February 19, 2026 | 06:03 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As Ramadan approaches, coffee drinkers may face additional challenges. They suddenly have to cut back on caffeine while fasting and experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
Javeed Ashfaque, an Internal Medicine Specialist from Prime Medical Center Dubai, explained that caffeine withdrawal symptoms typically begin 12 to 24 hours after the last caffeine consumption. These symptoms peak between 20 and 51 hours and can last for two to nine days, depending on the person's habits.
When caffeine withdrawal symptoms occur, people will experience headaches, fatigue or drowsiness, irritability, and mood swings. Difficulty concentrating, muscle stiffness, nausea, and stomach pain can also occur.
Faisal Arshad, a Family Medicine Specialist from Lifecare Hospital in the United Arab Emirates, shares this view. He stated that caffeine is a natural stimulant that increases alertness and reduces fatigue. However, consuming high doses can cause nervousness, heart palpitations, and insomnia.
"Suddenly stopping caffeine consumption, especially while fasting, can trigger withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and even difficulty concentrating," said Faisal in his analysis on the Gulfnews website on February 11, 2026.
The views of these two health experts can serve as a guideline for those observing the Ramadan fast, especially those who regularly consume high doses of caffeine. Abruptly stopping caffeine consumption will certainly affect their physical condition during fasting, as they are prone to fatigue due to caffeine withdrawal.
Safe Ways to Reduce Caffeine Intake
Both doctors recommend a gradual dose reduction approach, such as reducing daily caffeine intake by 25 to 50 percent. For example, if you previously drank three cups of coffee, reduce this to two for a few days, then settle down to just one cup.
It's also important to get enough rest and minimize energy dips during this caffeine withdrawal period. Short walks or light activities can naturally increase alertness and support a smooth fast.
Gradually reducing caffeine consumption can be considered the best solution for coffee addicts during Ramadan. Rather than drastically reducing the dose in a short period of time.
TEMPO | ALIF ILHAM FAJRIADI
Read: How to Gradually Reduce Caffeine Intake During Ramadan
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