The pros and cons of caffeine

Caffeine can be a double-edged sword: It can serve as a treatment for some people with headaches, or, in some cases, people who are dependent on it can get headaches from having too little. The important thing to remember is that, for unknown reasons, caffeine has analgesic properties and, used carefully, can be one of the most effective remedies. And while caffeine-containing medications can be beneficial, these medications, combined with caffeine from other sources, make you more vulnerable to a rebound headache, a condition that develops from the overuse of any headache medication.

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Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter headache medications, including Excedrin, Midol, and Cafergot. Because analgesics work more quickly and more efficiently with caffeine, patients are able to take less medication and feel relief sooner. By taking less medication, the patient reduces the risk for potential side effects and reduces the risk of habitual or addictive usage. Caffeine additives make pain relievers 40 percent more effective.

Caffeine is also found in beverages, including anything with chocolate, regular and diet cola and other sodas (like Mountain Dew or Surge), chocolate or coffee liqueurs, and of course coffee and tea. Even caffeine-free and decaffeinated beverages contain small amounts of caffeine. All chocolate-containing foods have caffeine, too.

Caffeine withdrawal from normal caffeine usage is rare. However, with excess use--more than 500 mg daily (approximately 5 cups of coffee) over a long period of time--sudden cessation could cause symptoms of withdrawal, including headaches. Patients can avoid caffeine withdrawal by limiting their daily consumption and by gradually decreasing consumption rather than ending use abruptly.