Caffeine is the most popular psychoactive drug in the world. Most people consume some caffeine daily, whether it comes in the form of a cup of coffee or tea in the morning or a soft drink in the afternoon. For most, caffeine is a way to wake up in the morning or beat early afternoon drowsiness.
Effects
Caffeine is a stimulant. It affects your central nervous system, giving you a feeling of alertness and suppressing drowsiness. It is also a muscle relaxant that is used medicinally to treat asthma and migraine headaches.
Sources
Caffeinated beverages are by far the most common sources of caffeine. A cup of coffee contains between 95 and 200 mg of caffeine. Tea contains between 40 and 120 mg of caffeine, and caffeinated soft drinks contain between 25 and 55 mg of caffeine.
Many over the counter cold medications include caffeine to overcome the natural drowsiness of being sick. Many weight loss supplements include moderately high amounts of caffeine.
Safe Levels
According to the National Institutes of Health, 250 mg of caffeine---the amount in two to three cups of coffee---is a moderate daily intake for adults. Some people are more sensitive to the drug than others and experience side effects at much lower doses. Others, especially those who are accustomed to consuming large amounts of caffeine, can tolerate far more.
Myths
There are many spurious claims surrounding caffeine. Some claim that it will help you lose weight, although the research on this topic is inconclusive, according to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., Mayo Clinic nutritionist.
Many students believe that drinking caffeinated beverages before---or during---a class helps them learn and remember the material. Moderate amounts of caffeine does help with attention and prevents drowsiness, but high levels of caffeine will make you jittery, preventing you from focusing on learning.
Overdose
While caffeine is generally safe, extremely high amounts of the drug can lead to overdose. If you consume more than your body can tolerate, you will feel jittery, nauseous and may have a headache. These are warning signs. If you continue to consume caffeine, you could induce caffeine toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity or overdose include dizziness, vomiting, hallucinations, and irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming a large amount of caffeine, call poison control or go to the emergency room immediately.
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