Caffeine is a stimulant that naturally occurs in certain foods like tea, coffee and chocolate. It can also be added to foods and is sold as over-the-counter (OTC) stimulants. The Mayo Clinic says that moderate caffeine intake is okay, but heavy caffeine use can cause serious health problems and lead to a caffeine overdose. Moderate intake is defined as 200 to 300 mg of caffeine a day, or two to four cups of coffee. Heavy use is 500 to 600 mg of caffeine a day, or four to seven cups of coffee.
Cognitive Changes
A caffeine overdose can cause confusion, hallucinations, and changes in alertness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The Mayo Clinic says too much caffeine can also make a person more nervous, restless, irritable and anxious.
Digestive Issues
The UMMC says caffeine can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means it causes frequent urination. It is unclear whether the diuretic properties of caffeine increase the risk of dehydration, but individuals who consume it may be thirstier than usual. For this reason, the Nemours Foundation recommends avoiding caffeine in hot weather, during vigorous exercise and in situations where a person may sweat profusely.
Heart Irregularities
According to the Mayo Clinic, too much caffeine can cause an arrhythmia, a fast or irregular heartbeat. Symptoms of an arrhythmia include chest pain, fainting, dizziness, shortness of breath and perspiration. In severe cases, it can lead to a heart attack, heart failure, stroke or sudden death. Medline Plus recommends contacting a health care professional if symptoms of an arrhythmia develop or worsen.
Muscle Problems
A caffeine overdose can also cause muscle twitching and tremors. Infants who get too much caffeine may experience tremors and muscles that are extremely tense and then very relaxed.
Additional Effects
Other effects of too much caffeine include insomnia and trouble sleeping, breathing problems, convulsions and headaches. According to the UMMC, infants may experience rapid, deep breathing and can go into shock, a life-threatening condition caused by inadequate blood flow to the body. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people struggling with insomnia reduce their caffeine intake and avoid caffeinated beverages at least eight hours prior to bedtime.
Member Comments