Caffeine is taken by many people trying to boost their energy and alertness during the day. The drug is legal to use in the United States and does not pose the same risks of overdose as other drugs that trigger similar effects in the body. Although caffeine is generally regarded as a pain-reducing drug, it can also dehydrate the body and increase your risk of painful muscle cramps.
Caffeine Use
Caffeine is a stimulant that primarily affects the central nervous system. However, it can also affect your body's muscles. Caffeine is used by some athletes prior to a workout to delay the onset of muscle fatigue, resulting in a longer workout and more muscular exertion to occur. But the stimulant also improves mental focus and alertness and can temporarily alleviate fatigue.
Pain Relief
Caffeine is sometimes used in pain-relieving medications because it can directly alleviate pain in the muscles. According to a January 2007 Reuters article, caffeine can slow delayed onset muscle soreness that develops after intense exercise. Caffeine use can numb the sensation of muscle pain related to exercise and other muscular injuries.
Muscle Damage
One way caffeine can indirectly result in muscle pain is by dehydrating the body. Caffeine can stimulate the bladder and your sweat glands, causing the body to lose water at a faster rate than normal. Dehydration is a primary cause of cramping in the muscles -- involuntary contractions that can persist for several minutes and can be painful. Drinking water while taking caffeine can help prevent this from occurring.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor before taking caffeine as a treatment for muscle pain. Caffeine can adversely interact with certain medications and could be dangerous if you have a heart condition. Avoid taking caffeine in doses larger than 200 or 300 milligrams -- high levels can cause muscle tremors and lead to caffeine overdose, which is marked by several unpleasant side effects, including constipation and a rapid heartbeat.
