How Long Does a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache Last?
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 5 sources
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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
Quick answer
A caffeine withdrawal headache usually starts 12 to 24 hours after your last caffeine, is worst at about 20 to 51 hours (days 1 to 2), and fades over 2 to 9 days. Headache is the most common caffeine withdrawal symptom: in experimental studies about 50% of people got one. A small amount of caffeine relieves it, and tapering helps prevent it.
Caffeine withdrawal timeline at a glance
When did you last use or take it?
This places the typical ranges from this article's sources on your date. It is not a prediction or a diagnosis, and being past a phase does not mean symptoms or risks are over.
A rough guide from published sources, not medical advice. Everyone is different.
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headache starts | 12 to 24 hours after your last caffeine | Dull, spreading headache; Tiredness | Mild | — |
| Worst point | About 20 to 51 hours (day 1 to 2) | Headache at its strongest; Fatigue, drowsiness; Trouble concentrating, irritability | Moderate | A sudden, severe headache unlike any you’ve had; Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness or vision changes |
| Fading | Day 3 to day 9 | Headache comes and goes, then stops | Mild | Headache still getting worse after a week |
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Symptoms, phase by phase
A 2004 review of caffeine withdrawal research (Juliano and Griffiths) found headache was the most common symptom, alongside fatigue, low energy, drowsiness, low mood, trouble concentrating and irritability. Withdrawal has been seen at intakes as low as about 100 mg a day, roughly one cup of brewed coffee.
Headache starts: 12 to 24 hours after your last caffeine
- Dull, spreading headache
- Tiredness
Worst point: About 20 to 51 hours (day 1 to 2)
- Headache at its strongest
- Fatigue, drowsiness
- Trouble concentrating, irritability
Fading: Day 3 to day 9
- Headache comes and goes, then stops
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- Your usual intake. Higher daily doses make headaches more likely and stronger.
- Cold turkey vs tapering. Stopping suddenly is more likely to cause a headache.
- Hidden caffeine. Tea, soda, energy drinks, chocolate and some headache pills contain caffeine.
- Other headache triggers. Poor sleep, skipped meals and dehydration can make it worse.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- Your headache is sudden and severe, or comes with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, numbness or vision changes. Get urgent care.
- It isn’t improving after about 9 days.
- You get frequent headaches or migraines and aren’t sure what’s safe to take.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
StatPearls recommends tapering rather than stopping suddenly. Cut back gradually over several days, for example by swapping one drink a day for half-caf or decaf. If the headache is bad, a small amount of caffeine relieves it.
Tips for getting through it
- Cut back gradually: the FDA says that if you have caffeine every day and want to cut back, it’s best to do so gradually
- Drink water: Cleveland Clinic lists staying hydrated as one way to ease caffeine withdrawal
- For the headache, Cleveland Clinic says over-the-counter pain relievers are generally safe when used as directed and suggests using them no more than two days a week; it also notes many contain caffeine, which keeps the dependence going. Ask a pharmacist which one is safe for you
- Rest, fresh air and a cool cloth can help
- Plan your quit for a quieter few days
Frequently asked questions
How long does a caffeine headache last?
It usually peaks around day 1 to 2 and is gone within 2 to 9 days.
Why does stopping coffee give me a headache?
Your body adapts to regular caffeine. When you stop, withdrawal symptoms, especially headache, appear for a few days.
Will one coffee stop the headache?
A small amount of caffeine usually relieves withdrawal symptoms, but it also resets the clock. Tapering is the gentler way out.
When is a headache not caffeine withdrawal?
A sudden severe headache, or one with fever, stiff neck, confusion or weakness, needs urgent medical care.
Next steps
- Track your dayEnter when you stopped to see where you are on the timeline
- Combine timelinesAdd other things you are stopping and see them on one chart
- Talk to othersAsk questions on our community forum (peer support, not medical advice)
- Read nextCaffeine Withdrawal Timeline: Day by Day
- Get helpFree, confidential helplines and when to see a doctor
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Caffeine & Sugar board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
Related timelines
- Caffeine Withdrawal Timeline: Day by Day
- Energy Drink Withdrawal Timeline
- Sugar Withdrawal Timeline: What Really Happens
- Medication Overuse (Rebound) Headache: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen and More
Sources
- StatPearls: Caffeine Withdrawal (NCBI Bookshelf)
- Juliano LM, Griffiths RR. A critical review of caffeine withdrawal. Psychopharmacology. 2004
- FDA: Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
- Cleveland Clinic: How To Quit Caffeine Without a Headache
- Cleveland Clinic: Headache Medicine (OTC and prescription)
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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