily and stop suddenly.

Abruptly stopping your use of caffeine can lead to the following symptoms:

• Increased heart rate

• Constipation

• Nausea

• Muscle stiffness

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue

• Moodiness

What are the Benefits of Consuming Caffeine?

While there are some risks to consuming caffeine, there are also potential benefits. Caffeine may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, and certain types of cancer. For many people, caffeine can help improve focus and alertness throughout the day. It can also help improve mood when not consumed excessively.

Treatment for a Headache from Caffeine

A headache can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications. Medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) can help relieve a mild headache. While acetaminophen can treat mild to moderate headaches, ibuprofen is better for treating migraines.

If you commonly experience migraines outside of caffeine consumption, caffeine may worsen your symptoms. Be sure to monitor how your body responds to caffeine to adjust how often you consume it if needed. Some OTC medications have small amounts of caffeine in them.

How to Prevent a Caffeine Headache

If caffeine is an important part of your daily routine, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of headaches. For example, when getting a morning cup of coffee you can also sip on water to stay hydrated and get rid of headaches.

Other factors that may increase your risk of getting headaches while drinking caffeine are not getting enough sleep, having high blood pressure, or experiencing sinus congestion. Consuming too much sugar in their caffeinated beverages and throughout the day can trigger a headache. Try to limit the amount of sugar you add to your coffee if you experience headaches.

Caffeine Alternatives to Consider

Chicory root is a caffeine-free alternative to a hot cup of coffee that may still give you a slight energy boost. When brewed, the chicory plant has a similar taste to coffee. 

Herbal teas contain slightly lower amounts of caffeine than coffee and energy drinks. Matcha tea and other herbal beverages can be a good alternative for those wanting to reduce but not eliminate their caffeine intake.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Most headaches can be treated at home with OTC medications. However, if you experience intense headaches that get in the way of your daily activities be sure to contact a healthcare provider. They can help you find caffeine alternatives or suggest medications that may help relieve pain. 

If the headache turns out to be a sign of a more serious condition, a healthcare provider can run additional tests to come up with an effective treatment plan.

How Can LifeMD Help?

Constantly experiencing headaches can put a damper on your experience throughout the day. Through LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can offer tips on managing headaches and other types of pain.

Schedule an appointment today to speak with a healthcare provider about treatment options and potential caffeine-free alternatives to help prevent headaches.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

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