saraha Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I am on day four of no caffeine cold turkey and my head is killing me. Drank a big glass of water and took two tylenol, but it is not helping. If I live through this headache, will tomorrow be the shining light or more of the headaches? I want to do this so bad, help me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 You are going great! When I gave up caffeine cold turkey, I had three-four days of an unrelenting headache and then suddenly it was gone. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Keep on the path! You can do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted March 28, 2013 Author Share Posted March 28, 2013 So I have 2 or 3 more days of this?!? Aahh! Is taking the tylenol a waste of time, or is it helping and w/o it this would be much worse? Thanks for the encouragement. What other withdrawl symptoms did you have? I have had this weird "off" feeling all day, like I am looking through someone else's eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beaners Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 No caffeine? You are way stronger than I am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Can I ask why you are going off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelAR05 Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Taking Tylenol does not work for me. No medications worked. Only sleep helped me get through it. One day the headaches will be gone but I think it is different for everyone on how long it takes. Btw, I have quit a few times and it really is unbearable. Worse headaches I have ever had. So now I just enjoy my coffee. No plan of ever quitting again. :D Good luck to you though. You are a stronger woman than me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 No caffeine? You are way stronger than I am. Me, too. I tried five years ago & only made it two days. I drink 3-4 cups of coffee everyday and have no intentions of trying to go without it again. But I know some who have been successful. Best of luck to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Don't give up now; you've suffered so much and it's almost over. I'm caffeine free for over three years now and it is worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelAR05 Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 What other withdrawl symptoms did you have? I have had this weird "off" feeling all day, like I am looking through someone else's eyes. I would say that is normal. I also would break out in sweats, get pretty pale and sick to my stomach. I am highly sensitive to caffiene and other things in general though. One day several years ago, my husband made decaf coffee and did not tell me. By the afternoon, I had a really bad headache, cold sweats and nauseous. I had to leave work early because I thought I was sick. Came home and my husband said he had given me decaf. He made me a coffee and within 30 minutes I was back to normal. Hang in there! If you have gone 4 days then you are close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patches Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 You can do it. It is a bad headache, but it is worth it in the end. (You could also, drink one swallow of something with caffeine... then go off until unbearable headache, and do it again. Eventually, the headache will go away and not return.) This worked for me. I'm so glad I'm off it now. You will be too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Honestly, I think the greater your reaction to quitting caffeine, the greater your need to stay off it. Tylenol never did help me, but Motrin did. Motrin and water. Eliminating caffeine made me calmer, gave me more energy, and eliminated my heart palpitations (which were scary!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Motrin is the answer. I had a headache for a good solid week but I don't feel exhausted when I wake now. I have more energy. Hang in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 I went cold turkey from coffee when we decided to TTC the first time. We were out of town and my head hurt so bad that I handed my dh my insurance card and told him if I went unconscious, I was having a brain aneurysm and to call the number on the back for the appropriate hospital. I wasn't kidding. I started drinking it again after he was born and never quit again. Like pp said, the only thing that got me through was sleep. Good luck, surely you must almost there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabella Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Dh has quit about 10 times now! He is 3 weeks caffeine free right now, and he's hoping he can stay off it this time. He suffers from headache and really bad irritability for about 5 days then is OK. He notices soon after that he doesn't ache anywhere, has more energy, and sleeps better. Unfortunately he usually starts on the slippery slope back to it when we go on a big trip somewhere and he gets tired driving. Rather than let me drive, he has a coffee, and literally sighs with bliss! Before I know it he is having a couple a week, then a couple a day again! He hates himself for getting back on it - I think the longest he's been off was about 6months. I've never had a coffee addiction, and I hope I never do. I would usually only have 1 iced coffee every month or so, and that when I'm driving. It's a great pick-me-up for