Caffeine is a stimulant that keeps you awake and alert. However, it is also a substance used in over-the-counter and prescription drugs that can treat problems such as headaches, asthma, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Caffeine overdose occurs when you ingest more than the body can handle. Severe overdoses, accompanied by difficulty in breathing, rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain and vomiting, require prompt medical treatment. However, if you are simply feeling agitated after drinking too much coffee, there are a few methods you can try to resolve the situation at home. In the future, try to reduce your caffeine intake to prevent the problem from happening again.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Ask for Help
Step 1. Call the Poison Control Center
You must especially do this if you realize that you have been taking a drug rich in caffeine, drinking or ingesting large amounts of this substance. Foods rich in caffeine include chocolate and beverages such as tea or coffee. If you notice symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call the poison control center right away to find out how to manage the problem.
- In Italy there are regional poison control centers, open 24 hours a day, which you can contact at any time. The call is free and you can call even if the medical emergency is not serious.
- Tell the person on the phone the exact symptoms and what you have ingested. You will be asked for personal information such as age, weight, physical condition, time you took the caffeine and how much. Ask for instructions on how to proceed. They may advise you to induce vomiting or use other medications to treat your symptoms. However, don't force yourself to vomit unless instructed to do so by a professional.
Step 2. Go to the emergency room
If you experience severe symptoms, such as dizziness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing, go to the hospital right away or call 911. Rarely, caffeine overdose can be fatal. Severe cases must be treated by medical personnel.
If you've eaten or drank anything unusual that caused you to overdose, take the container with you to the emergency room
Step 3. Get medical attention
In the emergency room, you will receive treatment based on your symptoms, your current state of health, the amount of caffeine you have ingested, and other factors. Describe your symptoms to your doctor so that they understand which treatment is best for you.
- For the treatment of overdose you may be given activated charcoal tablets. Laxatives can also be used to help you clear caffeine from your body. If you really have a hard time breathing you may be intubated.
- Your doctor may request some tests, such as a chest X-ray.
- For milder cases of caffeine overdose you may only receive treatments to manage symptoms until they go away.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Mild Symptoms at Home
Step 1. Drink water
If you don't experience severe symptoms, the unpleasant sensations, such as agitation, go away on their own. One way to manage them at home is to drink more. This will help expel caffeine from the body and rehydrate your body. Try to drink a glass of water for every cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage you ingest.
Step 2. Make healthy snacks
Eating can slow down the absorption of caffeine. Try putting something in your teeth if you feel uncomfortable after consuming too much caffeine.
Try fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Foods like peppers, celery, and cucumbers can be especially helpful
Step 3. Take deep breaths
To slow your heartbeat due to too much caffeine in your blood, take a series of deep breaths. Breathing in slowly for a few minutes will help reduce symptoms right away, relieving some of the discomfort from overdose.
Remember, if you have severe breathing problems, call the poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room
Step 4. Play sports
Caffeine prepares your body for an intense workout. Use the opportunity by consuming excess caffeine through physical activity.
- If you work out or go to the gym every day, start physical activity when you feel discomfort from consuming too much caffeine.
- If you don't exercise regularly, try going for a walk or jog if you have time. This can alleviate some of the unwanted effects of caffeine.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing the Problem from Coming Back
Step 1. Monitor your caffeine intake from unexpected sources
This substance is not found only in beverages such as tea and coffee. Certain foods, such as chocolate, as well as many over-the-counter and prescription medications, may also contain it. You can also find it in energy drinks, such as Red Bull or Monster, gym supplements, weight loss supplements, and stimulants. If you regularly drink caffeinated drinks, make it a habit to read the ingredients of medications and foods. This way you can be sure that you don't ingest excessive amounts of this substance.
In some cases, caffeine is not mentioned as an ingredient in chocolate. Try to take note of the caffeine you have taken from other sources, and if you have already reached a high dosage, avoid chocolate
Step 2. Pay attention to how much you drink
Write down how much caffeine you consume every day. This will help you not to overdo it. Most healthy adults should consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day (about four cups of coffee). However, some types of coffee contain higher dosages of caffeine, so to be safe, do not exceed three cups.
Remember that some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and that teens should not consume more than 100 mg of caffeine per day
Step 3. Gradually reduce your caffeine intake
If you find that you need to reduce your dose, do it gradually. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, so regular consumption can cause mild physical dependence. If you stop using it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms for a few days. Gradually reducing the amount will help you achieve your goal more likely to succeed and with less discomfort.
Start with small steps. For example, try to drink one less cup of coffee every day for a week. The following week, reduce your consumption by another cup. You will eventually reach the healthy dosage of around 400 mg per day
Step 4. Switch to decaf
If you love the taste of coffee, sodas, or other beverages that contain caffeine, switch to decaf. You can still enjoy the flavors you love, without risking overdose.
- You can order a decaf at the bar, buy the caffeine-free version of your favorite soft drink at the supermarket or ask for it at the restaurant.
- If you like hot drinks, most herbal teas do not contain caffeine.
Warnings
- Some medications and herbal supplements can interact with caffeine, such as some antibiotics, theophylline (bronchodilator), and echinacea.
- Some diseases require more attention to caffeine consumption, such as heart disease, kidney dysfunction and seizures.
