![]() It is not hard to reach that amount since a typical 8-ounce cup of coffee made through the drip method contains between 125 and 250mg of caffeine and a 12-ounce can of Coca Cola contains 45mg. More than 85% of Americans of all ages consume some caffeine daily, with an average daily dosage of about 200mg. These changes may contribute to the development of caffeine tolerance and dependency.Ĭaffeine is the world's most popular drug. These chronic effects of caffeine are likely a result of changes in the numbers and types of adenosine receptors expressed on brain cells as well as changes in their functions. In daily caffeine users, caffeine has less of an effect on brain activation and blood vessel constriction, and caffeine withdrawal is associated with a significant increase in brain blood flow associated with blood vessel dilation. ![]() It is unclear how these effects of caffeine result in acute anti-migraine and analgesic actions. Caffeine can selectively block these receptors and thereby block the effects of adenosine. Adenosine acts by binding to specific receptor molecules on the surfaces of some brain cells. Adenosine is widely available in the brain and can produce many effects including a quieting of brain electrical activity, dilation of blood vessels, and regulating some aspects of sleep and movement. Further, migraine attacks can be triggered if adenosine is given intravenously. Adenosine levels in the blood go up during migraine attacks. Caffeine affects the activity of a naturally occurring and necessary brain substance called adenosine. However, the specific targets of action of caffeine in the brain and nerves outside the brain are known. We don't fully understand the mechanisms underlying the different effects of caffeine on the brain. An example of this withdrawal syndrome may be the "weekend migraine" pattern where individuals experience attacks on Saturdays or Sundays associated with sleeping later than usual and delaying their morning cup of coffee. ![]() If that caffeine expectation is unmet, a withdrawal syndrome may result, which includes headache itself as a prominent symptom, along with fatigue, trouble concentrating, nausea, and other symptoms suggestive of migraine. This means, a given dose becomes less potent following repetitive exposure, and the brain develops an expectation that another dose of caffeine will be coming soon. However, with daily or near daily caffeine exposure, the brain may develop a tolerance for, and dependency upon, the drug. With occasional use, it may provide modest acute headache relief, as well as its characteristic satisfying sense of alertness and well-being. Unfortunately, caffeine's effects on the brain can vary tremendously depending upon how often you use it. Why not just treat your headaches with coffee? For example, one small controlled study found that caffeine was more effective than placebo, and as effective as acetaminophen, in relieving tension-type headaches. Caffeine may aid in the absorption of these medicines, but can caffeine itself relieve headaches? Few research studies have examined this question, but the answer appears to be yes caffeine can provide some headache relief. Caffeine is a key active ingredient in many headache medications including ExcedrinTM, AnacinTM, MidolTM, Darvon CompoundTM, FioricetTM, and MigranalTM. Migraine patients often report that some attacks can be halted by a strong cup of coffee. University of Vermont College of Medicine
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