If you ingest too much caffeine, you can develop severe symptoms that may lead to death if not treated. Caffeine is an odorless and tasteless substance that is found naturally in some foods and synthetically added to others. If you feel your muscles tightening after consuming caffeine, you may have overdosed on the drug and need medical attention. Stop ingesting caffeine and call your doctor for an evaluation.
Caffeine’s Effects
Caffeine will affect every person differently. Although almost everyone who ingests the substance will experience a sense of wakefulness and energy, not every consumer develops the same negative side effects. MayoClinic.com explains that your weight, health condition, age and your normal daily intake may each contribute to how your body reacts to caffeine. Common side effects of caffeine include diarrhea, irritability, high blood sugar, low blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate and dizziness, according to Drugs.com. Rare side effects include dehydration, bloating and bloody diarrhea.
Caffeine Consumption
Caffeine is found in various products, such as over-the-counter medications, pain relievers, coffee, chocolate, energy drinks and tea. Consuming more than 1,000 mg of caffeine daily may lead to an overdose. MayoClinc.com states that moderate coffee consumption includes about two to four cups a daily, which is about 200 to 300 mg of caffeine. The usual dose in pills is 100 mg to 200 mg of caffeine. The average 8-oz. cup of tea contains about 53 mg of caffeine, a 12-oz. cup of cola comes with approximately 69 mg of caffeine and 1.55 g of chocolate brings with it in the neighborhood of 9 mg of caffeine, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Muscle Tightening and Overdose
Muscle tightening is a common sign that you’ve overdosed on caffeine. Your muscles may twitch or convulse, which causes erratic movements in your body. Tightness in your muscles may also lead to pain in different parts of your extremities or abdomen, such as neck pain, back pain and headaches. Other symptoms of caffeine overdose include fever, vomiting, seizures, increased heart rate, hallucinations and mental confusion, according to MedlinePlus. If you suspect that you’ve consumed too much caffeine, call poison control for further instructions.
Considerations
Overdosing on caffeine may lead to dehydration, a serious medical condition where your body is depleted of water. Severe dehydration may require emergency medical treatment, such as intravenous fluids. Common signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dry skin, extreme thirst and fatigue.
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