Taking caffeine pills may help wake you up, but caffeine pills can trigger negative side effects, such as dehydration. Caffeine pills are not recommended for regular use or to replace sleep and should only be used while under a doctor’s care. If you suspect that you’re dehydrated while taking caffeine pills, stop using the medication and call your doctor. Dehydration may be a sign of a caffeine overdose, which could lead to death if not treated.
Caffeine Pills
Caffeine is a naturally occurring drug in tea leaves, cocoa beans and coffee beans but is also synthetically produced and sold as an over-the-counter medication. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that can help improve mental clarity and physical energy. The average dose of caffeine pills is 100 to 200 milligrams every three to four hours, not to exceed 1,000 milligrams in a 24-hour period. MayoClinic.com states that more than 500 to 600 milligrams of caffeine can act as a diuretic, causing you to urinate more than usual. If you take caffeine pills, increase the amount of water you consume to prevent dehydration.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body is depleted of the necessary amount of water to function normally. While thirst may be an early sign of dehydration, it is not a sure indicator of the condition. Common symptoms of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry mouth, lack of tears, no urine output, very dark yellow urine, lethargy, dry skin and extreme thirst, according to PubMed Health. Dehydration is commonly treated by increasing the intake of liquids such as water, herbal teas and fluids, like sports beverages, that contain electrolytes. Severe cases of dehydration will require hospitalization with intravenously administered fluids.
Overdose
Not everyone’s body can tolerate the same amount of caffeine. Dehydration may be a sign of a caffeine overdose, which can lead to death if not treated. Common symptoms of a caffeine overdose include changes in alertness, fever, diarrhea, dizziness, breathing trouble, mental confusion, convulsions, hallucinations, increased thirst, rapid heartbeat, sleeping trouble, vomiting, muscle twitching and increased urination. If you suspect that you’ve overdosed on caffeine pills, call poison control.
Considerations
While taking caffeine pills, you should avoid other sources of caffeine, such as certain pain medications, coffee, chocolate, tea, energy drinks and cocoa. If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or other medical conditions, do not take caffeine pills unless directed by the doctor.
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