Has anyone tried the brand Korrect Energy? Uses paraxanthine.

Hello everybody. I have been suffering for neck and upper back pain for years. I am quite athletic, I go to the gym 3 days per week and I have been practicing sport all my life. I visited many doctors, physiotherapist, ... Nothing. After reading some post here I decided to quit caffeine. In my case I was only drinking one big coffee in the morning, but for 25 years... So, the first days were horrible, specially for the headaches and a lot of pain in my back. I considered they normal, after reading all the experiences here. At the same time, and even with pain, I noticed that my neck was more flexible and, guess what, today I'm not feeling any pain. I hope that's for good, but even if not, just a big thanks for all the people here. I need some support to leave caffeine and I get it! I will be updating my condition every week.

Thanks!

Hey, I just came across an interesting fact - both Joe Biden and Donald Trump avoid caffeine!

Trump has famously never had coffee or tea in his life. He also doesn’t drink alcohol, reportedly influenced by his brother’s struggles with alcoholism. That said, he does drink a lot of Diet Coke, which still has some caffeine, but much less than coffee.

Biden, on the other hand, doesn’t drink coffee at all either! He prefers orange juice in the morning and has been a lifelong non-coffee drinker.

It’s wild to think that two U.S. presidents - who were very different in almost every other way - both ran the country without relying on caffeine.

Do you think this is just a coincidence, or is coffee more of a working-class habit while high-level politicians and executives tend to avoid it? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Has anyone started medication while going though this. My anxiety has been high and causing sleep disturbances. I've considered starting green tea to see if it takes the edge off. Has anyone been able to come off meds if they started?

This Wednesday, February 5th will be day 100 no alcohol.

I've been lifting free weights for 4 months now..that is going great

I've been on keto diet since January 1. Still figuring out the best balance there...but the mental health and physical benefits are wonderful so far.

Next on the list is caffeine. I drink too much.

3-4 (5) cups of Newman's Own Organics Special Blend a day. Depending on which search you do it's anywhere from 125-150 mg per serving.

Let's say 150. So I. Drinking 600mg a day!

I like this sub and am 1/4 of the way through reading "The Caffeine Epidemic".

I really should be drinking ZERO caffeine a day. I have BP2 disorder.

Anyway. Just kind of Journaling out loud here.

I’ve been averaging anywhere from 750-900mg a day for the past several years.

Today I had a 490 mg coffee followed by 300 mg energy drink.

I wonder how I can quit with such a high level of addiction.

I am also worried that I’ve irreparably damaged myself in some way.

Who here also slowly and in milestones, even if he or she struggled to fully quit caffeine yet, came to the conclusion that it is not adenosine and norepinephrine (adrenaline) that is their issue, but other neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine in a very narrow and specific sense, serotonine, endocannabinoids?

To me it seems like caffeine is a brute force way of masking issues and staying functional in the material and getting shit done sense, but not really what most people need. It's finally time for personalized medicine!

My own story pertains to this quite well, as I still haven't quite figured out my relationship with caffeine, even if I'm off right now (recovery takes so much time, I feel like), but I figured that I don't really lack norepinephrine or dopamine, but lack endocannabinoids and acetylcholine.

I've heard some stories that caffeine withdrawal can tak up to YEARS in some cases. Lately I noticed coffee intolerance since I'm on strict ketogenic diet for my ADHD symptoms.

When I don't drink my daily coffee then I'm at least 4x less tired, and this is a big potential if someone would not want to suffer as much. Studies I've seen concluded that keto naturally increase body adrenaline and cortisol, guess what, coffee does the same but in not natural spiking way

I'm thinking of taking caffeine pills for weaning purpose. I'm not that heavy coffee consumer already, this month I didn't drink more than 1 cup a day. But headaches make me feel terrible when I go cold turkey.

Is 100 mg a good starting point or maybe 50 mg would be enough too?

