Too much caffeine (caffeine overuse)

Overview

Pure caffeine powders can be deadly in small amounts.

A cup of coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine; energy drinks can have 80 to 300 mg; some pre-workout powders have more.

Stopping suddenly can cause headaches, tiredness, and irritability for a few days.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Jittery or racing heart

Less common

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Upset stomach
• Peeing more
• Headache

Look up a symptom: Racing or pounding heartbeat · Trouble sleeping · Worry or anxiety

When to get medical care

Causes

Caffeine.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Energy drinks

Diagnosis

Usually no tests.

Treatment

Cut back slowly.

Self-care

• Switch to half-caf
• Drink water
• No caffeine after noon
• Cut back slowly over 1 to 2 weeks
• Read labels on energy drinks and supplements
• Never use pure caffeine powder

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Stay under 400 mg a day
• Teens: avoid energy drinks

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• Poison Control can help right away, any time: call 1-800-222-1222.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Teens: The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against energy drinks.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Passes.

Symptoms fade within hours as caffeine wears off.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could caffeine be causing my palpitations or anxiety?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Too much caffeine (caffeine overuse)