Caffeine Overdose - What to Do

Caffeine is a stimulating drug that is naturally present in fruits or leaves of some plants. Caffeine is also found in certain medications. Coffee is the most favored drink of people all over the world, which is also the major source of caffeine in human beings. Let us get to know more on caffeine overdose.

Caffeine Overdose
In human beings, caffeine affects the central nervous system (CNS) and stimulates it temporarily. This helps in creating a feeling of excitement and alertness. Caffeine also helps a person in overcoming the feeling of drowsiness. Therefore, beverages containing caffeine like tea, coffee or other energy drinks are consumed by a large number of people on a regular basis. Drinking more than 5 - 6 cups of coffee or 4 - 5 cans of energy drinks everyday is regarded as an overdose of caffeine. There are several side effects related to caffeine overdose. Let us have a look at it.

Caffeine Overdose Effects
The common caffeine overdose side effects include restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, excitement, irritability, nausea, diarrhea and indigestion. Along with these, there are also other severe side effects of caffeine overdose like irregular heartbeat, frequent urination, anxiety, depression, hallucination, mania, sleep disorders, memory loss and lack of concentration. In extreme cases, caffeine overdose can have an ill effect on the functioning of the heart. It can even lead to convulsions and eventually in death of the person. Caffeine overdose in pregnant women can lead to a miscarriage or underdevelopment of the fetus. What is treatment for caffeine overdose? Let us have a look.

Read more on:

• Negative Effects of Caffeine on the Body
• Caffeine Side Effects

Caffeine Overdose: What To Do
The signs and symptoms of caffeine overdose depend upon the amount of caffeine taken by the person. Therefore, before thinking of any caffeine overdose remedy, it is better to monitor the symptoms shown by the person. The minor signs of caffeine overdose will subside by itself, but, one has to be more cautious about the severe caffeine overdose symptoms.

In case a person shows severe caffeine overdose symptoms, he should be taken to the doctor immediately, or you can call for medical help as soon as possible. They will advice on various treatments depending upon the severity of the overdose. In extreme cases, gastric lavage may be required to wash out all the toxic elements from the person's body. Gastric lavage is a process in which a tube is inserted into the person's body through the nose to empty all the contents present in the stomach.

It is a popular belief that making a person vomit is an effective caffeine overdose cure. This is known as induced vomiting. Although it is effective, this should not be done at home without the doctor's recommendation. If the overdose has taken place within the last few minutes, induced vomiting can help in easing the symptoms. On the other hand, the doctor may also prescribe laxatives or activated charcoal tablets for treating caffeine overdoses. The most important part of caffeine overdose treatment is to keep the person stable and treat seizures and hypotension.

Prevention of Caffeine Overdose
As you have seen above, caffeine overdose is a serious health hazard and should be prevented carefully. Although caffeine overdose treatment is available and is equally effective, one needs to keep a check on his daily intake of caffeine or stop having caffeine containing beverages. One can opt for other options like herbal tea. Drinking more water can also help in overcoming caffeine withdrawal. Read more on caffeine withdrawal remedy

Remember, it is always beneficial if one has information on caffeine overdoses, what to do in case of caffeine overdoses, and also on how to overcome it.