February 7th will mark my 3rd year alcohol free. It is one of my greatest accomplishments, I feel like I added 10 years to my life. Quitting alcohol started a lot of quitting. My husband followed my lead and quit drinking too, and we quit smoking- him cigarettes and me pot.

Lingering in the back of my mind I considered coffee. Could I quit that too?

People tell you it’s easy to quit coffee. They say the side effects last 2-5 days. For me it has been alot more like quitting alcohol. You need to plan your recovery.

I wasn’t prepared for the extreme withdrawals. Maybe you won’t have them, but just in case, I’d recommend taking a few days off. Make a nice spot on the couch and buy easy meals like ramen. Stock your fridge with Gatorade and water. Make sure you have Advil or Motrin. You already did a great thing by joining this sub. I didn’t find it until afterwards.

What else would you add to help prepare the quitters?

Hey everyone,

I am trying to quit coffee/caffeine for the 100th time but after a week or two during an attempt, I can never get past those painful coffee withdrawal headaches so I end up breaking down and drinking coffee again. In my case, the headaches are so bad I am unable to function. I can handle being tired and lacking motivation or focus but I cannot deal with the physical pain caused by the withdrawal headaches.

For additional context, I am already tried the following to deal with the headaches:

• Drinking tons of water (3-4 litres a day) with electrolytes
• Supplementing with L-Tyrosine when I quit
• Tried quitting with modafinil
• Taking tadalafil (Cialis) for better blood flow
• Painkillers (they seem to not really help)

I also have attempted to taper off caffeine before but I eventually get to a lower level of caffeine where the headaches happen regardless.

Any thoughts?

I'm about a month clean from caffeine in any form (coffee, teas, chocolate, soda, BC brand aspirin) and I can't say I've experienced anything unpleasant beyond some brain fog. This is after over a year of daily coffee use. If anything I feel relieved of not needing to chemically whip my adrenal glands into high gear every day.

Am I doing this wrong or is the worst still yet to come?

Hey folks,

I lurked this sub for a while before I took the plunge.

I used a tapered approach with caffeine pills ... and it worked!

My mental health is better, my energy is better, my gut health is better, etc.

I wanted to post today because I am sitting here doing work and I realized that coffee is not even in my wheelhouse anymore. I used to need it to function, but now my brain is perfectly capable without it.

This is an important realization because when you are hooked on something you think it is kind of inescapable. However, that is simply not true. You just need a goal and time.

If you are considering going decaf, give it a go. It has been a positive change in my life and I hope the same for you.

Hello,

I wanted to know if this is normal or not. I have quit caffeine 30 days ago now, and in many ways I am feeling like it is helping me. My anxiety has reduced dramatically, and I am also a lot less irritated. I sleep so much better now too! I never thought I could quit, but here I am, 30 days later.

However, I am tired a lot. I never used to take naps, and now I need to everyday. I limit it to one 20-30 minute nap, but this is something I have never done regularly at all. On days that I work this is difficult as I cannot nap and I have trouble keeping awake at my work desk. In general I am tired throughout the day and have a lot less energy. Does this subside? Is this even normal? I had bloodwork done recently and nothing seemed to be off, so I don't know what is going on. The fatigue is just making it very difficult to continue with no caffeine, even though I do feel dramatically better in other ways.

I just need some support and reassurance whether this is normal or if I should contact my doctor. Thank you for reading!

Writing this with brainfog. I just dont feel stimulated? Not even food is spiking my dopamine. Social anciety has increased alot for the past 2 weeks. Doing yoga, meditation and getting fresh air everyday. But today man, has been tuff. It seems like my body pain has gone away. These withdrawls aint no joke, feeling like a zombie ALOT. Goodluck to you

Hi! I have a kind of love-hate relationship with caffeine. I'm a slow metabolizer due to genetics btw.

