1. Look for the Signs of Caffeine Poisoning
Caffeine intoxication usually means that there is more than 300 mg of caffeine in a person's system--about three cups of strong coffee in less than an hour or six cans of Mountain Dew in about the same about of time. Symptoms include restlessness, inability to sleep, agitation or anxiety, frequent urination, muscle spasms and rapid heartbeat. In extreme amounts, it can lead to hallucinations, mania, fits of depression, rambling speech and even psychotic episodes. Usually someone who is inappropriately agitated or too excitable for the circumstances has probably had too much caffeine.
2. Treat the Symptoms
Cardiovascular failure is the biggest threat in cases of excessive caffeine intake. You want to make sure the victim is breathing and that his nose and throat are clear. Monitor the heart rate and make sure that it is regular. Contact a doctor immediately and follow his advice; a poison control center may have other recommendations as well. Some doctors will prescribe a laxative or activated charcoal tablets. Hospitals may also perform gastric lavage, which involves a tube inserted into the victim's stomach through her nose to empty out anything that might be remaining in there. Beyond that, it's usually just a question of keeping the victim stable and preventing any more caffeine from entering her system.
3. Induce Vomiting if the Caffeine Was Taken Recently
Caffeine is absorbed into the body fairy quickly, but if an overdose was taken within the last few minutes, then you can induce vomiting by sticking your finger down the victim's throat. He will throw up the pills or excessive liquid, which will prevent it from being absorbed into his system. You should contact a poison center before you induce vomiting to ensure that it's the right step to take for the victim's particular circumstances.
4. Allow Withdrawal to Take Place
Caffeine withdrawal usually starts about 12 to 24 hours after the last intake of caffeine. It can produce cases of the shakes, increased irritability, headaches, body aches and an inability to concentrate. Withdrawal typically takes about 4 or 5 days to subside, though the worst of the symptoms take place around the second day. You can prevent many of the symptoms by slowly cutting off the caffeine supply rather than going cold turkey. Steadily shrinking the amount of beverages you consume or the amount of caffeine in each beverage will allow your body to adjust and let you reach a caffeine-free state without undue anxiety.
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