In 2007, the Connecticut attorney general called on the Food and Drug Administration to issue stronger warnings about the dangers of a brand of caffeine pills after the death of a 19-year-old student. A variety of factors, such as long work hours, lack of sleep and poor nutrition, lead to symptoms such as fatigue and poor concentration that make caffeine pills tempting to some people; however, abuse of these pills and their potential side effects, including addiction, outweigh the short-term benefits.
Caffeine Pills
Caffeine falls under the umbrella of medications known as central nervous system stimulants. Caffeine tablets are available without prescription and used to boost energy and mental alertness when people feel weak, drowsy or unusually tired. The recommended dose of caffeine tablets is about the same amount of caffeine found in one cup of coffee, which is 40 to 180 mg, according to MayoClinic.com.
Dependence
While the World Health Organization recognizes that caffeine can cause dependence, the American Psychiatric Association does not acknowledge caffeine dependence in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV, or DSM-IV, according to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Signs of caffeine dependence includes being unable to stop use even in the face of harm and withdrawal symptoms.
Caffeine Intoxication
Consuming large amounts of caffeine in pill or other forms, especially over long periods, can lead to caffeine intoxication, or "caffeine jitters." This condition has been included in the DSM-IV. Caffeine intoxication occurs from hyper-stimulation of the central nervous system and causes a variety of unpleasant mental and physical side effects. Symptoms include insomnia, excitement, restlessness, incoherent flow of thought or speech, muscle twitching and heart palpitations. Other symptoms you might experience are tremors, gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers.
Other Possible Side Effects
Some people might experience additional symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and high or low blood glucose levels from taking caffeine pills. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can lead to symptoms such as blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite and unusual thirst. However, caffeine sensitivity --- how your body responds to caffeine --- varies from person to person and you might experience only a few or many side effects.
Safe Use
If you decide to use caffeine pills, it's best to do so in moderation, no more than 100 to 200 mg every three to four hours. Never exceed the recommended dose. If you experience any adverse symptoms from taking caffeine pills, seek medical attention right away.
Safer Ways to Stay Awake
To boost your energy and alertness without caffeine pills, eat smaller meals throughout the day, drink lots of water and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Add energy-boosting snacks to your diet such as nuts or dried fruits. Exercising, showering and listening to up-tempo music also can help. Speak to your family doctor or a naturopath about taking vitamins and herbal supplements to increase energy and boost your focus.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine (Oral Route, Parenteral Route)
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center: Information about Caffeine Dependence
- CT Gov - State of Connecticut: Attorney General Calls For Stronger Warning Labels On Caffeine Pills
- Nursing Online Education Database: 50 Ways to Boost Your Energy Without Caffeine
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