Caffeine is a substance that occurs naturally in the leaves and seeds of many plants. It is also manufactured artificially and added to certain foods. It is considered a stimulant because it activates the central nervous system, increasing the level of alertness.
Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, many soft drinks, pain relievers, and other over-the-counter drugs. In its natural form, caffeine has a very bitter taste. However, most beverages that contain caffeine are sufficiently processed to mask or disguise their bitter taste.
For most people, caffeine gives them a temporary boost of energy, a sort of “high,” and an improvement in mood. However, for others, this boost of energy doesn’t sit well with them and they stop taking it.
On the other hand, many people feel that caffeine increases their level of mental alertness. The secret is in moderation. High doses of caffeine can cause anxiety, dizziness, headaches, and nervousness. Caffeine can also interfere with the normal sleep pattern, disrupting our biological rhythms.
Caffeine can be addictive
Caffeine is generally believed to be safe when taken in moderation. Experts consider 200 mg to 300 mg to be a moderate amount of caffeine for an adult.
However, consuming just 100 mg of caffeine a day can cause a person to develop a “dependence” on the substance. This means that they may develop withdrawal symptoms (such as tiredness, irritability, and headaches) if they suddenly stop consuming it.
Caffeine comes from a variety of sources, including coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks, energy drinks, over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medicines, energy supplements, weight loss drugs, and chocolate.
Caffeine is also increasingly used as an additive to vitamins and food products. More than 85% of children and adults consume caffeine regularly. Some caffeine users show symptoms consistent with problematic consumption, including tolerance and withdrawal.
Caffeine poisoning
The essential feature of caffeine intoxication is recent caffeine consumption and five or more signs or symptoms. These symptoms develop during or shortly after caffeine consumption.
Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include agitation, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, facial flushing, diuresis, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Caffeine poisoning may occur at low doses in vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, or people who have not been previously exposed to caffeine.
Symptoms that typically occur at levels of more than 1 gram per day include muscle spasms, wandering thoughts and speech, tachycardia or cardiac arrhythmia, periods of indefatigability, and psychomotor agitation.
Caffeine intoxication may not occur despite high caffeine consumption due to the development of tolerance. For diagnosis, signs and symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
In addition, the signs and symptoms must not be attributable to another medical condition. They also must not be better explained by another mental disorder or intoxication with another substance. These criteria we have cited come from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Moderation is the key
As with most things in life, moderation is the key. Sensory disturbances (e.g., ringing in the ears and flashing lights) may occur with high doses of caffeine.
Although large doses of caffeine can increase heart rate, smaller doses can decrease it. It is not yet clear whether excessive caffeine consumption can cause headaches.
Physical examination may reveal: agitation, restlessness, sweating, tachycardia, facial flushing, and increased intestinal motility. So, as we have said, moderation in consumption is very important.
How does caffeine poisoning develop?
Caffeine has a half-life in the body of approximately 4-6 hours. Symptoms of caffeine intoxication usually subside within the first few days and have no known lasting consequences.
However, people who consume high doses of caffeine (e.g., 5 to 10 grams) may require immediate medical attention, as such doses can be lethal. With age, individuals tend to have increasingly intense reactions to caffeine.
The main complaints are interference with sleep and feelings of hyperarousal. Caffeine intoxication has also been observed in young people following consumption of high-caffeine products, including energy drinks.
Children and adolescents may be at higher risk of poisoning due to several factors, including low weight, poor tolerance, and limited knowledge of the pharmacological effects of caffeine.
Don’t underestimate the power of caffeine and take it in moderation. Impairment from caffeine intoxication can have serious consequences. These include decreased performance at work or school, increased difficulty regulating emotions, or failure to meet obligations.