me, but I can't stand the thought of being dependant on it multiple times/day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted March 29, 2013 Author Share Posted March 29, 2013 Thank you all for your support! I even made it through my daughter's birthday party without giving in, pop is my stress go to. Some people smoke, I drink a pop. My problem isn't coffee, it is Coke (the soda kind) and it got so bad that I am sure it is responsible for the last 5-10 pounds I put on, and all of those chemicals in high quantities everyday. I am trying really hard to kick this habit, but it is really hard. Today I woke up with my neck and shoulders hurting, and we are meeting some friends at McD to play in the play place, and we'll want to buy something to justify us being there, and I will really REALLY want to sip on a coke while the kids play and we visit. Do you think if I have one today, it will start the whole process with the headaches again? Does anyone who had quit caffeine as a habit been successful just having it occasionally? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 I gave it up for a year or three. I now drink the occasional Dr. Pepper (I'm in TX so I think it is the *national* drink) and sweet tea (second only to Dr. Pepper). I lost 10-15 pounds when I gave up caffeine, so there is a definite upside to giving up soda. Do not fall off the wagon now. Eat some french fries and drink water while you are there. Don't give up now! Nothing touched the headache when I was quitting caffeine. I just suffered. It made me decide not to ever allow myself to get addicted to any chemical again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Have you considered drinking coffee? It contains a lot more caffeine than sodas, so one to two cups a day would work for you. And then you wouldn't have the bad chemicals issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Today I woke up with my neck and shoulders hurting, and we are meeting some friends at McD to play in the play place, and we'll want to buy something to justify us being there, and I will really REALLY want to sip on a coke while the kids play and we visit. Hmm.. how about sipping on a caffeine free drink? Don't they have Hi-C or Sprite? Aren't those caffeine free? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyP Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 I went off coffee around Christmas. I have tried having just one cup, but it gives me a racing heart which is the reason I originally quit. I can have a can of pop or a couple cups of green tea w/o a problem. I had 3 days of headaches, with one day being of the killer, I can't move my head variety. Hang in there, it will get better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Hmmm.... I was just coming here to complain about being tired all the time. This thread made me realize that literally everything I drink is caffeinated. I drink coffee, iced tea an Diet Dr. Pepper. Wonder if giving it up would help me get up on time? I'm so tired, I even had my thyroid checked! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted March 29, 2013 Author Share Posted March 29, 2013 Thank you all so much. I feel like such a dork for asking for this hand holding! So made it through the McD's trip with water until near the end, and then ordered a small unsweetened ice tea. I had such a headache already, then we were in that echoing playplace and I was sure I was going to wring some kids neck, probably my own. So I guess I just prolonged the process, but at least I didn't embarass myself by getting arrested! I really appreciate everyone's advice and support! I don't like coffee, and I figured cutting out both the pop and the caffeine would be a win win, if I survive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabella Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 Oh you poor thing! A noisy kids indoor playground can be nightmarish, without that type of headache! I think you did the right thing. It probably hasn't prolonged it by much, so I wouldn't worry. Hope it gets better soon for you. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 Ok, so tried the motrin for the headache and it eased up, and took care of the neck and shoulder pain, but I am so crabby. Hopefully I wake up tomorrow w/o headache or neck and shoulder pain. Why would my neck and shoulders hurt? Anyway, thanks for walking me through this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 I did cold turkey once. NEVER AGAIN. Mama, you are crazy. Your neck and shoulders hurt because you are seriously detoxing. LOL. Caffeine is a serious drug and don't let anyone tell you different. <hugs> Next time do a wean. Go down 1/2 cup every couple of days. This doesn't help you now. Since you've already suffered several days, just keep on. You're almost there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 Thanks! Found this in case anyone is interested. I didn't realize suddenly wanting to go to bed at 9:00 would be a symptom for me since I usually have my last one at dinner, but I have been really tired at night. I was reading through the comments and lots of people mentioned neck and shoulders hurting, weird. Top 10 Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms Headache A caffeine headache usually starts behind the eyes and then moves up the front of the head. Sleepiness This just isn’t your normal tiredness, this is sitting up straight