Cutting back on caffeine

Suddenly cutting caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms. These may include headaches, tiredness, crankiness and having trouble focusing. Most often, these symptoms are mild and get better after a few days.

To change your caffeine habit, try these tips:

• Keep track. Notice how much caffeine you get from foods and drinks, including energy drinks. Check labels. But know that you might not be counting all your caffeine because some foods or drinks with caffeine don't list it on the label.
• Cut back little by little. Maybe drink one fewer can of soda or drink a smaller cup of coffee each day. Or don't drink beverages with caffeine late in the day. This will help your body get used to the lower levels of caffeine, so withdrawal effects may be less.
• Try decaf. Having less caffeine in a drink most often doesn't affect the taste. But keep in mind that decaf still has some caffeine.
• Brew tea for less time or use herbal tea. Brewing tea for less time cuts down on caffeine. Or choose herbal teas that don't have caffeine.
• Check labels. Some pain relievers you get without a prescription have caffeine in them. Look for caffeine-free pain relievers instead. Other products, such as energy bars and many packaged foods, may have caffeine, as well.