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rory's avatar

I have an upset stomach but I need caffeine. What should I do?

Asked by rory (1407points) December 13th, 2014

I have an upset stomach, not sure why. I have diarrhea and I threw up this morning. I ate some breakfast, but it made it worse, and I generally feel like hell. Thing is, I’m a college student with final papers to complete and I need to work today. I’m super out of it and tired and having caffeine withdrawal. I know that caffeine can worsen an upset stomach, but I also really need to work. What do I do?

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11 Answers

funkdaddy's avatar

Straight caffeine is easier on your stomach than caffeine with all the other stuff we use to get it in our bodies. For example, coffee + milk + sugar is a lot harder on your stomach than just caffeine, same with energy drinks, same with 5 hour energy, same with chocolate, things like that.

You can get straight caffeine at most vitamin shops, or herbs that have caffeine in them (guarana) if you’d rather try that. You can get something like No Doze (straight caffeine) at just about any drug store or large grocery store. Be careful with doses, 200 mg at a time really is a lot.

You still want to make sure you get fluids so caffeine and a glass of water is a lot easier on your stomach than the alternatives.

talljasperman's avatar

Flat Ginger Ale is good for stomach aches.

rory's avatar

@talljasperman ginger ale is not caffeinated :(

talljasperman's avatar

Pepsi has an ingredient that makes your stomach settle. Also Green Tea has caffeine in it. You can also have 7up.

Coloma's avatar

Fruit juice gives you a boost just as well as caffeine, apple juice is especially good for an upset stomach. Stick to the B.R.A.T. diet, Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast and if anything, have some green tea.

dappled_leaves's avatar

This may sound crazy, but instead of trying to find a way to drink coffee that doesn’t upset your stomach, try drinking ice water instead. It’s surprisingly refreshing, and won’t make you feel worse.

longgone's avatar

Black tea never upsets my stomach, how’s that for you? I second @dappled_leaves’ suggestion, too.

kritiper's avatar

Drink tea.

JLeslie's avatar

Definitely get the caffeine you need if you regularly drink it. Going through withdrawal will make it work. Drink and eat next to nothing for the next 6 hours. Let your stomach rest.

Buttonstc's avatar

Just be aware that caffeine in ANY form (even NoDoz pills) will speed up bowel motility, so expect the diarrhea to get worse.

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