Drinking a hot cup of coffee after you wake up can be an effective way to get you going in the morning, just as an afternoon cup of tea can boost your energy when you need a pick-me-up. Caffeine is a stimulant drug that is not harmful when consumed in moderation, but it is possible to ingest too much caffeine, which can cause your hands and arms to tremble.
Amounts
Most adults can handle 200 to 300 mg of caffeine a day, which is equivalent to two to four cups of coffee, depending on how strongly you brew it. You can also get caffeine from soft drinks, energy drinks, tea, chocolate, cocoa, over-the-counter medicines to help you stay awake and from certain pain relievers. You need to be aware of all the caffeinated products you consume daily to determine how much caffeine you are absorbing. If you ingest more than 500 to 600 mg of caffeine a day, your hands and arms can tremble.
Sensitivity
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Age, body mass and whether you regularly drink caffeine are sensitivity determinants. Certain medications and anxiety disorders can also make you more susceptible to caffeine's effects. The herbal supplement echinacea may increase caffeine side effects by concentrating the caffeine in your blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sensitive people may get muscle tremors from as little as one cup of coffee.
Black Tea
Black tea contains some medicinal properties. It is likely effective for mental alertness because it contains 2 to 4 percent caffeine, according to MedlinePlus. Some people take it to prevent dizziness when they stand up, to reduce heart attack and kidney stone risk and to reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, ovarian cancer and hardening of the arteries; however, if you drink more than five cups of black tea a day, your hands and arms could tremble.
Caffeine Overdose
Muscle twitching is a sign of caffeine overdose, and if you experience it, you should call the National Capital Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or call 911. Be ready to tell the operator your age, weight and problem. Also tell how much caffeine you ingested and when you took it. If you call the National Poison Center, you are connected to your local poison center where you will speak with an expert who can give you instructions. If your hands and arms are trembling and you do not think this is an emergency, call the poison center anyway to be safe.
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