Caffeine is a natural chemical with stimulant effects. It is found in coffee, tea, cola, cocoa, guarana, yerba mate, and over 60 other products. Show Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, muscles, and the centers that control blood pressure. Caffeine can raise blood pressure, but might not have this effect in people who use it all the time. Caffeine can also act like a "water pill" that increases urine flow. People most commonly use caffeine for mental alertness, headache, migraine, athletic performance, memory, and obesity. It is also used for asthma, gallbladder disease, ADHD, low blood pressure, depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses. Caffeine products sold in very concentrated or pure forms are a health concern. People can easily take doses that are much too high by mistake. It's illegal in the US for these products to be sold to consumers in bulk. Taking caffeine, within limits, is allowed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Urine concentrations over 15 mcg/mL are prohibited. Side EffectsWhen taken by mouth: Caffeine is likely safe for most healthy adults when used in doses up to 400 mg daily. This is equal to about 4 cups of coffee. Caffeine is possibly unsafe when used for a long time or in doses over 400 mg daily. Caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, increased heart rate, and other side effects. Larger doses might cause headache, anxiety, and chest pain. Caffeine is likely unsafe when used in very high doses. It can cause irregular heartbeat and even death. Products with very concentrated or pure caffeine have a high risk of being used in doses that are too high. Avoid using these products. Special Precautions and WarningsPregnancy and breast-feeding: Caffeine is possibly safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding when used in amounts commonly found in foods. Consuming up to 300 mg of caffeine daily appears to be safe. This is about the amount in 3 cups of coffee. Consuming larger amounts during pregnancy or when breast-feeding is possibly unsafe. Caffeine might increase the chance of miscarriage and other problems. Caffeine can also pass into breast milk. High caffeine intake while nursing can cause sleeping problems, irritability, and increased bowel activity in breast-fed infants. Children: Caffeine is possibly safe when used by children and adolescents in amounts commonly found in foods. Anxiety disorders: Caffeine might make these conditions worse. Use caffeine cautiously and in low amounts if you have anxiety. Bipolar disorder: Too much caffeine might make this condition worse. Use caffeine cautiously and in low amounts if you have bipolar disorder. Bleeding disorders: Caffeine might aggravate bleeding disorders. Use caffeine cautiously if you have a bleeding disorder. Heart conditions: Caffeine can cause irregular heartbeat in sensitive people. Use caffeine with caution. Diabetes: Caffeine might affect the way the body uses sugar. If you have diabetes, use caffeine with caution. Diarrhea: Caffeine, especially when taken in large amounts, might worsen diarrhea. Epilepsy: People with epilepsy should avoid using caffeine in high doses. Low doses of caffeine should be used cautiously. Glaucoma: Caffeine increases the pressure inside the eye. The increase occurs within 30 minutes and lasts for at least 90 minutes after drinking caffeinated beverages. High blood pressure: Consuming caffeine might increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. But this does not seem to be a major concern in people who use caffeine regularly. Loss of bladder control: Caffeine can make bladder control worse by increasing frequency of urination and the urge to urinate. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Caffeine, especially when taken in large amounts, might worsen diarrhea in people with IBS. Weak bones (osteoporosis): Caffeine can increase the amount of calcium that is flushed out in the urine. If you have osteoporosis or low bone density, caffeine should be limited to less than 300 mg daily (approximately 2-3 cups of coffee). Parkinson disease: Taking caffeine with creatine might make Parkinson disease worsen faster. If you have Parkinson disease and take creatine, use caffeine with caution. Schizophrenia: Caffeine might worsen symptoms of schizophrenia. Interactions ?
Major InteractionDo not take this combination
Moderate InteractionBe cautious with this combination
Minor InteractionBe watchful with this combination DosingCaffeine is found in many foods and beverages, including coffee, teas, chocolate, and many sports and energy drinks. Coffee contains 95-200 mg of caffeine per cup. Black tea contains 25-110 mg of caffeine per cup. Green tea contains 30-50 mg of caffeine per cup. Caffeine products sold in very concentrated or pure forms are a health concern. People can easily take doses that are much too high by mistake. Avoid these products. As medicine, caffeine has most often been used by adults in doses of 50-260 mg by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2018. What are 5 negative effects of caffeine?If you do eat or drink too much caffeine, it can cause health problems, such as:. Restlessness and shakiness.. Insomnia.. Headaches.. Dizziness.. Fast heart rate.. Dehydration.. Anxiety.. Dependency, so you need to take more of it to get the same results.. Can caffeine cause mental health problems?The drug is notorious for causing the jitters and anxiety, particularly at higher doses. People with underlying mental health issues may be more susceptible: a review of eight studies found that caffeine aggravated symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder (Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 2011).
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