Quitting Pepsi Max in 2021 Support Thread

[NoZoomAtTheInn]

Open to anyone who has already quit with their success stories or anyone who also wants to quit.

I’ve tried twice to stop in the past, once by just stopping and once by gradually cutting down. Both times the withdrawal headaches were awful. Have decided this time to speak to GP first to see if there is anything I can take - like smokers get nicotine patches/gum - while I wean myself off it.

random - I was eyeing up something called Ono today! It MUST be connected!

gwen massive congrats on getting through a whole week! Whoop! Whoop! How are you feeling? Have you noticed any positive changes - I think you’d noticed that you drank it at the same time as eating biscuits?

test another poster was sure it was a connection too. Well done on quitting!

Gah! Error - it’s called Oyo not Ono! Stupid autocorrect.......

Well I’ve swigged the dregs out my last bottle. I do still have some cans in the hose but hoping they’re easier to resist...but there incase of terrible headaches. I certainly haven’t had much today.

I haven’t noticed much of a difference yet as I’ve been off my knockers on cold medication these last few days. I’m hoping the headache I had at the start won’t return though.

I suffer with nighttime anxiety symptoms (hard to explain, not actual anxiety in terms of worrying about real stuff, just a feeling of unease and loads of anxious dreams) and I’m hoping stopping all caffeine will help me sleep better and feel less on edge at night.

That sounds unpleasant Gwen! Have you spoken to a GP? I take amitriptyline for fibromyalgia and it's great at night time relaxation. Stops everything jangling!

I did take medication about a year ago when it was very bad, but didn’t want it to become an indefinite thing so I stopped. It’s nowhere near as bad as it was. I’m hoping with no caffeine and upping my exercise and eating better it will improve further.

I'm sure it will. Magnesium spray or supplement may help, too. I use it for a sort of restless legs symptom. Twitchy, over sensitive feeling like I might be zapped by something. Almost like static. Imaginary static 🤣

Ooh, thanks for the magnesium tip. Will look into that.

Hello, this is an inspirational thread. I've got a 30 year Pepsi Max/ Diet Coke/ Coke Zero habit. I get through at least a 1.5l bottle a day. I'd like to lose weight and I'm learning that maybe they encourage my overactive sweet tooth. I'm going to give gradually reducing a go. I'll be mainly on the still water, might treat myself to a slice of lemon to liven it up!

Well done @Gwendolline

Feeling like I'm going to cave today. I don't want to but nothing else hits the spot. Im drinking plenty so it's not thirst. Help me stay strong please

Do not cave! You've managed this far, and the headache is easing off. I'm with you, nothing tastes as good, but for now we just have to forget that and push on minute by minute.

Can you distract yourself with anything else? Chocolate?

Peppermint, Hue? Or a wiff of something like olbas oil or vapour rub? I find that stimulating menthol hit similar.

Yes, try chocolate for distraction. Works for me. Obviously not good long term but I reckon it’s medicinal for first few weeks! 😁

Chocolate did the trick. Not a long term plan as I need to lose weight but ok for now to take my mind off things. Glad I didn't give in

Brilliant tips from gwen, pickle and covid. Well done hue for not caving in!

Welcome JE17 - nothing but support here

I’ve managed another day with no cans but I’ve definitely been missing something sweet and fizzy - nothing else hits the spot! So I rediscovered a childhood drink - fentiman’s dandelion and burdock. Perfect!

Never heard of that @NoZoomAtTheInn

A favourite of mine was Irn Bru but I've discovered it has as much if not more (Xtra) caffeine than diet coke/pepsi max. Scary!
No wonder the withdrawal is so bad

Caffeine is everywhere hue - you’ve just made me panic check my bottle! deffo no caffeine

It’s this one 275ml www.fentimans.com/drinks/soft-drinks/dandelion-burdock

Gonna give it a try if I can find it. I'm in Scotland so not sure if anywhere stocks it

I love Dandelion and Burdock! What’s the sugar content like?

Mmm I love fentimans dandelion and burdock!! It’s a big of a gateway drink to me though so I haven’t had it since stopping the Pepsi/coke.

Ahhhh Dandelion and Burdock isn’t a thing in Scotland? It can’t be if it didn’t ring a bell for you hue

gwen - ahem, rather a lot I’m afraid, this is the nutrition for 100ml and I had 275ml. The thing is I needed something sweet and fizzy with no caffeine after 3 days stopping the max.

mol that’s interesting about it being a gateway drink for you - will be on guard for any max cravings

I’m now craving an Irn Bru.

Ooops sorry @Gwen!

Just googled & the company that makes Irn Bru also makes D&B so it must be available here, I've just never seen it

This is the first day in 30 years that I haven’t had a diet Coke or a Dr Pepper zero. Can’t believe I managed all day!