I used to handle it pretty well, at least in small amounts. However, as I've been drinking about two shots of espresso a day (sometimes 3 lol) and tea in the evening with some dark chocolate, my reaction to it has gotten much worse. Now after drinking tea or coffee I almost instantly get very fatigued, experience the most debilitating brain fog, confusion, dizziness, derealization, anxiety. I quite almost all caffeine a week ago and things have gotten much better, to the point that I had the urge to exercise again. Well, after doing some weighted Bulgarian split squats one day (an extremely exhausting exercise for me) and an upper body workout the next day (with lots of chin ups and slow negative reps, also pretty taxing), my heart rate was elevated for a couple days straight and some symptoms returned with a vengeance. I'm starting to suspect something isn't quite right with my endocrine system. Thyroid labs are all okay.

Not seeking medical advice but rather some similar experience. Cheers to all of you.

Has about 15 mg of caffeine - rkn it’s safe to consume for the decaf life?

Tomorrow will be the last day I consume caffeine. After that, it's over - for good, or at least for many years. I've taken this step before: I quit in 2021 and didn't drink caffeine for a year and a half. At the time, however, I didn't know that chocolate also contains caffeine, which is why I continued to consume it unconsciously. Nevertheless, giving it up had a noticeably positive effect on me.

I have been suffering from an anxiety disorder for about six to seven years. In 2021, I made two big changes: I cut out caffeine and started eating a big breakfast in the morning with lots of protein and fat and few carbohydrates. Together, these two things significantly reduced my anxiety. I was able to lead a normal life again - before, it was often difficult for me to go to parties, open up and socialize. In my youth, all of this was easy for me, but when I was 19, I suddenly developed severe anxiety, which was probably also related to excessive cannabis use in my teenage years.

I also underwent therapy at the time, which helped me in many areas - but it couldn't take away my anxiety. It was giving up caffeine and changing my diet that made the decisive difference. Nevertheless, I wasn't completely free of anxiety and many people noticed that I seemed shy. I was told this again and again and it really annoyed me over time.

After a year and a half without caffeine in 2023, I decided to start drinking it occasionally again - maybe once a week. I wanted to find out if I could enjoy it in moderation without my anxiety returning. I also didn't want to set myself so many strict rules because I'm generally a rather compulsive person. I thought a little more freedom and ease might do me good.

But I quickly realized that it wasn't working. On the days when I consumed caffeine, my anxiety increased immediately. I usually spent these days alone because I didn't feel like meeting up with others. Without caffeine, on the other hand, I had no problems being socially active.

The worst thing is that this phase of "occasional consumption" has been going on for two years now - and I didn't even realize how long it had been going on. I kept telling myself: "A few more times, then I'll stop." But I kept putting it off. This cycle frustrates me enormously. I now realize that it's a real addiction and I don't want to be trapped in this pattern anymore.

I've been taking an antidepressant for my anxiety since last summer and it has improved my life massively. I'm back in the flow, I date a lot, I can go to parties without any problems, I've settled in well in my new city and I've even joined a soccer club. The best thing about it is that other people no longer perceive me as shy. I am simply myself.

But despite the positive development, I still notice that caffeine sets me back. Every time I drink it, the anxiety comes back and I withdraw again. That's why I'm determined to end this cycle for good. Tomorrow I'll have my last coffee - after that it's over.

I'm writing this post because I think it's great to have a community here that shares my experiences. For a long time I thought I was alone with this problem, but that's not true.

The pros and cons of caffeine for me

Disadvantages: - Increased anxiety - Restless sleep - General inner restlessness

Advantages (which made me fall off the wagon again and again): - Euphoria and feelings of happiness - Creative flow - I'm studying something creative and caffeine has often helped me to be productive for hours on end - Less time wasted - with caffeine I am often more motivated to be active - The ritual of drinking coffee - sitting in a café, enjoying a coffee with friends, indulging in something

But I've realized that some things can't simply be replaced. Just as a cigarette can't be replaced one-to-one with something else, I miss something when I give up coffee. But that doesn't mean I should keep drinking it.

