CAFFEINE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS FOLLOWING BRIEF CAFFEINE DEPRIVATION

The effects of shea-term caffeine deprivation on mood, withdrawal symp toms and psychomotor performance were studied in habitual coffee drink ers. Thirty-one male and female coffee drinkers were tested twice at m idday (1130 to 1330 h)4 h after double-blind administration of 250 mg of caffeine or placebo. Mood and withdrawal symptom reports were colle cted by questionnaires. Psychomotor performance was tested with a brie f computerized test battery, and casual blood pressure was measured. C affeine deprivation was associated with decreased Vigor and increased fatigue and with symptoms including sleepiness and yawning. Blood pres sure was lower by 5-6 mm Hg. No changes in psychomotor performance wer e observed. Even short periods of caffeine deprivation, equivalent in length to missing regular morning coffee, can produce noticeable unple asant caffeine withdrawal symptoms in habitual coffee drinkers. Such s ymptoms may be common side effects of habitual caffeine consumption th at contribute to the maintenance of this behavior. (C) 1998 Elsevier S cience Inc.