Caffeine is naturally found in more than 60 plants, according to MedlinePlus, but this natural substance is a drug that acts on your central nervous system, resulting in physical effects. Moderate amounts of caffeine have positive effects, like raising your mental awareness and making you feel energetic. Too much of the drug can have unwanted consequences, such as trembling, that stop once the caffeine works its way out of your system.
Definition
Trembling is a general term referring to a shaking motion of your whole body or a specific body part. The problem most commonly affects the arms and hands, according to MedlinePlus. Trembling often happens after using a body part or holding it in a fixed position for a long time. For example, your arms might tremble if you hold them out in front of you for an extended period, particularly if you are holding something up. Actions like writing, grasping or pressing something can induce a tremor. Other causes include medical conditions and ingestion of certain substances, like caffeine or alcohol.
Caffeine Effects
Caffeine affects you both mentally and physically when your intake is too high. Mentally, you feel nervous, irritable and restless, according to MayoClinic.com, and you may have concentration problems. Physically, caffeine causes trembling, along with gastrointestinal upset and rapid heartbeat. You also have problems sleeping if you ingest too much of the drug because of its alertness effects. Caffeine also worsens trembling in people who already have the problem from other causes.
Amount
Caffeine should not cause trembling if you consume it in moderate amounts, unless you are overly sensitive to the chemical. Healthy adults can generally take in up to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily, which is about the amount in 4 cups of coffee, MayoClinic.com advises. Problems are likely if you consume more than 500 to 600 milligrams, although your body eventually develops resistance to the drug's effects. You get withdrawal symptoms if you use caffeine heavily, then suddenly stop. These symptoms include muscle pain and stiffness but not trembling.
Warning
Trembling after ingesting caffeine may be a sign that you're taking in too much of the drug, but it may be related to a medical problem. Caffeine exacerbates tremors in some existing conditions, and you may not be aware of the underlying issue. For example, MedlinePlus advises that Parkinson's disease, thyroid problems, brain tumors and multiple sclerosis are all possible culprits. Get a checkup from your doctor if the trembling persists, even after you cut back on caffeine, or if it happens frequently, even when you have not consumed the drug.
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