What I have noticed in particular is that caffeine puts you into a kind of tunnel vision, almost like a daze. You simply don't see many things - especially negative ones. It almost feels a bit like living in a kind of "matrix". I notice this particularly in relation to my creative work. I'm working on building my own fashion brand and when I drink caffeine, I'm totally on fire. I can work for hours on end, I'm full of energy and absolutely convinced that my brand will be successful.

But as soon as I stop drinking caffeine, I'm in a completely different state. I become more realistic - or perhaps more pessimistic. Suddenly I think: the market is huge, there are countless Instagram fashion brands that will never be successful. There's already far too much clothing out there anyway - so what makes my brand different? It feels like a harsh reality check that I get every time I'm without caffeine. And I've already read on Reddit forums that others feel the same way.

The interesting thing is that around 80% of people drink caffeine every day. Maybe that's why most of them are in this trance-like state - full of energy, but with a distorted view of reality. And to be honest, I can totally understand that. I also find this state pleasant. In a way, it even makes me sad that I now have to let it go. But there's no other way.

Another point that strikes me when giving up is sleep. Without caffeine, I can easily sleep for twelve to 13 hours, sometimes even more. I often feel the need to lie down for several hours after university. Of course, this could also be related to the withdrawal phase, perhaps it will settle down after a few months. But it could also be a side effect of my medication. It was different with caffeine - I slept for seven to eight hours and was more awake during the day. Of course, sleep is great, but twelve hours a day is just too much.

That's why the time has come: I'm quitting.

If you've read this far - thank you! I wish you all the best on your own journey.

Best wishes!

I am currently going through the stupid phase. My anxiety is again up. I look horrible in the mirror although I know I look good. Every time I get high anxiety, I see myself as ugly. No energy. And yes, I am stupid now. I just can’t seem to make good decisions going through the day. Tried to go for a walk in the park and got super annoyed about pretty much innocent young lady who somehow followed me everywhere. I am sure she did not do it on purpose but I tried to escape her changing direction but she would also change her direction and be just right next to me chatting away on her phone. I wanted solitude and so I did not go my usual walk but turned back once I let her walking ahead of me. This is NOT my usual self. Last weekend was horrible too. Somehow work days are full of stress and they fly fine. I am in much better shape than at home. I am tired, stressed, anxious, annoyed, have a headache and WISH there would be substance to alleviate all this. I mean there are substances of course! Like alcohol for example. This would take away this feeling in no time! Only it would not help in the long run. So I am white-knuckling it today.

Hi, I work from home, do you think it is good idea to quit CT?

I am not believer in tapering. I like to get rid of this poison as soon as possible and not doubt during taper if it is right thing to do.

I am not sure if it is good idea. Did anyone did this? I was only quitting in past in my vacation.

Hey guys! Anyone have a decaf favorite that tastes close to a full-bodied French or Italian dark roast caffeinated coffee? Thanks in advance! DM or reply here works for me :)

This is a double-blind study that looked at the psychostimulant effects of "low" doses of caffeine and discovered that even the lowest dose used - 12.5 mg - had basically the same effect as 100 mg. This turns the mainstream belief about caffeine on it's head that considers only doses of 100-400mg really powerful.

Since the study did not look at doses below 12.5 mg, it is highly likely that a lower dose - for example 6 mg - would have had the same psychostimulant action. 12.5 mg caffeine in this study significantly speeded up reaction time.

Reaction time compared to placebo - 12.5 mg almost as effective as 100 mg

This explains why some people notice effects from decaf coffee. The caffeine content of a regular cup of decaf coffee can range between 3 and 15 mg.

According to healthline.com

One study analyzed 16-ounce (473-ml) cups of drip-brewed decaf coffee from nine US chains or local coffee houses. All but one contained 8.6–13.9 mg caffeine, with an average of 9.4 mg.

