Caffeine pills can be used to boost short-term energy and focus. They are often taken during study or work. Are they safe and effective? A caffeine pill, which can be taken in the same way as a cup of coffee, can give you a temporary boost of energy, memory, focus, and energy.
Caffeine pills can help people study and stay awake. However, caffeine pills can have side effects that may not be dangerous for everyone. Caffeine is a popular drug in America, with over 85% of Americans consuming at most one caffeine-containing drink each day.
We will be discussing the risks and benefits of taking caffeine pills in this article. Caffeine, a stimulant drug, increases activity in the central nervous. Caffeine is found in tea and coffee, but it can also be added to energy drinks and bars. Caffeine pills can contain either natural or synthetic forms.
The brand of these pills will vary in the amount of caffeine they contain. They can contain between 100 and 200 mg (mg) of caffeine per tablet in many cases. This is higher than most coffee cups but lower than some energy drinks.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that caffeine levels in common products is as high as:
- An 8-ounce (oz) cup of tea contains 30-50 mg.
- An 8-oz coffee contains 80-100 mg.
- An 8-oz energy drink contains 40-250 mg.
The FDA states that people can take 400mg per day without experiencing side effects. Caffeine pills can be taken safely if consumed in moderation and if people limit their intake of caffeine from other sources. Certain people may be more sensitive than others to caffeine and could experience adverse reactions to supplements or other caffeine sources.
The following are some possible recommendations from doctors to limit caffeine intake by the following groups:
- Those who are sensitive to caffeine effects.
- People who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive.
- People with high blood pressure, heart problems, or gastroesophageal acid disease (GERD).
- Children and adolescents.
- People who suffer from migraine headaches regularly.
Caffeine pills are not the exact same thing as pure caffeine powder. Consuming even 0.15 teaspoons of pure caffeine powder can have dangerous side effects, including seizures.
The FDA has taken steps to protect the public against pure caffeine. They have been monitoring companies to make sure they don’t produce products that contain concentrated or pure caffeine. Any violation will be dealt with by the FDA, which can either stop the production of the product or seize it.
Caffeine might have some health benefits. Most research on caffeine focuses on the effects of caffeine in coffee. Scientists often struggle to distinguish between the benefits of caffeine and those of other coffee substances, like antioxidants.
Caffeine Benefits
Memory and Focus Are Improved
Taking caffeine pills while working or studying may improve concentration. Caffeine is a popular way to improve alertness and concentration when studying or working. These benefits are supported by research. In 2014, 160 adults were surveyed about the effects of 200mg of caffeine on their memory. Researchers found that caffeine-taking participants in learning tasks performed better on memory tests 24 hours later than those who received a placebo.
Performance Improvements in Athletics
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) states that caffeine can increase athletic performance when taken at the right time.
These benefits include:
- Better coordination, focus, concentration
- Feeling less fatigue and pain
- Increased endurance during high-intensity exercise
A review of 21 meta-analyses suggests that caffeine may improve exercise performance by increasing muscle strength and endurance. The NCAA has also banned caffeine use before competitions. A positive urine drug test can be obtained by taking approximately 500mg of caffeine, or 6-8 cups of brewed coffee, between 2 and 3 hours prior to a competition.
Migraine and Headache Relief
Caffeine can be used to relieve tension headaches and migraines. The FDA approved the use of caffeine with pain relievers for migraine headaches. Excedrin, Midol, and other migraine medications may contain caffeine.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, however, caffeine should be limited to 2 days per week to treat headaches. Consuming caffeine more than three times per week could lead to an increase in migraine frequency. These experts also recommend that people suffering from frequent headaches should avoid caffeine.
Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms Are Less Severe
A 2012 study found that caffeine in coffee could help Parkinson’s patients control their movement. Some prefer to consume their caffeine in pills, while others prefer coffee or tea.
Consider these factors when choosing between coffee and caffeine pills:
- Taste: Caffeine pills may offer some similar benefits for those who don’t like the taste of coffee.
- Convenience: For those who don’t have access to a toilet for long periods of time, such as bus drivers or security personnel, caffeine pills might be more convenient. Although caffeine can be found in all forms and acts as a diuretic, it may have a greater effect on urine output if it is liquid.
- Speed: Caffeine pills also make it easier to absorb more caffeine quicker. This may be a good thing for some people but it can also increase the chance of caffeine overdose which can cause anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and other symptoms.
- Acidity: Acidic coffee can cause heartburn and exacerbate symptoms of GERD. Caffeine pills might be a better choice for people with reflux. However, caffeine can still cause severe heartburn in some cases.
- Other benefits: Coffee contains high amounts of antioxidants, which may also be responsible for its health benefits. This antioxidant boost is not available to people who take caffeine pills in place of coffee.
Coffee Side Effects
Coffee oils such as cafestol or kahweol are found in coffee. High intake of these oils can increase cholesterol levels. These effects may not be seen in caffeine pills that aren’t made with coffee oils. People who consume large amounts of caffeine or have caffeine sensitivity can experience adverse effects. These side effects include:
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dysphoria (feeling of unhappiness)
- Fast heart rate
- Headache
- Heartburn
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Shaking
- Sleep problems
- Thirst
An overdose can occur if you consume excessive amounts of caffeine. These are the symptoms:
- A rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Feeling disorientated
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Caffeine dependency can also be experienced by those who consume caffeine regularly. Even a single cup of caffeine per day could cause dependence. If an individual suddenly stops taking caffeine, this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Some people who take caffeine every day may experience withdrawal symptoms or dependency. Research suggests that genetic factors may play a part in one’s tolerance to caffeine. Caffeine might not be right for everyone. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children and adolescents refrain from stimulants such as caffeine.
A 2016 study found that high levels of caffeine in adolescence may cause brain changes that can lead to anxiety later in life. The FDA recommends that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those trying to conceive, talk to their doctor regarding their caffeine intake.
There are no side effects to taking up to 400mg of caffeine per day. Some people are more sensitive than others to caffeine. The brand of caffeine pills used will affect the dosage. Follow the instructions on the packaging and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Caffeine Sources
Consider other caffeine-rich foods and beverages when calculating a person’s daily caffeine intake:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Cola
- Energy bars
- Energy drinks
- Hot chocolate
- Black tea
- Green tea
Some supplements, medications for migraines, and other medications may contain caffeine.
How to Use Caffeine Pills
When taking caffeine pills, it is important to consider the timing. It can affect sleep if you take them in the evening or late afternoon. The body can take up to 6 hours to process half of the caffeine it takes. It is best to take caffeine pills in the morning or early afternoon.
If you experience any adverse reactions, such as restlessness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and/or anxiety, discontinue using the medication. Caffeine pills stimulate the central nervous system to keep people awake, alert and focused. These pills may improve athletic performance, relieve tension headaches and migraines, and even help with anxiety.
Caffeine can be used as a drug. Individuals should adhere to the recommended dosage and stop using it if they experience adverse reactions. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about taking caffeine pills or how much caffeine you are taking.
