Caffeine is a stimulant found in many food and drink products. It is also available in pill form and is added to many analgesics and energy supplements for its stimulating effects. There are many possible effects of caffeine pills, some of which include increased energy, heightened focus, insomnia and nervousness.
Types
Caffeine is added to a variety of analgesics, allergy medications, energy supplements and diet pills. As a pain killer, caffeine constricts blood vessels in the brain, making it an effective headache remedy. It has the same constricting effect on nasal blood vessels, which can help relieve allergy symptoms like stuffy nose and sneezing. The stimulating effects of caffeine make it an effective energy booster and appetite suppressant, hence its inclusion in many energy and weight loss supplements.
Effects
Caffeine pills are used non-medically mainly for their energy-boosting effects. As a mild stimulant, caffeine speeds heart rate and respiration and constricts blood vessels, speeding blood flow to the brain and other organs. Caffeine aids in concentration and mental alertness and can help fight fatigue temporarily. Other effects of caffeine pills include mild appetite suppression, increased mental focus and improved mood.
Dosing Instructions
According to Drugs.com, caffeine pills can be taken with or without food. Taking caffeine pills near bedtime can result in difficulty falling and staying asleep. Caffeine pills can cause dangerous interactions when taken with other stimulants, such as pseudoephedrine, prescription amphetamines and other caffeine-containing products. Over-the-counter pills may contain between 30 and 200mg of caffeine per dose, while 1 cup of coffee contains about 120mg.
Adverse Effects
Like other psychoactive substances, caffeine can cause unwanted side effects. At high doses, it may induce agitation, weakness and appetite loss. Caffeine can also cause overdose, particularly when taken in pill form. A report by Per Holmgren and colleagues published in the September 2003 issue of "Forensic Science International" cites four reported deaths by overdose, all of which involved caffeine in pill form.
Caffeine consumption can lead to insomnia, which increases the need for more caffeine, leading to a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation and caffeine dependence. According to Michael Kuhar, chief of the neuroscience division at Emory University in Atlanta, symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include headache, fatigue, irritability and depression.
Considerations
The effects of caffeine are more dependent on dosage than form, making caffeine-containing pills, drinks and foods closely comparable in effects. Subjective effects of caffeine vary from person to person and may be more pronounced in those sensitive to the drug. Individuals who may be pregnant or have a chronic health condition like cardiovascular disease should consult a health professional before taking caffeine pills.
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