Caffeine is a stimulant found in beverages like coffee and tea. It is also added to sodas and other products for its energy-enhancing effects. Pills containing caffeine cause the same effects as other forms of the drug, although the time of onset may vary slightly. The effects of caffeine reach their peak after one hour, though they may be felt as soon as 15 minutes after ingestion.
Energy
Because it increases heart rate, respiration and other bodily functions, caffeine is classified as a stimulant. It provides users with feelings of increased mental and physical energy, which is the main reason for its non-medical use. It may also increase stamina by decreasing muscle fatigue, making endurance exercise easier and less painful.
Mental Alertness
Like other stimulants, caffeine can help speed thinking and provide mental clarity. A study by Dr. Paula Mitchell appearing in Volume 109 of "Psychopharmacology" states that while caffeine users score more poorly on complex reasoning tasks, they generally perform better on mental speed-related tasks. Caffeine pills can also increase alertness, reaction time and subjective feelings of focus in users.
Insomnia
According to Mayo Clinic, insomnia is among the possible side effects of caffeine pills. While it can decrease daytime drowsiness, overuse of caffeine can also lead to insomnia, which prompts a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation, fatigue and increased dependence on caffeine for energy and alertness.
Stomach/Bladder Irritation
Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it increases the frequency of urination. For those with inadequate water intake, this effect can lead to bladder irritation through concentration of the urine. While not known to cause urinary tract infection, excess caffeine consumption may create conditions conducive to bacterial growth in the bladder or kidneys.
Because it increases production of stomach acid, caffeine can cause gastrointestinal irritation in some people, especially when taken in a large, single dose like that contained in most caffeine pills. This effect is usually most pronounced in people with gastric ulcers, GERD and other gastrointestinal conditions or when taken on an empty stomach. Caffeine also relaxes the anal sphincter muscle and increases bowel contractions, leading to increased urge to defecate.
Addiction and Withdrawal
Addiction and withdrawal occur only in people who use caffeine on a regular basis or in large amounts. The positive effects of caffeine pills combined with an increased need for the drug due to caffeine-induced insomnia can lead to habitual use in some people. In addition, frequent users may find themselves requiring higher doses to achieve desired effects, a phenomenon known as tolerance.
A study by Dr. Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., published in Volume 176 of "Psychopharmacology" lists headache, fatigue, irritability and feelings of depression among the possible symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. Headache is one of the most prevalent symptoms, occurring in up to 50 percent of subjects, and is caused by dilation of blood vessels in the brain. Other symptoms may include impaired cognitive function ("brain fog") and cravings for caffeine.
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