What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Caffeine Overdose
• Caffeine Toxicity
• Intoxication by Caffeine

What is Caffeine Intoxication? (Definition/Background Information)

• Caffeine is the most commonly used psychoactive (non-prescription) drug worldwide. It is a central nervous system stimulant that is present in beverages, food, chocolates, and various other consumer products. Among all these, beverages, such as coffee and tea, are the most common sources of caffeine
• Caffeine is extracted from the leaves and nuts of several plants, but chiefly from coffee plant seeds. Caffeine may be synthetically produced too
• It is stimulant that can increase one’s alertness and overcome drowsiness; but, in moderate doses can also disturb sleep, affect motor skills, and even give headaches or lightheadedness
• Small doses of caffeine are highly unlikely to cause health issues; however, when consumed in larger doses, they do produce some effects to the user and is termed Caffeine Overdose or Caffeine Intoxication
• Common signs and symptoms of such intoxication are restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea, stomach pain, and increased sweating. Caffeine Intoxication is diagnosed when an individual develops 5 or more of a set of typical signs and symptoms
• Caffeine Intoxication will dissipate on its own once the use of caffeine is stopped. Generally, the condition has a very good prognosis

Who gets Caffeine Intoxication? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Most of the caffeine intake is through coffee, tea, chocolates, and certain soft drinks
• Males are shown to consume larger amounts of caffeine as compared to women
• Countries that consume large amounts of caffeine through beverages (per person per day consumption) include many European Union nations (The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, etc.), Australia, Nicaragua, Ireland, Canada, Kuwait, Japan, and USA
• A 2010 study published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that the average US adult consumes about 300 mg of caffeine per day, with teenagers consuming roughly one-third of that amount

What are the Risk Factors for Caffeine Intoxication? (Predisposing Factors)

• Any individual who consumes caffeine on a regular basis is at risk of intoxication
• Gender: It is often seen that men consume greater amounts of caffeine than women

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Caffeine Intoxication? (Etiology)

• Caffeine Intoxication is caused by the ingestion of large amounts of caffeine
• Ingestion can take place intentionally (or unknowingly) by consuming large quantities of energy drinks, soda, tea or coffee
• Medications and contraceptives can also alter the metabolism of caffeine resulting in Caffeine Intoxication
• A purified and powdered form of caffeine, called pure caffeine, is a highly potent drug, which in small doses can be lethal

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Caffeine Intoxication?

Caffeine acts on the central nervous system and certain areas of the brain. It can also affect the heart and vascular system in some ways, such as increasing the heart rate and tightening the blood vessels. The signs and symptoms of Caffeine Intoxication may include:

• Redness on the face
• Nervousness and restlessness
• Sleeplessness (insomnia)
• Ringing of ears
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Rapid heart rate
• High urinary output
• Increased sweating, excitement

How is Caffeine Intoxication Diagnosed?

• Caffeine Intoxication is diagnosed when an individual develops 5 or more typical signs and symptoms associated with the condition
• These symptoms must cause significant disruption to the user’s daily life and must not be attributed to other mental health disorders

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Caffeine Intoxication?

Currently, no long-term complications related to caffeine intake are definitively known or have been identified. Certain complications associated with Caffeine Intoxication that are being researched into include:

• Fertility issues
• Bone loss
• Ulcer formation
• Gastrointestinal problems

How is Caffeine Intoxication Treated?

• Caffeine Intoxication normally dissipates on its own once usage is stopped, although caffeine can stay in the body for many hours
• If chronic addiction is present, then the user should be monitored for withdrawal symptoms

How can Caffeine Intoxication be Prevented?

• Managing one’s caffeine consumption can prevent Caffeine Intoxication
• It is generally observed that most individuals ingest large volumes of caffeine unawares i.e., without consciously monitoring its intake

What is the Prognosis of Caffeine Intoxication? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• There is generally very good prognosis with Caffeine Intoxication
• Usually no medical attention is necessary and individuals are able to recover completely

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Caffeine Intoxication:

• Oral doses of caffeine greater than 10 grams can be fatal in adults; this is equivalent to consuming 80-100 cups of coffee daily
• More than 97% of caffeine consumed by adults and teenagers comes from beverages
• About 80% of adults in the United States consume caffeine in some form on a daily basis