Caffeine pills not only give you a quick burst of energy, but they also block the signals in your body from inducing sleepiness. This can prove useful when you need to stay awake, but using caffeine pills is not always appropriate. Talk to your doctor if you have specific questions or concerns about the safety of caffeine pills.
Small to Moderate Amounts
A serving of most caffeine pills contains about 50 to 200 mg of caffeine, according to the Centers for Science in the Public Interest. The amount of caffeine in one serving of caffeine tablets equals about the same amount in one to two cups of coffee. Most people can safely consume this amount without experiencing unpleasant or harmful side effects.
Excessive Amounts
Many people may experience negative side effects after consuming too many caffeine pills. Some of these effects include insomnia or difficulty sleeping, increased urination, rapid heartbeat or breathing, headaches, irritability, nervousness or anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, excessive sweating and muscle tremors. Tolerance levels to caffeine vary between people; you may be able to consume less or more caffeine than others before experiencing these effects. To prevent these side effects, avoid consuming multiple doses of caffeine pills in a day until you understand how the pills affect your body.
Frequent Use
You may become physically dependent on caffeine pills if you use them too frequently. Regularly consuming caffeine pills causes your body to get used to having the caffeine in your system, which may make you need an increasingly high dose of caffeine to have the same effect you once had. You may experience withdrawal effects if you suddenly cease your caffeine consumption. These withdrawal effects include headaches, fatigue, irritability, depression and muscle aches. Try to only use caffeine pills occasionally and gradually reduce the amount you consume to avoid dependency and withdrawal effects.
Considerations
Although most people can safely consume a dose of caffeine pills occasionally, there are some exceptions. Children, pregnant or nursing women and those who have had a previous unpleasant reaction to caffeine should avoid these pills. Those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, may also need to avoid using these products. Caffeine pills may also interact negatively with some supplements and medications. Always talk to your doctor about your specific medical history and medications to determine if using caffeine pills is safe for you.
Member Comments