What happens when you stop taking pre-workout?

Author: Miss Margot Buckridge DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, November 1, 2025

If your body gets used to it, you can start to go through caffeine withdrawals on days that you don't have your pre-workout, and this can mean feeling fatigued or anxious, having a headache, and feeling irritable or depressed (27).

What happens if you stop using pre-workout?

If you cycle off your pre workout once in awhile, it allows you to lower your caffeine tolerance which will improve your performance, both mentally and physically. Consider cycling off your pre workout every couple months by limiting your caffeine consumption for two weeks or more.

Can you have withdrawal from pre-workout?

This can result in dependency, where individuals feel unable to perform workouts without the supplement, potentially leading to withdrawal symptoms and decreased performance without it.

Do you need to take a break from pre-workout?

It is generally recommended to cycle off pre-workout supplements every 4 to 6 weeks. Pre-workout supplements typically contain stimulants such as caffeine and other performance-enhancing ingredients like beta-alanine, which can lead to tolerance if used for an extended period of time.

What organ does pre-workout affect?

Pre-workout supplements contain a blend of stimulants, amino acids, and other metabolic ingredients designed to enhance exercise and muscle performance. Research shows that some of these ingredients, such as amino acids, induce metabolic chain reactions which may damage pancreatic cells.

WHY YOU SHOULD STOP TAKING PRE-WORKOUTS

Is it OK to have Preworkout every day?

“I have some experience with pre-workout and for me, I feel as if I can workout with or without it.” As long as you're taking the recommended amount and you are following guidelines from your doctor, health experts agree you can consume pre-workout daily.

How late is too late for pre-workout?

As mentioned, you should drink your pre-workout 20-30 minutes before training and make sure you don't consume your pre-session energy boost within 4 hours of bedtime, as this could affect your ability to sleep.

How long should I cycle off caffeine?

It is suggested by reliable sources, that cycling off caffeine for a month (this includes all caffeine beverages and sources) will reduce tolerance. Other sites state that the process of cycling off caffeine can take anywhere from two weeks to two months and depends on the amount you were consuming.

When to stop pre-workout?

It is generally recommended to cycle off pre-workout supplements every 4 to 6 weeks. Pre-workout supplements typically contain stimulants such as caffeine and other performance-enhancing ingredients like beta-alanine, which can lead to tolerance if used for an extended period of time.

What does caffeine withdrawal feel like?

The severity of symptoms vary from individual to individual, and most commonly include a headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, drowsiness, decreased contentedness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and feeling foggy/not clearheaded.

Why do I feel weak without pre-workout?

Yes, you will feel weaker definitely because pre workout gives you energy immediately during workouts. And other reason is that your body has familiar with it. So if you stop it then your body will go down for some time. After sometime body will manage it's energy calories from diet.

How long does it take for pre-workout to leave your system?

Considering these common ingredients' half-life, kick-in timing and peak timing, most people take pre-workouts 30 minutes before working out to ensure the effects will last throughout their workout. You can expect to feel the effects for around an hour, though the pre-workout may stay in your system for 4 hours or so.

How to come off pre-workout?

How to calm down from pre-workout:
  1. Drink water to help flush caffeine out faster.
  2. Go for a walk to burn off extra energy.
  3. Take deep breaths to lower heart rate and relax your nervous system.
  4. Avoid additional stimulants (coffee, energy drinks) until the effects wear off.

What happens if you take gone off pre-workout?

If your pre-workout is actually significantly past its use by date (not best before) it might cause some issues such as gastric distress - something you probably want to avoid in the gym! While this should pass pretty quickly, it is certainly unpleasant and should be avoided.

Is it bad to take pre-workout and not workout?

Ultimately, pre-workout supplements can be used when not training to help increase energy levels, mental focus, alertness, concentration and more. The main fuel of energy in pre-workout supplements is the well-known stimulant, caffeine.

Should you take a break from pre-workout?

Giving your body a break from pre workout can help you reset so it can go back to full efficacy. That doesn't mean that you should go back to training without any supplements though. You might find opting for a caffeine free pre workout a good option.

Should I quit caffeine completely?

“Don't cut out caffeine completely all of a sudden because then you may experience some bad withdrawal syndromes,” she said. “If you need help with how to decrease your intake or you're getting headaches when you're trying to go off caffeine, talk to your doctor.”

Do you build a tolerance to pre-workout?

A: Yes, but monitor your total caffeine intake, as daily high doses can lead to tolerance and reduce pre-workout effectiveness on training days.

At what age should you not take pre-workout?

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take pre-workout supplements. Anyone under the age of 18 should not take supplements without discussing with their doctor first. No “dry-scooping.” Dry-scooping is the practice of swallowing supplement powder without mixing it with water or other liquid as recommended.

Should I take pre-workout everyday?

If you have health conditions or are taking medication, check with your doctor before taking any supplement, especially on a daily basis. For most people, however, a clean, high-quality pre-workout is safe to take every day.

How long does pre-workout anxiety last?

How long does pre-workout anxiety last? It's induced anxiety usually subsides within a few hours.

Can you take pre-workout on an empty stomach?

Yes, you can take pre-workout on an empty stomach. Some people prefer to go several hours without eating or even fast the night before their workouts. While other people get their best results from eating a meal before workouts.

Why shouldn't you take pre-workout after 5?

Caffeine can last anywhere from 3-5 hours. With that being said, if you plan on Jumping into bed around 11 pm, you shouldn't take your pre-workout supplements after 6 pm or they might affect your sleep.

How to get rid of pre-workout side effects?

Alternatives and ways to reduce side effects
  1. eating a meal within 2 hours of a workout.
  2. eating snacks beforehand that include complex carbohydrates and protein.
  3. staying hydrated before and throughout a workout.
  4. eating a balanced meal after a workout, preferably including protein.

Previous article
Does drinking water fix dry hair?
Next article
What do stress bumps look like on your head?