but still can’t keep your eyes open tiredness. Irritability Everyone and everything gets on your last nerve. It’s best just to lock yourself in your room during this stage. Lethargy Forget about productivity at this stage because you’ll be unmotivated to do anything. Constipation Caffeine stimulates the bowel, so without its daily does the colon gets a little cranky too. Depression Caffeine withdrawal can take away all hope for living. Temporary blues are one thing, but if you already struggle with depression this could be a big issue. Muscle Pain/Stiffness If you normally have some caffeine prior to exercise then during caffeine withdrawal you could feel as though your muscles have weights strapped to them. Lack of Concentration Forget school, studying, brain surgery, or jet engine repair during this stage of withdrawal. Flu-like symptoms Stuffy nose, blocked sinuses and even vomiting have been reported by people withdrawing from caffeine. Insomnia Some people are strange and actually can’t sleep when going through caffeine withdrawal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 I don't see any reason to give up coffee at all. It helps prevent several diseases- colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and several other things, and it helps me stay productive and have at least some attention. (Until recently, I was able to just use cofffee drinking to control my adhd, but now as I near menopause, I needed to start on medication). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 I don't see any reason to give up coffee at all. It helps prevent several diseases- colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and several other things, and it helps me stay productive and have at least some attention. (Until recently, I was able to just use cofffee drinking to control my adhd, but now as I near menopause, I needed to start on medication). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 I'm not giving up coffee though, I am giving up Coke. I drink way too much of it. So today, only minor headache, but went out to buy chocolate bunnies for tomorrow and couldn't find any. Sat in my car and cried. About chocolate bunnies. Crying about bunnies. Then a lady from my church came over to my car to talk to me and there I was sobbing over chocolate bunnies. I am about ready to give it up before I lose my mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 Oh dear. You are so close. Just keep on. You are doing great! It always feels worse before it feels better. This is to remind why to never start drinking it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 Hang in there! I went off caffeine cold-turkey two years ago---you can do it!! I had to give up the caffeine as I was having heart palpitations and the beginnings of panic attacks. It was an incredibly stressful period between my mother's illness and death and my father's death. After going off caffeine, even dealing with the aftermath of my father's sudden death and all the estate junk, I haven't had those same panic-y symptoms. Caffeine is evil for some people. I do drink decaf coffee. I make decaf sun tea. I miss caffeine most when we are eating out and my beverage choices are water (ok but boring) and sugary sodas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted April 1, 2013 Author Share Posted April 1, 2013 Thank you all so much for walking me through this! No headaces yestereday or today, and even resisted at the family dinner yesterday. I looked over the posts in this thread and am kindof embarrassed about how emotional and irrational I sound, but really appreciate everyone's support. I totally came back to this thread over and over the week to reread all of the encouragement. Thanks so much! Now, I better loose some weight after that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 Good for you! And irrational...well, let's just say if *I* gave up my coffee, "irrational" would be an understatement of how to describe me. ;) I am sure you will lose some weight and also feel so much better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted April 1, 2013 Author Share Posted April 1, 2013 Ha! Irrational is not the word my dh and kids would have used to describe me. Well, it wouldn't be the only word! Last nigth before we went to bed, I must have been in a much better mood, or nicer to be around, and my husband came up to me and hugged me and told me he was proud of me, and that I must be on the upswing. Guess I must have been behaving much better because he has been avoiding me all week, unless he was jumping in to rescue a child! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cafdog Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I quit caffeine cold turkey over a year ago. I had about a week of headaches, about 2 weeks of fuzzy-headedness, and about a month of seriously crabby temper. It got so, so much better - I promise! A few months in, I lost all cravings for Diet Coke (my beverage of choice), and now, a year+ later - I don't miss it, and don't crave it. Your worst days are already behind you - hang in there! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkermamaof4 Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 google why high fructose corn syrup is bad every time you are tempted to drink a pop. that should help :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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