Mumsnet Talk

What withdrawal symptoms did you notice & how long did they last?

Why did you decide to give up & did it help?

I've been advised to give it up by a migraine specialist. I drink around 5 cups of tea a day,plus 1-2 cokes. I didn't think that was particularly a lot but it's enough to cause problems apparently.

I stopped around 10 days ago & in that time my headaches have been noticeably worse. I'm hoping its the withdrawal but I'm not sure how long it should last. Ironically, the only thing that eventually got rid of a migraine the other day was when I caved in and had a strong coffee & a coke together. Not the best idea probably but I was desperate.

I gave up caffeine about 2 months ago. I used to get lots of headaches, now I don't.

I wasn't drinking as much as you anyway, but I did have withdrawal for a couple of weeks. I would try to stick it out a bit longer if you can. Sympathy though!

About 2 weeks ago I drank two small bottles of coke zero during a 12 hour drive. I couldn't sleep at all the whole night after, so I'm impressed by the difference it has made.

I did a few years ago. I had headaches for about a week, maybe 10 days, then no problems since.
I didn't give up for migraine though - it was advised to do with bladder problems.

Yes given up. For weight loss. Headache for 3 days ish. Loads and I means loads of water helps.

I did at Christmas.

Not intentionally.

Prior to Christmas I drank upwards of 2 liter of diet coke/day. It was all I drank.

I'm pregnant with bad morning sickness, on Boxing Day I just couldn't face coke any longer. So switched to juice. My headache started on the 27th and lasted pretty much constantly until 2 days ago.... I was waking up with headaches. It was horrible, but much better the last two days.

No other symptoms I can put my finger on.

I'm assuming it was caffeine withdrawal, (although who know it could have been pregnancy related/a virus?)

Go decaf. Worst is first 4 days. Headache bit ratty then fine.

I have due to heart stuff. Had to give it up cold turkey. I had a similar amount to you. Monster headache had me curled up in a ball for about two days. But then it was ok headache wise.
Yorkshire tea is the best decaf ive tried.

Yes I did and had headaches and sore legs(!) for about a week to 10 days felt terrible. I decided to have the odd coffee again before xmas and I am stopping again as it makes me so jittery now really unpleasant. I was drinking less than you btw so it can affect you whatever your consumption

I gave up over a few weeks - using caffeine free alternatives at home and choosing the lowest caffeine options available (such as weak tea) when out and about. I am better organised (have 'funny' teabags in my bag)now so avoid it all together. The practicalities of what to do at other peoples houses and in cafes without funny teas were more of a problem than the adaptation symptoms. I had some headaches in those early days but had frightning dizzyness (and nystagmus - a symptom I had not had for couple of years) when I drank a normal coffee kindly made for me when overseas so I did not feel I could turn it down. I do not know if the caffeine was the cause of the sympton but it has put me off normal coffee! I gave up for medical/health reasons.

Yes, about 4-5 months ago. I had headaches for a while (few days to a week, I'd guess). I feel much better in general - sleeping better and I don't get random mild headaches any more which I did when I drank caffeine.

Thanks for the replies. It'll be 2 weeks for me on Friday & I'm still getting headaches . I spoke to a friend though who said she gave up for the same reasons as me and it took at least a couple of months for her headaches to stop. So I'll stick with it, just wish the headaches would stop.