Caffeine stimulates the Central Nervous System (CNS). Many beverages such as coffee and cola contain caffeine. Its abuse has spread worldwide. Caffeine is used in medications too, such as migraine treatment. Caffeine is a diuretic and can relieve headaches and fatigue. Some chocolate products also contain caffeine. It is injected in sodium benzoate solution when need arises. Taking caffeine elevates the mood slightly. It also increases alertness and the sensitivities. However, it can also cause nervousness, depression, irritability, insomnia and tremors. It also can cause constriction of blood vessels. It can increase the basal metabolic rate. It can limit the glucose metabolism. It causes relaxation in muscles if they are smooth. It increases the urine flow.
Caffeine can cause quite a large number of harmful effects but its most common effects include nervousness, headache, increased heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, heartburn, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness and insomnia. Over dose of caffeine can be fatal in children.
Besides the above, caffeine can also shorten the sleep time. It can reduce depth of sleep. Caffeine encourages early dream-state sleep and on the other hand, reduces later dream-state sleep. Caffeine, when combined with tobacco smoking, can aggravate the effects caused by elevated blood pressure. Sometimes caffeine is used as an alternative to street drugs made of amphetamine.
Caffeine can cause withdrawal effects too. Prolonged use of caffeine develops dependence. The psychological need of caffeine becomes a ritual, as the inevitable need of a cup of coffee in the morning, to cite an example. Withdrawal of caffeine can cause abstinence syndrome which can start within 18 hours of having taken the last dose of caffeine. The caffeine withdrawal symptoms include headache, irritability, fatigue, depression, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, and nervousness. However, the most common withdrawal symptom after stopping caffeine is a throbbing headache, occurring at the temples. This ache can also occur around the eyes or at the back of the head. Taking caffeine can cure the above symptoms, but this is not a proper solution.
Caffeine intoxication or abuse can cause harmful effects that include agitation, GI irritation, increased cholesterol, nutritional deficiencies, poor concentration and bed wetting. Consuming chocolate also is harmful if it is on a daily basis. It is believed that caffeine can also cause uterine fibroids in women. Hence women should be more careful with consuming chocolate. Cola too contains caffeine. Some soft drinks contain more caffeine than it is in cola.
Consuming a moderate amount of caffeine, which would be 200 – 300 mg, may not be harmful for healthy persons. If you have any symptoms caused by caffeine, you have to trim your consumption of caffeine. Caffeine sensitivity depends on mass of body, amount of regular consumption, age, smoking or other conditions related to health. If you have more caffeine sensitivity, limit your consumption. Sleep deprivation caused by caffeine can harm your health in many ways. Some antibacterial medications can interfere with caffeine breakdown and may be present in the body for a longer time.