Harmful Effects of Caffeine Pills

Many people get their daily caffeine fix by popping a pill.

You can't make it through the day without at least one caffeinated beverage or substance? You are not alone. Caffeine is a drug that can be readily found in many common foods and drinks. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine consider it to be the most commonly used mood-altering drug worldwide. When caffeine-containing foods and beverages aren't a handy or convenient option, many turn to caffeine pills to get their daily fix. While caffeine pills can be used safely by most people, there are some possible harmful effects.

Insomnia

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is a good thing if you need caffeine pills to temporarily help you stay alert. If you ingest too much caffeine or are particularly sensitive to the drug, you may find the stimulant effects of caffeine pills lasting longer than intended, leading to sleeplessness.

Heartbeat

Taking caffeine pills could possibly lead to caffeine intoxication. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists caffeine intoxication as a disorder. Rapid heartbeat is one possible symptom of this disorder. If a rapid heartbeat continues for a prolonged period of time, it could lead to serious health consequences.

Anxiety

People have different tolerances and reactions to caffeine pills. According to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, caffeine consumption could possibly lead to a sense of restlessness and nervousness in some individuals. According to Johns Hopkins researchers, those who consume doses of caffeine of 200 mg or more are at increased risk of suffering from caffeine-induced panic attacks.

Dosage

When taking caffeine pills, as opposed to drinking a caffeinated beverage, it is harder to adjust the dosage of caffeine based on biofeedback. It is fairly easy to stop sipping a caffeinated beverage after you feel that the stimulant effects are working adequately. When taking caffeine pills, however, the dosage is pre-measured. It is easy to ingest more caffeine than you need, if you are not careful.

Death

Taking caffeine pills could be fatal. One rare, but possible, side effect of consuming too much caffeine is death as the result of caffeine intoxication, according to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

References

• Johns Hopkins Caffeine Dependence Site
• Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Resources

• Warning Labels for Caffeinated Energy Drinks