Caffeine has several effects on the human body. Some pills contain caffeine to stimulate the central nervous system and increase alertness. Other pills contain caffeine to constrict the blood vessels and reduce pain. Before taking any pill that contains caffeine, discuss your medical history with your doctor to determine the safety of caffeine intake for your condition.
NoDoz
NoDoz contains caffeine that increases alertness and helps you stay awake for long periods of time. This drug also causes nervousness, dizziness and irritability in some people. One tablet of maximum strength NoDoz contains 200 mg of caffeine, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Talk to your doctor before taking this drug if you have heart disease, liver disorders, anxiety or difficulty sleeping. NoDoz increases the side effects of theophylline and quinolone drugs.
Ultra Pep-Back
Ultra Pep-Back contains 200 mg of caffeine in each tablet, according to manufacturer Alva-Amco Pharmacal Companies. This drug relieves fatigue and drowsiness, particularly when they result from long periods of driving, working late hours or not getting enough sleep. This drug does not require a prescription, but you should consult a doctor if your fatigue persists. Avoid foods, beverages and medications that contain caffeine while taking Ultra Pep-Back, as excess caffeine causes irritability, increased heart rate, nervousness and inability to sleep.
Vivarin
Vivarin combats the effects of fatigue and drowsiness by increasing mental alertness and helping you stay awake. If you take medications, plan to become pregnant, have food or medicine allergies, or have liver disorders, heart disease, anxiety or insomnia, discuss your medical history with a physician before taking Vivarin. The University of Washington reports that one Vivarin tablet contains 200 mg of caffeine.
Excedrin
Excedrin has a combination of aspirin, caffeine and acetaminophen. The aspirin and acetaminophen relieve pain, reduce fevers and reduce inflammation. The caffeine in this drug stimulates the central nervous system by relaxing the muscles in the blood vessels. This improves blood flow and reduces the pain of headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches and arthritis. If you have a heart condition, do not take Excedrin without talking to a medical professional. You may need special monitoring while taking Excedrin if you have asthma, stomach ulcer, diabetes or a blood clotting disorder. Two extra-strength Excedrin tablets contain 130 mg of caffeine, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.
Midol
The caffeine in Midol acts as a diuretic, increasing excretion of excess fluid and relieving the premenstrual symptoms of bloating and water retention. Midol contains a low dose of caffeine when compared to products like NoDoz and Vivarin, with each capsule containing just 32 mg, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Member Comments