Research Library
Written by the Relief Team · Pharmacology

Caffeine: The Double-Edged Sword

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor — it narrows swollen blood vessels in the brain, which is why it's a key ingredient in medications like Excedrin. However, when caffeine leaves your system, those vessels can "rebound" and swell even larger than before.

Consistency is Key

The worst thing you can do is have 4 cups of coffee on Monday and zero on Tuesday. This caffeine withdrawal is one of the most reliable migraine triggers. If you use caffeine, maintain a strict, identical dosage every single day — including weekends.

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