Caffeine is a mild stimulant that occurs naturally in plant-based products like tea, coffee and guarana. It is used widely for its energizing effects and is sometimes added to medicines for its ability to constrict blood vessels and reduce headache pain and nasal congestion. In moderation, caffeine can be a safe temporary solution for fatigue, while higher doses can cause unwanted side effects. Understanding the drug effects of caffeine can help prevent adverse reactions.
Energy/Alertness
Caffeine is used around the world for its energy-enhancing effects. Physical effects include increased heart rate, respiration and blood pressure accompanied by feelings of enhanced stamina and energy. Caffeine increases subjective feelings of alertness and focus while temporarily warding off fatigue, making it a popular ingredient in energy supplements.
In sensitive individuals, caffeine can cause over-stimulation of the central nervous system, leading to feelings of jitteriness, anxiety and irritability. To prevent side effects, limit your daily intake of caffeine to no more than 200 mg, or roughly 2 cups of coffee.
Frequent Urination
Due to its mild diuretic properties, caffeine increases both frequency of urination and the volume produced by the kidneys. According to Mayo Clinic, caffeine can cause a worsening of conditions like urinary incontinence and interstitial cystitis by triggering bladder spasms in some people.
To help prevent bladder irritation, drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day when consuming large amounts of caffeine. Consider limiting your use of caffeine or avoiding it altogether if you experience pain in your bladder or urethra after ingesting the substance.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a relatively common effect of caffeine consumption. Because it stimulates the mind and body, caffeine may lengthen the amount of time it takes some people to fall asleep. Stopping consumption of caffeine 6 to 7 hours prior to bedtime may help reduce the likelihood of insomnia.
Overdose
While rare, caffeine overdose can be deadly when it occurs. According to Drug Information Online, symptoms of caffeine overdose include vomiting, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, convulsions and death. Toxic side effects may be felt at doses exceeding 200 mg., while death can occur at doses ranging from 3 to 20 grams, according to Erowid.org.
To avoid overdose, monitor your daily intake of caffeine from all sources. Read food and beverage labels, and learn to identify common caffeine-containing herbs like yerba mate, guarana and kola nut.
Dependence and Withdrawal
While it doesn't trigger addiction in the way heroin or other narcotics do, caffeine can lead to physical and psychological dependence--sometimes without a person's knowledge. When used regularly, caffeine's ability to cause insomnia may lead to a cycle of sleeplessness, rebound fatigue and the need for more caffeine.
Withdrawal is another factor that may reinforce continued use of the drug. According to CNN Health, symptoms of caffeine withdrawal such as fatigue, irritability, flu-like symptoms and headache may occur after skipping only a small portion of your regular intake. Symptoms generally set in within 12 to 20 hours and can last up to a week. Gradually tapering down your daily dose of caffeine is recommended for preventing severe symptoms.
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