Some people enjoy caffeine because it can make them feel more alert. But how addictive is caffeine, and what side effects can come with its use?
Many people drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks regularly, but there’s no question that having too much caffeine can be risky. Most experts agree that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day — about four five-ounce cups of coffee — has little health consequence for most adults. However, the side effects of too much caffeine may include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness and irritability. Some people also experience “caffeine jitters,” which are rapid contractions in your muscles while at rest. This condition leads to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate while reducing fine motor skills.
Related: Caffeine Panic Attack Symptoms
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A quest for energy
Caffeine is a stimulant that’s found naturally in coffee, tea and chocolate. It can also be added to certain foods and beverages. When you take caffeine pills, they work by speeding up your body’s response to the chemical signals it sends out. This makes you feel more alert for a short time. Some people use them as part of their daily routine or before an event when they need extra energy. But if you have problems with anxiety or panic attacks, caffeine may make these worse — so talk to your doctor first about taking this type of medication. You should also avoid using them if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or glaucoma.
When taken regularly in small amounts (100-200 milligrams), caffeine can act as a headache preventative for some people. It can also reduce fatigue, improve concentration and enhance motor performance when used in moderation.
Caffeine addiction side effects
If you’re addicted to caffeine, you are psychologically dependent on it. This means that when your intake of caffeine is cut off, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include headaches, irritability and difficulty concentrating
If you have trouble sleeping, you should check with your doctor before taking caffeine pills or drinking coffee since even small amounts of caffeine can keep you from falling asleep or cause a poor quality of sleep. In addition, large amounts of caffeine can cause side effects such as anxiety, irritability, nausea and diarrhea . In some people, too much caffeine can even trigger a panic attack.
Caffeine addiction side effects also include nervousness and jumpiness. If you become psychologically dependent on caffeine to the point where it becomes difficult to function without it, this is known as caffeinism. Some side effects of caffeinism include fatigue, malaise, headaches , trouble concentrating and irregular heartbeat.
Caffeine overdose
A caffeine overdose occurs when someone takes more than 300 milligrams of caffeine at once. This usually causes side effects that might be described as very unpleasant or dangerous. Symptoms of a caffeine overdose may include: Vomiting Diarrhea Hallucinations Abnormal heart rhythm Muscle spasms Convulsions Cardiac arrest Death
If you have side effects from taking too much caffeine, you should get medical help right away. A caffeine overdose can be fatal.
Are there side effects when taking too much caffeine?
If you take too much caffeine, side effects may include anxiety, nausea, vomiting diarrhea , dehydration , increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, irritability confusion , headaches, dizziness, nervousness.
Side effects will subside once you stop taking caffeine pills. Although side effects can be unpleasant, they will pass quickly and do not require medical attention. Consult your doctor if you have side effects that worry or concern you.
How long do side effects last?
The side effects associated with this medication are usually mild and most patients can be managed at home without medical intervention. However the side-effects vary in nature and severity depending upon the individual patient, body chemistry , duration of use etc. Always consult your doctor for information on side effects that you experience while using this medication or any other medication available in the market place.
How long does it take for side effects of caffeine pills to go away?
Some side effects resolve in a matter of days or weeks after stopping the medication; however, others may require several months for side effects to fully dissipate after stopping this medication. Always consult with your physician for more information.
Conclusion Caffeine is a stimulant that’s found naturally in coffee, tea, and chocolate. It can also be added to certain foods and beverages. When you take caffeine pills, they work by speeding up your body’s response to the chemical signals it sends out. This makes you feel more alert for a short time. Some people use them as part of their daily routine or before an event when they need extra energy. But if you have problems with anxiety or panic attacks, caffeine may make these worse – so talk to your doctor first about taking this type of medication. You should also avoid using them if you have high blood pressure.
Are side effects dangerous?
Most side effects of caffeine pills are mild and go away on their own in a few days to a week. More serious side effects include: Anxiety Irritability Insomnia Restlessness Headaches Increased blood pressure Increased heart rate Muscle spasms Nausea Diarrhea Can’t sleep If you experience any side effect that is bothersome or particularly uncomfortable, contact your doctor immediately. Never take more than the recommended dosage without checking with your physician first.
In conclusion, side effects from taking caffeine can be unpleasant but mild and short term. If side effects are concerning or long lasting, contact your doctor immediately. Never take more than the recommended dosage. In order to prevent side effects, follow these general steps:
- Talk with a medical professional before taking caffeine pills
- Never exceed recommended dosages
- Drink plenty of water while taking this medication
- Try to avoid food and drink high in sugar content
- Avoid alcohol and smoking while using this medication
- Get sufficient sleep before taking any type of caffeinated product
- Understand that these side-effects may persist for several weeks
- Be aware that side effects may still persist even when caffeine intake is stopped.
- Get in the habit of reading labels and avoiding side-effects
