Caffeine

Caffeine, also known as trimethylxanthine, coffeine, theine, mateine, guaranine, methyltheobromine and 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, is a xanthine alkaloid found naturally in such foods as coffee beans, tea, kola nuts, Yerba mate, guarana berries, and (in small amounts) cacao beans. For the plant, caffeine acts as a natural pesticide since it paralyzes and kills some of the insects that attempt to feed on the plant.

Abuse and overdose

Caffeine, in its many forms, has been used for its stimulating effects. In modern times, though, the substance can be produced in much higher quantities, and has found its way into many products. Purer forms, such as those in caffeine pills, are easily available. These pills are sometimes used by college students and shift workers to last an entire night without sleep.

Related Topics:
Pill - Shift

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Caffeine pills have been under media fire for recent and past deaths of students, usually take on the form of a caffeine overdose. One such example of this was the death of a North Carolina student, Jason Allen. He swallowed most of a bottle of 90 such pills http://www.collegepublisher.com/media/paper87/DFPArchive/science/1103981.html. This was the equivalent of about 250 cups of coffee (or, alternatively, a gallon and a half (5 liters) of espresso, or 22 gallons (~85 liters) of caffeinated Mountain Dew (this soft drink is not available in caffeinated form in all areas). Allen probably ingested about 18 grams of caffeine, since caffeine pills are restricted to 200 milligrams or less in the U.S., and most manufacturers make them in that size. A few other deaths by caffeine overdose have been known, almost always in the case of massive pill consumption.

Related Topics:
Overdose - North Carolina - Coffee - Espresso - Mountain Dew

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Studies in humans have shown that caffeine may cause miscarriage or may slow the growth of a developing fetus when given in doses greater than 300 mg (an amount equal to three cups of coffee) a day. In addition, use of large amounts of caffeine by the mother during pregnancy may cause problems with the heart rhythm of the fetus.

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Excessive ingestion of caffeine can result in increased blood pressure and pulse, increased urine production, vasoconstriction (tightening or constricting of superficial blood vessels) sometimes resulting in cold hands or fingers, increased amounts of fatty acids in the blood, and increased production of gastric acid.

Related Topics:
Increased blood pressure - Pulse - Urine production - Vasoconstriction - Fatty acid - Gastric acid

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Those suffering from overdose should seek medical attention. If medical care is not possible, they should find a quiet place to rest. Within an hour after the effects first arise, peak influence on the body should occur, with a 15-30 minute plateau, after which the effects should abate and the sufferer can return to normal activity.

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Long periods of abuse can lead to detrimental effects on the esophagus; persons who consume high amounts of caffeine may have a risk for higher incidents of peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. They may also have heart problems, insomnia, chronic muscle tension, and nervousness.

Related Topics:
Peptic ulcer - Esophagitis - Gastroesophageal reflux disease - Insomnia

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One dangerous form of caffeine use is to stay alert when one is under the influence of alcohol or in severe sleep debt. This tricks users into thinking they are more alert than they really are. Taking part in certain activities, such as driving, may be dangerous in such cases. Even aside from such activities, caffeine does not make up for the poor mental performance caused by lack of sleep.

Related Topics:
Sleep debt - Driving

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The term caffeinism has been coined to mean addiction to (or debilitating dependence on) caffeine.

Related Topics:
Caffeinism - Addiction

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