From Sean Paajanen,
Your Guide to Coffee / Tea.
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Those of us who drink coffee know about caffeine and its effects on our bodies. Tea and hot chocolate have less caffeine but are not completely free of it. Here is a quick run-down the symptoms you will experience if you cut out drinking caffeinated drinks, and also the symptoms of excessive caffeine intake.

Withdrawal Symptoms
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon 12 hours after stopping your intake. They are at their worst after 24-48 hours, and can last for up to a week.

• Irritable
• Restless
• Muscle stiffness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches, moderate to severe
• Chills and/or hot spells

Excess Caffeine
3 cups of coffee is considered an average or moderate dose, but 10 cups of coffee per day is considered excessive.

• Jitteriness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Flushed face
• Nausea
• Accelerated heartbeat

If you are trying to cut down on your caffeine consumption, you can avoid some of the symptoms by doing it slowly. Cutting back by a half cup per day is a recommended pace. If you find yourself needing a cup of something try decaf or experiment with herbal teas.

Curious how much caffeine is in your favourite drink? Check our comparison chart.