Caffeine Overdose
Caffeine is one of the most popular and most widely consumed stimulant and mood-affecting substances found in daily beverages such as coffee, tea, chocolate or cocoa drinks and soft drinks. Also, the substance is found present in some drugs. As a nervous system stimulant, people usually develop tolerance with caffeine especially when consumed regularly. Hence, this may potentially lead to a condition called caffeine overdose.
When taken in small to moderate doses (50 to 300 milligram), caffeine delivers significant health benefits such as increased energy, increased blood flow and circulation and reduced fatigue. However, when taken in high doses (250 to 750 milligrams or seven cups of coffee), a person may develop symptoms like difficulty sleeping, increased heartbeat, breathing problems, nausea, muscle twitching, increased urination and increased thirst, vomiting and diarrhea.
These are common signs of caffeine overdose. Caffeine symptoms overdose occur either intentionally or accidentally.
Caffeine basically stimulates nervous system and cardiovascular functions. Since it affects nervous system functions, it also produces effects throughout the body. Hence, symptoms of caffeine overdose will certainly affect bodily functions. High doses of caffeine can dangerously lead to anxiety attack, delirium, light flashes and ringing ears in a short period of time.
According to Dr. Tony Masser, the senior medical director of the CIGNA Behavioral Health Division, research studies have consistently pointed that consumption of moderate amount of caffeine each day (200 milligrams or two to three cups of coffee) is generally safe. Overdose symptoms usually develop at higher doses (500 milligrams).
In addition, a person who consumed 1,000 milligrams or more caffeine is highly likely to experience gastrointestinal disturbances, heart palpitation, breast tenderness and uncontrolled jittery feelings.
Caffeine is an aid to maintain alertness and reduce fatigue in doing daily activities. However, it is not meant to replace sleep. People who stay awake by drinking lots of coffee may suffer caffeine induced insomnia. Ideally, must occasionally be used to stave of sleep or increase concentration. However, similar to drugs, caffeine overdose comes with serious health consequences. Although uncommon, caffeine overdose can lead to poisoning or death. Lethal dose of caffeine was found to be around 10,000 milligrams, which equates to 100 cups of coffee. Realistically speaking, a person may not be able to reach that dosage by food and drink alone. However, one must be wary that certain drugs and medications also contain caffeine powder as their ingredient. Although other people may develop other similar caffeine symptoms overdose, people who are already diagnosed of heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease or anxiety disorders are at higher risk of death due to caffeine overdose.
In the event that a person is seen with signs overdose from caffeine, never force him to throw up unless otherwise instructed by a doctor or poison control officer. Try to get the person's age, weight and condition. Take note of the time that he has swallowed or taken caffeine-containing drinks or drugs as well as his symptoms to help the medical officer administer first aid or proper treatment. In United States, you can call the National Poison Center hotline (1-800-222-1222) in case of emergency.
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