Whether you enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon mug of green tea, you're consuming a stimulant drug with every sip. Caffeine is one of the most popular drugs in the world, according to Brown University, and its effects on the brain may have a lot to do with its popularity. Examining the effects of caffeine on the human brain is essential to anyone who consumes this "hidden" stimulant -- whether you're a daily or occasional "user."
Brain Chemicals
Shortly after caffeine is consumed, the chemical absorbs through the digestive system and travels rapidly to the brain, where it begins to take effect. According to Western Washington University, caffeine works in the brain by blocking the chemical adenosine and stimulating the neurotransmitter -- or brain chemical "messenger" -- dopamine. Adenosine is responsible for cardiovascular function, and when blocked, results in vasculoconstriction, or narrowing of blood vessels. Dopamine is the brain's "reward" neurotransmitter and regulates pleasure and pain as well as emotion, says the University of Texas.
Mental Effects
The most marked mental effect caffeine produces when it hits the brain is a state of heightened alertness. When you drink a cup of coffee or a caffeinated beverage to "clear the fog" from your head, caffeine is the drug that makes this happen. However, this state of increased alertness fades as the effects of caffeine wear off, generally after an hour of consuming the drug, according to Brown University. The other mental effects of caffeine -- which can linger for anywhere from four to six hours -- include less desirable effects such as increased fatigue and sleeplessness.
Mood Effects
Similar to other stimulants such as amphetamines, caffeine also produces a pronounced effect on mood in the brain. This can result in a positive mood lift, as well as feelings of enhanced energy and physical well-being. However, this caffeine "high" does wear off rather quickly, and consuming more caffeine for another mood boost often results in unwanted side effects, such as irritability and anxiety.
Dependence
Like most other stimulant drugs, caffeine has the inevitable effect of being addictive. If you're a regular drinker of coffee or energy drinks with high caffeine content, it's likely you're already hooked. Abruptly ceasing caffeine intake while dependent on the stimulant produces easily identifiable symptoms, including headaches, feeling unable to "get going" in the morning or around the time you generally consume caffeine, and feelings of fatigue or being overtired even when you've had enough sleep.
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