Caffeine and Headaches
Caffeine is frequently used to increase energy and alertness, decrease fatigue and improve muscle coordination. With intermittent use, caffeine may act as a pain reliever for headaches or as an adjuvant for the actions of other analgesics. Caffeine additives make pain relievers 40% more effective in treating headaches. It also helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly bringing fast relief. By adding caffeine to the drug and thus taking less overall analgesic, the risk for potential side-effects and addiction may be reduced.
Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychostimulant in the world. Chronic exposure to caffeine increases the risks for development of analgesic-overuse headache, chronic daily heachaches and physical dependency. Quitting caffeine use after chronic exposure leads to a withdrawal syndrome with headache as a characteristic feature.
At dosages achieved by common dietary intake, caffeine acts as a potent antagonist of central and peripheral nervous system adenosine receptors suggesting a role for adenosine in headache disorders and caffeine dependency.
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, colas, and other beverages (i.e. Sports drinks, energy drinks,etc). Read the labels. Moderate caffeine consumption is considered to be about 300 mg. or what is in 3 cups of coffee. Caffeine is also found in over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs. Individuals with hypertension or heart problems should consult their doctor regarding caffeine consumption guidelines.
