Caffiene is a natural and legal psychoactive drug that stimulates the body. Caffiene tightens and constricts blood vessels. TMJ headaches get worse when caffiene is ingested.Changes in caffiene ingestion can worsen migraine headaches. Most patients get most of their caffiene from coffee. Caffiene is addictive and this is why so many people must have coffee every morning. Unfortunately, most patients get upset when asked to stop drinking coffee and soft drinks containing caffiene.

                                          Headaches                          Muscle twitching                 Nervousness
                                          Depression                         High blood cholesterol          Restlessness
                                          Heartburn                           Dehydration from urination  Rambling thought and speech
                                          Rapid heart beat                  Irregular heart beat              Stomach upset
                                          Increased blood pressure      Diarrhea                             Difficulty falling asleep
                                          Reduced depth and quality of sleep      and more

         Caffiene addiction can be so strong that patients experience caffiene withdrawal symptoms much like drug addicts when their drugs are taken away. Caffiene withdrawal symptoms can last between one and five days.

                                                       Headaches             Fatigue              Irritability
                                                       Cravings                Anxiety             Drowsiness
                                                       Stomach aches       Nausea              Nervousness
                                                       Insomnia

           Some of the caffiene withdrawal symptoms can be reduced by drinking decaffeinated coffee. Although we prefer that patients not take analgesics, ibuprofen is probably best because it also helps with the muscle pain associated with caffiene withdrawal.

          The no doze pills are loaded with caffiene. However, caffiene can make you anxious, keep you up at night, and even cause headaches. Patients ingesting caffiene can become hyperactive.

          Some physicians believe that caffiene contributes to miscarriages and causes fertility problems. With some women, caffiene can cause a fast heart beat called tachyarrhythmia and cause panic attacks. Caffiene is especially a problem in many TMJ patients who already experience panic attacks from mitral valve prolapse.

          If you are having headaches and would like to consult with a TMJ dentist, please make an appointment at 404-874-7428.