Caffeine which is taken by so many people in many interesting and enticing forms such as, chocolates, soda, coffee, tea and energy drinks, is actually a drug. It is therefore no surprise that people can become first addicted to caffeine as well as intoxicated by it. Although death caused by caffeine intoxication is uncommon, you are at risk if you have an underlying medical condition or you are allergic to caffeine.
In addition, different people have different levels of caffeine tolerance and it is important that you know yours and adjust your intake to a dose that is safe for you. Some of the important and early Symptoms of possible caffeine intoxication that could easily be dismissed as something else includes;
1. Excessive Urination
Caffeine is a diuretic. This means it makes you produce more urine and feel the urge to urinate more than usual. This is done by dilating (expanding) the blood vessels going to the kidney thus, increasing blood flow through them. Therefore the reason you feel so thirsty after taking those cups of coffee is because you are losing so much fluids that your body is trying to prevent dehydration.
2. Stomach Upset
Caffeine causes cramping which many a times progresses into diarrhoea especially when in excess. This is because caffeine has the ability to increase contractions of the small and large intestine thereby, increasing bowel movement. In other words, caffeine has the ability to act as a laxative at levels above your tolerance level.
3. Irritability
Caffeine is a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant. Some of its effects on your CNS makes you hypersensitive to external stimuli. This external Stimuli includes everything from the whisper of a co-worker to the shouts of the boys outside.
4. Headaches
Caffeine is a vasodilator. By making the vessels in your head expand, it increases the blood flow through them. As experts will tell you many headaches come about due to increased blood pressure in the vessels probably due to dilatation. The reason you use a cold compress to relieve headaches, is because cold constricts these vessels thereby reducing pressure and relieving the headache.
5. Palpitations and Tremors
Caffeine potentiates the “adrenaline rush”. This simply means that it is a potent catecholamine releaser. The catecholamines includes epinephrine and norepinephrine. They usually work by increasing the heart rate and the strength with which the heart beats. This in turn leads to faster and stronger heartbeats which we would feel as palpitations i.e. the feeling that your heart is flying out of your chest.
Conclusion
The above listed symptoms can easily be taken care of outside a medical facility as well as prevented by controlling caffeine intake. However, if you experience symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain,trouble breathing, hallucinations and convulsions, then you need to see your doctor immediately.
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