If you need an extra boost of energy so you can complete an assignment for school or a project for work, you may be tempted to take a caffeine pill. These over-the-counter stimulants contain the nervous system stimulant caffeine and can help keep you awake. While taking these pills as directed is generally safe, it is easy to overdose on caffeine pills. Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the side effects of a caffeine overdose after taking caffeine pills.
Upset Stomach
Taking too many caffeine pills may irritate your digestive tract. Stomach irritation may lead to side effects of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, MedlinePlus reports. If you develop diarrhea, you may also experience abdominal bloating, pain or cramping. An upset stomach may also contribute to a temporary decrease in your normal appetite level.
Elevated Heart Rate or Muscle Spasms
Caffeine pills stimulate your central nervous system and increase the rate at which nerve signals are passed through your body. When your body contains unusually high levels of caffeine due to an overdose of this stimulant, you may develop a significant increase in your heart rate, Drugs.com warns. You may also experience unusual muscle spasms, convulsions or twitching. Without prompt medical intervention, heart rate irregularities or convulsions may lead to fatal medical complications.
Increased Urination or Thirst
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that it stimulates the body to release fluid in the form of urine. When you ingest a large number of caffeine pills, you may experience increased urination. Frequent or excessive urination causes your body to lose fluid, which must be replenished. Elevated fluid loss can also cause an increase in thirst. If you don't drink enough liquid to replace the fluid your body loses due to increased urination, you may be at risk of becoming dehydrated. Dehydration symptoms include headache, weakness, fatigue and dry mouth.
Confusion, Hallucinations or Difficulty Sleeping
Overdosing on caffeine pills may also affect the way your brain transmits nerve signals throughout your body. Brain dysfunction caused by caffeine overdose may lead to side effects of confusion or hallucinations. You may also find it difficult to relax or fall sleep after taking too many of these pills.
Breathing Problems
Excessive levels of caffeine may affect the ability of your respiratory tract to function normally, so you may develop breathing problems such as shortness of breath. Consult a medical professional immediately if you experience any breathing difficulties.
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