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Caffeine use: intoxication and withdrawal

Excess caffeine can lead to intoxication (nervousness, insomnia, tachycardia) and abrupt withdrawal, withdrawal (headache, fatigue, irritability).

Common signs

Nervousness, palpitations or insomniaHeadache when going without itHigh intake of coffee or energy drinks

Tips

For you

  1. Cut down gradually to avoid withdrawal
  2. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon
  3. Be careful with energy drinks

For family and friends

  1. Offer caffeine-free alternatives
  2. Be careful with energy drinks in teenagers

When to ask for help

  1. If there are palpitations or chest pain
  2. If you mix energy drinks with alcohol

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I have more than four coffees or energy drinks a day
2. I notice palpitations or trembling
3. I feel nervous or restless
4. I find it hard to sleep
5. If I don't have caffeine I get a headache
6. Without caffeine I feel tired or irritable
7. I have caffeine in the afternoon or evening
8. I need caffeine to function
Also take the full insomnia test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Alcohol use disorderAddictionsCannabis use disorderAddictionsTobacco use disorderAddictionsDrug use disorder (cocaine and amphetamines)Addictions

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.