Facts About Excessive Caffeine Use

Caffeine is a natural chemical found in many plants. Caffeine can be produced synthetically and is often used as a stimulant to increase alertness. Too much caffeine use can have short- and long-term health effects. Excessive caffeine use is often tied to the consumption of beverages like coffee and soda that can contain large amounts of caffeine. According to MayoClinic.com, if you regularly consume more than 500 to 600 mg of caffeine daily, you should consider cutting back.

Caffeine Amounts

Knowing how much caffeine is contained in some of the more popular beverages can help you cut back. An 8-oz. serving of regular brewed coffee contains roughly 200 mg of caffeine. An 8-oz. serving of black tea contains between 40 and 120 mg. A regular can of soda contains around 40 to 50 mg of caffeine. Clearly, too much coffee can quickly lead to excessive amounts of caffeine. Just three 8-oz. servings of coffee can put you well above the recommended daily limits.

Physical Effects

Excessive caffeine use can lead to physical symptoms of a caffeine overdose. According to MayoClinic.com, overdosing on caffeine can cause nausea, increased urination, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, an increase in blood pressure and muscle spasms. While these symptoms may not be life-threatening, they may lead to more serious health conditions if caffeine consumption continues.

Psychological Effects

You may use caffeine to help wake you up in the morning, but continued consumption throughout the day can do more harm than good. Aside from the physical symptoms excessive caffeine can cause, a caffeine overdose can affect your nervous system, leading to psychological symptoms. Some of the effects of excessive caffeine can include insomnia, irritability, anxiety and, in some cases, hallucinations.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Excessive caffeine use can lead to withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those of excessive use. When you quit drinking coffee or cut back, you can experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, irritability and fatigue. According to Stephan Braun, author of "Buzz: The Science and Lore of Alcohol and Caffeine," when you stop consuming caffeine after long periods, your serotonin levels can drop sharply. In more serious cases, you can experience mild depression. Keep your caffeine intake below the recommended levels, and if you wish to cut caffeine out of your diet, do it gradually to give your body time to adapt.