Here's the study on low dose caffeine:

Caffeine is present in many widely consumed drinks and some foods. In the fairly extensive literature on the psychostimulant effects of caffeine, there are few dose-response studies and even fewer studies of the effects of doses of caffeine lower than 50 mg (the range of the amounts of caffeine contained in, for example, a typical serving of tea or cola).

This study measured the effects of 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg caffeine on cognitive performance, mood and thirst in adults with low and moderate to high habitual caffeine intakes.

Effects on performance and mood confirmed a psychostimulant action of caffeine. All doses of caffeine significantly affected cognitive performance, and the dose-response relationships for these effects were rather flat.

After overnight caffeine abstinence, caffeine can significantly affect cognitive performance, mood and thirst at doses within and even lower than the range of amounts of caffeine contained in a single serving of popular caffeine-containing drinks.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s002130000506

People are so numbed by large doses of caffeine these days that they do not realize that they are chronically overdosing a neurotoxin that acts as a central nervous system stimulant. Even decaf coffee will lead to dependence. Almost all decaf coffees have around 0.1% of caffeine left, which is 100 mg per 100g of powder.

It is highly likely that even a dose of 5 mg is psychotropically active, and we do not know yet what the lowest effective dose is.

I had every symptom of withdrawal - crippling exhaustion, inability to wake up in the morning, anxiety, terror, suicidal ideations, tinnitus, fingers hurting, fear it would never end.

Well the tinnitus is almost gone. Pleasure and ability to feel happiness has returned. Waking up better in the morning. Still a bit tired but not as much.

Have faith!!

any tips of easing this stage? i’ve quite caffeine before and got through it but i think i forgot how bad it was as i went back to caffeine and now trying to detox again😩

Along with my dry January I also stopped coffee. The results are amazing, particularly on my sleep and energy. For the record I was drinking about 3-4 big mugs of coffee per day. Yesterday I took 2 mugs of decaf because I missed the taste. I felt exhausted in the evening, ate a huge pizza and slept poorly. Does caffeine makes you hungry later in the day? Just a coincidence? I guess my decaf had caffeine... GF brought chocolate as well, maybe it added up

Hey everyone! 3rd medical student here, lately my college degree is falling apart and I feel like the more caffeine I drink the harder it is for me to learn and understand hard logical topics like chemistry / mathematics. I decided to not commit to Ritalin as I don't like how long term stimulant use can make ADHD brain even more downregulated.

I always see studies showing beneficial effects of caffeine on reaction time, using long term / working memory to take out certain memory from the past. But I haven't seen any studies on long term learning effect of caffeine.

I drink caffeine daily in last 5 months, sometimes up to 2 coffees and big yerba mate, and every month I start to feel like complete idiot. Spending so much of my money on private chemistry teaching and nearly 10% information retained from every lesson, I feel complete waste of money as I can't even understand logical concepts no matter how hard I try.

My friend who is caffeine free for a long time told me than his learning improved after several weeks of caffeine free.

What is your take on this? I'm looking for support, it's devastating 😭

it just started innocent i drank coffee to lock in and focus on tasks, before i knew it i was dependent on 600mg everday just to function. im 24, this started when i was 20, but it feels so long. i never took breaks. i knew something felt wrong abt me, that i was dependent on a substance... ik it soudns silly cuz its 'just caffiene' but the addiction feels real. every time i make an excuse when i try to quit "i need it for this test today" "i need it for work" "ill just cut down" 'its not that bad, other people drink more than me" "ill take a break after this semester" "its not bad for me" these are all lies i told myself. whenever i try to quit, i feel like half the person i am. its hard to even have a conversation, i dont even know the words to say when i talk to my friends. its like im not even there. i dont even know if its all in my head when i say tht.i just ned some real talk or some real path to take. i need to not relapse again, so i need to start for real

Spicy food wakes you up very well. Buy a hot sauce or jalapeno or habanero peppers. Take a big scoop in the morning.

I guarantee you wake up. It also causes a release of endorphins and dopamine. Spicy food is pretty well known in alcohol recovery circles as a tool to help with cravings.