Experts Reveal 9 Surprising Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal

Plus, when you'll start to notice them after your last fix.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Experts say that cutting back on caffeine can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms, including increased tiredness, constipation, headaches, depression, tremors, irritability, nausea, insomnia, and brain fog. These symptoms typically start within 12-24 hours of the last caffeine dose and can last for up to a week or two as the body adjusts.

Why it matters

Caffeine is a highly addictive substance, and many people are unaware of just how dependent their bodies can become on it. Understanding the potential withdrawal symptoms can help people manage their caffeine intake more effectively and make the transition off caffeine more comfortable.

The details

According to the experts, caffeine withdrawal symptoms can include increased tiredness, constipation, headaches, depression, tremors, irritability, nausea, insomnia, and brain fog. These symptoms are caused by the body's dependence on the stimulant effects of caffeine, and they typically start within 12-24 hours of the last caffeine dose. Experts recommend gradually reducing caffeine intake over several days to make the transition easier and minimize withdrawal symptoms.

  • Withdrawal symptoms typically start around 12-24 hours from your last dose of caffeine.
  • It may take a week or two for your sleep cycle to reset itself after cutting back on caffeine.

The players

Vivek Cherian, M.D.

A Chicago-based internal medicine physician.

Don Raden M.D.

An integrative physician and addiction expert at Raden Wellness.

Courtney Scioli

The founder of the nutrition app Simply.

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What they’re saying

“Caffeine dependency basically is defined as a person's inability to perform daily activities of life without caffeine. In other words, if you're unable to function without your daily cup of coffee in the morning there's a decent chance you are dependent on caffeine.”

— Vivek Cherian, M.D., internal medicine physician (prevention.com)

“One of the reasons caffeine is so addicting is that drinking a cup of coffee is an act that's a deeply ingrained part of our daily routines and social lives. The act of drinking coffee first thing in the morning, as an afternoon pick-me-up at work or with dessert after dinner becomes habitual. Over time, those habits can become so deeply ingrained in our daily routines that it can be very tough to break.”

— Don Raden M.D., integrative physician and addiction expert (prevention.com)

“When I have clients who are looking to stop drinking caffeine, I often recommend decreasing the amount they are drinking over a five-day period, ultimately including no caffeine on day six. This strategy can help make these changes more gradual.”

— Courtney Scioli, founder of the nutrition app Simply (prevention.com)

The takeaway

Cutting back on caffeine can lead to a range of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, but understanding these symptoms and taking steps to manage the transition, such as gradually reducing intake and finding healthy alternatives, can help make the process more manageable.