These symptoms vary in both type and severity from one person to the other. Surprisingly, some people have shown signs of flu-like symptoms such as nausea and muscular stiffness after withdrawing from caffeine (13). This article takes a look at the issue in detail and examines what these withdrawal symptoms are, why they happen and how we can deal with them. This effect would be especially desirable for those not getting adequate sleep. If you are intentionally reducing or eliminating caffeine in your diet for health reasons, you can avoid some withdrawal symptoms by cutting back slowly. For some people who wish to quit coffee, there are some unpleasant caffeine withdrawal symptoms to deal with. Common caffeine symptoms include: 1. Rogers, P. J., Heatherley, S. V., Mullings, E. L., & Smith, J. E. (2013). As a result, a cup of coffee can improve physical performance and make us feel like we can do more (8). Notably, research was being conducted into this issue all the way back in 1980, with a clinical trial demonstrating that caffeine abstinence increased levels of tension (18). Not just any drug either; caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the world, with over 85% of people consuming at least one caffeinated drink per day (1). 2012;26(4):948-54. doi:10.1037/a0027246. It was like I was detoxing from a severe drug. Are we dependent upon coffee and caffeine? In other cases, individuals may suffer for over a week (4). Although many people prefer to quit their bad habits suddenly (the "cold turkey" method of quitting), it is not recommended for caffeine elimination, as quitting caffeine "cold turkey" tends to worsen caffeine withdrawal symptoms substantially. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association released the 5th volume of their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Caffeine withdrawal is no laughing matter and can be very debilitating for those who are suddenly without caffeine. For example, caffeine increases energy availability and decreases our perceived exertion during physical activity. I’m about 3-4weeks now (?) Whether dependency or addiction, the reality is that for many, stopping caffeine consumption is very difficult. Characterization of individuals seeking treatment for caffeine dependence. I never felt like this before. But, I definitely can function basically normally, but for that first week and part of the 2nd week, it was a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. It is, therefore, no surprise that a side effect of quitting coffee is fatigue and reduced energy levels. Juliano, L. M., & Griffiths, R. R. (2004). As little as three consecutive days of caffeine consumption can be enough to cause caffeine withdrawal symptoms when its use is discontinued. I just want people to know that It is going to be ok and they will get through it eventhough the road is long and the dream like feeling, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, all will go away over time. After a few days, this typically normalizes. Large doses such as this have a more pronounced effect, and suddenly switching to no caffeine from such a high amount would make side effects likely.