Certain side effects are expected when you ingest caffeine, such as jitters, excitability and sleeplessness. If you develop stomach pain and dizziness from caffeine consumption, call 911 immediately. Stomach palpitations refers to the feeling of throbbing or rapid pulsations that may occur in your abdomen. You may be experiencing caffeine overdose, which in rare cases could lead to death from irregular heartbeats. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, especially if you don't consume caffeine on a regular basis. Caffeine is a drug and needs to be used with caution.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance in some plants and is also synthetically produced for use in certain foods. Caffeine is a drug that affects your nervous system and is a diuretic, increasing urination frequency, according to MedlinePlus. It's possible to overdose on caffeine without knowing it because caffeine is found in diverse products. Caffeine is found in pain relievers, medications to help you stay awake, tea, sports drinks, energy drinks, coffee and chocolate. MayoClinic.com states that a moderate amount of caffeine for an adult is between 200 and 300 mg. Anything with over 500 mg of caffeine daily is considered a high dose.
Symptoms
Dizziness and stomach palpitations may be the first signs of caffeine overdose that may be accompanied by other symptoms. Other possible symptoms that can develop as a result of caffeine overdose include confusion, convulsions, trouble breathing, diarrhea, fever, hallucinations, muscle twitching, sleeping trouble, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, light-headedness, ringing in the ears and visual complications, according to MayoClinic.com. These symptoms need to be reported to your doctor immediately to prevent further complications.
Treatment
MedlinePlus states that you should not induce vomiting unless directed by Poison Control or the 911 operator. Treatment will be determined by your age, weight, the amount of caffeine ingested and the current state of mind. Common treatments that may be used to alleviate your symptoms and reduce the chance of a serious reaction include breathing support, activated charcoal, laxatives and a tube to wash out your digestive system. Do not attempt to self-treat. Treatment for caffeine overdose should only be implemented under the direction of a doctor or Poison Control.
Allergy Consideration
It's possible to be allergic to caffeine. If you're allergic to caffeine, you may develop dizziness, stomach palpitations, facial swelling, lip swelling, tongue swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. Allergy testing will be used to determine whether of not your body creates immunoglobulin E antibodies when caffeine is introduced into your body, which could cause histamine to be released and allergy symptoms to develop.
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