Caffeine

Is Caffeine Your Trigger?

Caffeine, which has been called the most commonly used drug in the world, deserve special consideration.  It is estimated that 90% of Americans consume some form of caffeine daily, and more than half in excess of 300 mg a day.  Caffeine, in moderation, is not a problem.  What determines moderation, however, is a matter of both opinion and individual variability.  Many people consider 200-300 mg/day to be moderate use, however, this may be more than can be tolerated without difficulty if you are a migraine sufferer, and if this proves to be a migraine trigger for you.  Also, bear in mind that the DSM-IV defines caffeine intoxication syndrome as symptoms arising from ingestion of more than 250 mg of caffeine.

The US Food and Drug Administration limits caffeine content to 6mg/fluid ounce in soft drinks and energy drinks.  There is not a similar limit in beverages that are brewed at or after point of sale.  The average cup of coffee contains at least 100 mg of caffeine.  (How big is your cup?)

Another important consideration is caffeine-containing medications.  Many headache sufferers take caffeine-containing over-the-counter medications, and are not aware of the amount of caffeine in these preparations, or that they may be getting more caffeine in their pills than in their coffee.

Commonly taken caffeine-containing over-the-counter medications

Caffeine-containing prescription pain medications

Caffeine is in a lot of products, including beverages