Quit Caffeine

Quitting caffeine

Also called Caffeine withdrawal, Quit coffee, Quit energy drinks

3 min plan47 min with every studyUpdated Sep 28, 2026

Who it's forA man who needs caffeine or energy drinks to function and gets headaches without them.

When to see a doctor

Palpitations that do not go away, or palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint or fainting: call 911, or go to the ER.
Swallowed caffeine powder, liquid concentrate or a handful of caffeine tablets: call 911 now. Not sure if the amount is harmful: call your doctor today. Toxic effects such as seizures come from around 1,200 mg taken fast, under half a teaspoon of pure powder. One teaspoon can hold as much as 28 cups of coffee. The lethal reference is 10 g.
Vomiting, a fast or erratic heartbeat, confusion or a seizure after a lot of caffeine: 911.
Palpitations that keep coming back, last longer than a few minutes, or come with a heart condition: see your doctor.
Taking ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine: both raise caffeine levels, so cut your caffeine and ask a pharmacist.
Panic attacks alongside heavy caffeine: see your doctor.
Tiredness or drowsiness that keeps coming back however much caffeine you take: see your doctor for the checks.
Low mood, no motivation or no interest in things, most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks: see your doctor.
You lean on caffeine to focus, finish tasks or sit still, and it affects work, study or relationships: see your doctor and ask about ADHD. The Adult ADHD page has the rest.

I am not a doctor. This is not medical advice. This is self-education. Every dose on this page is the one a label or trial used, quoted from it. It is not a prescription. Talk to a physician who has your history before energy drinks with a heart condition or high blood pressure, and before acetaminophen with liver disease or warfarin.