Energy Drink Withdrawal Timeline
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 3 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
Energy drink withdrawal is mostly caffeine withdrawal. Symptoms usually start 12 to 24 hours after your last can, peak around days 1 to 2, and fade within 2 to 9 days. Headache, tiredness, low mood and trouble focusing are most common. The FDA says about 400 mg of caffeine a day is an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults; if you’re drinking several cans, add up the caffeine on the labels.
Energy drinks 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | 12 to 24 hours after your last energy drink | Headache starting; Tiredness, low energy; Less alert | Mild | — |
| Peak | About 20 to 51 hours (day 1 to 2) | Headache; Fatigue, drowsiness; Low mood, irritability; Trouble concentrating; Sometimes nausea or muscle aches | Moderate | A sudden severe headache, or headache with fever, stiff neck or confusion |
| Easing | Day 3 to day 9 | Symptoms fade day by day | Mild | — |
Print a daily symptom log for this timeline · My quit tracker
Symptoms, phase by phase
The caffeine withdrawal symptoms confirmed by research (Juliano and Griffiths, 2004) include headache, fatigue, decreased energy and alertness, drowsiness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability and feeling foggy, and sometimes flu-like symptoms, nausea or muscle pain. Energy drinks can be high in sugar too, so some people also notice cravings; see our sugar withdrawal timeline. The FDA notes that medical experts advise against energy drinks for children and teens because of their sugar and caffeine levels.
Onset: 12 to 24 hours after your last energy drink
- Headache starting
- Tiredness, low energy
- Less alert
Peak: About 20 to 51 hours (day 1 to 2)
- Headache
- Fatigue, drowsiness
- Low mood, irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Sometimes nausea or muscle aches
Easing: Day 3 to day 9
- Symptoms fade day by day
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- Total daily caffeine. Juliano and Griffiths found symptoms got more common or severe as the daily dose rose, and stopping doses as low as 100 mg a day caused symptoms. Several cans plus coffee or pre-workout adds up quickly. Check labels.
- Cold turkey vs tapering. The FDA advises cutting back gradually.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- A sudden severe headache, or one with fever, stiff neck, confusion or weakness: get urgent care.
- Chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting at any point: get urgent care.
- Symptoms that last beyond about 9 days.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
Cut back gradually, for example one can fewer every few days, or switch to a smaller or lower-caffeine drink before stopping. The FDA says that if you want to cut back, it’s best to do so gradually.
Tips for getting through it
- Taper over a week or two
- Swap one can for water, sparkling water or decaf tea
- Prioritize sleep while you cut back
- Read labels: many energy drinks list caffeine per can
Frequently asked questions
How long does energy drink withdrawal last?
Usually 2 to 9 days, with the worst on days 1 to 2.
How much caffeine is in an energy drink?
It varies widely by brand and can size, so check the label. The FDA says energy drinks generally have 54 to 328 mg of caffeine per 16 fluid ounces. The FDA cites 400 mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults.
Is energy drink withdrawal dangerous?
Usually not, but a sudden severe headache or heart symptoms need urgent care.
Can I quit cold turkey?
You can, but expect headache and tiredness for a few days. Tapering is gentler.
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
- How Long Does a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache Last?
- Sugar Withdrawal Timeline: What Really Happens
- Pre-Workout and Caffeine Pill Withdrawal
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?
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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