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Caffeine can be a double-edged sword for those with headache: it can serve as
a treatment or in some cases can cause withdrawal or a phenomenon known as
"rebound" headache. The important thing to remember is that with
education and moderation, caffeine can be one of the most effective treatments
for headache.
Caffeine as a headache treatment
Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter
headache medications (see list below). Because analgesics work more quickly and
more efficiently with caffeine, patients are able to take less medication.
Caffeine additives make pain relievers 40% more effective. Caffeine also helps
the body absorb medications more quickly, allowing the patient to feel relief
sooner. By adding caffeine and, in turn, taking less medication, the patient
reduces the risk for potential side effects and reduces the risk of habitual or
addictive usage.
Common
Over-The-Counter Drugs Containing Caffeine
Drug Name
Caffeine Content
Actamin Super
Anacin Maximum Strength
Anacin Tablets and Caplets
Aspirin-Free Excedrin Caplets
Bayer Select Maximum Strength Headache Pain Relief
Dristan Capsules
Excedrin Caplets (Canada)
Excedrin Caplets Extra Strength (Canada)
Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets and Tablets
Goody's Extra Strength Tablets
Goody's Headache Powder
Midol Menstrual Maximum Strength Caplets
Midol for Cramps Maximum Strength Caplets
NoDoz100 mg.
Pain Reliever Tablets
Vanquish Caplets
Vivarin
65.4 mg.
32 mg.
32 mg.
65 mg.
65.4 mg.
16 mg.
65 mg.
65 mg.
65 mg.
16.25 mg.
32.5 mg.
60 mg.
32.4 mg.
32.4 mg.
65 mg.
33 mg.
200 mg.
Common Prescription Drugs Containing Caffeine
Drug Name
Caffeine Content
Cafergot Suppositories (other names:
Cafertrine, Cafetrate, Migergot, Wigraine)
Cafergot Tablets (other names: Ercaf, Ergo-Caff, Gotamine, Wigraine)
Darvon Compound 65 Puvules
Fiorinal Capsules and Tablets
Fiorinal with Codeine No. 3
Norgesic Forte; Norphadrine Forte
Norgesic; Norphadrine Forte
Triaminicin with Codeine Tablets
100 mg.
100 mg.
32.4 mg.
40 mg.
40 mg.
60 mg.
30 mg.
30 mg.
Note: The drugs listed are some of the more common drugs
containing caffeine; all drugs containing caffeine are not included. Always
check the labels of over-the-counter drugs for the caffeine content. Or, ask
your health care provider or pharmacist about the caffeine content of your
medications.
Caffeine sources
Beverages*
-
Chocolate milk, chocolate milkshakes,
hot chocolate and chocolate drinks
-
Cocoa mix, malt powder, chocolate
flavoring
-
Cola and other sodas, like Mountain Dew
or Surge (regular and diet)
-
Coffee
-
Tea
-
Chocolate or coffee liqueurs
NOTE: caffeine-free and decaffeinated beverages also contain
small amounts of caffeine.
Foods
-
All chocolate products including brownies, cake,
eclairs
-
Chocolate candy including fudge and
chocolate-covered coconut,
raisins and peanuts
-
Chocolate-covered graham crackers (or
chocolate-flavored graham crackers)
-
Chocolate ice cream or pudding
Caffeine and withdrawal
Caffeine withdrawal from normal caffeine usage is rare. However, with excess
use, over 500 mg daily (approximately 5 cups of coffee) over a long period of
time, sudden cessation could cause symptoms of withdrawal. Patients can avoid
caffeine withdrawal by limiting their daily consumption, being educated about
sources of caffeine and by gradually decreasing the consumption rather than
ending use abruptly.
Caffeine and rebound headache
Rebound headache is a condition that develops from the overuse or misuse of
any headache medication, including caffeine-containing medication. While
caffeine-containing medications can be beneficial, these medications, combined
with consuming caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks or chocolate) from other
sources, makes you more vulnerable to a rebound headache.
Relief from rebound headache can only be accomplished by completely quitting
all medication – however, this should only be done under the supervision of a
physician.
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