Effects of Caffeine Addiction
Excessive caffeine intake can lead to negative effects like anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. Over time, high consumption can result in physical dependence.
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How Caffeine Can Affect You
Although experts still aren’t sure if caffeine is truly addictive, there’s no question that the drug can cause caffeine dependence.
Too much caffeine can cause sleep problems, anxiety, digestive symptoms and a rapid heartbeat. Sensitivity varies, so a single daily amount does not determine whether someone will have side effects.[8]
Dizziness or Shakiness
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that stimulates the central nervous system and blocks adenosine receptors that contribute to feelings of tiredness.
While this may save your Monday morning grogginess, high levels of caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to dizziness and hand and body shakes.
These side effects are also common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal and occur when you haven’t drunk any caffeine for the day. Although this withdrawal symptom will usually clear up once you drink coffee, it indicates that a physical dependence on caffeine may be present.
Increased Anxiety
Anxiety goes hand-in-hand with dizziness or shakiness from caffeine. Often called the “caffeine jitters,” increased anxiety is a very common symptom of caffeine abuse or too much caffeine.
Individuals with a pre-existing anxiety disorder may find that high doses of caffeine worsen their symptoms.
Chest Pain
Chest pain has many possible causes, including serious heart or lung conditions. Do not assume it is anxiety or caffeine just because it follows a caffeinated drink.[9]
Call 911 for sudden chest pressure or squeezing, pain spreading to the jaw, arm or back, or chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness or a racing heart.[9]
For recurring chest discomfort without emergency signs, contact a health professional rather than treating it yourself.[9]
Sleep Issues
Insomnia and trouble falling asleep are common complaints for caffeine users. In many cases, people are unaware of how long caffeine stays in your system.
MedlinePlus notes that caffeine’s effects may be felt for four to six hours. People differ in how sensitive they are to caffeine, so consider both the amount and the timing when discussing sleep problems with a health professional.[11][8]
Timing isn’t the only factor in sleep issues related to caffeine’s effect, however. Individuals with caffeine dependence may experience sleep issues even when skipping coffee for a day, trying to cut back their caffeine consumption, or as a symptom of withdrawal.
Racing Heartbeat
Too much caffeine can cause an increased heart rate or palpitations, meaning a noticeable pounding or irregular-feeling heartbeat. Discuss recurring symptoms and your caffeine intake with a health professional.[8]
A racing heartbeat with chest pain or shortness of breath needs emergency assessment. Call 911.[9]
Call 911 immediately if someone collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or cannot be awakened. For a suspected caffeine poisoning without these emergency signs, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.[10]
Stomach Problems
Caffeine increases the release of stomach acid and can cause an upset stomach or heartburn. Too much caffeine can also cause nausea. These symptoms do not establish a diagnosis of an intestinal disease.[11][8]
If you have acid reflux, often called GERD, or ulcers, ask a health professional whether you should limit caffeine.[11]
Frequent Urination
Caffeine acts as a diuretic, meaning it can make you urinate more. MedlinePlus lists dehydration as a possible effect of too much caffeine. This does not mean every caffeinated drink causes dehydration.[11]
Difficulty Concentrating
Food and drinks with caffeine content can certainly aid in concentration, but large amounts of caffeine can have the opposite effect. Caffeine can cause an elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and stomach distress, which makes it incredibly difficult to focus.
In the case of caffeine withdrawal syndrome, difficulty concentrating is a very common symptom. Unfortunately, some individuals will simply try consuming more caffeine and risk more adverse effects in the process.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal syndrome itself is a side effect of caffeine addiction or dependence. Even consuming moderate amounts of caffeine and quitting cold turkey can lead to caffeine-related withdrawal symptoms.
Caffeine withdrawal is generally unpleasant rather than dangerous. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends reducing caffeine gradually. New or severe symptoms should not automatically be attributed to withdrawal.[8]
A review of experimental studies and surveys found that symptoms typically lasted two to nine days. That range describes research findings, not a guaranteed recovery deadline for every person.[13]
Symptoms supported by withdrawal research include:[13]
- Headache
- Drowsiness, fatigue or reduced energy
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling foggy
- Irritability or depressed mood
- Nausea, vomiting or muscle aches
Find Help for Caffeine Dependence or Addiction
It can be difficult to know if you or a loved one has an issue with daily caffeine intake. Withdrawal reflects physical dependence, while caffeine use disorder is a proposed condition for further study involving problems controlling use despite harm. Neither term alone tells you how common the problem is.[4]
Explore the research on caffeine use for more context.
If you or someone you love struggles with side effects from caffeine, it might be time to cut back on coffee consumption.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the health problems you’ve been experiencing due to caffeine and discuss a gradual reduction that may make withdrawal easier. It does not guarantee that symptoms will be avoided.[8]
If you are in emotional distress or a mental health crisis, call 988, text 988, or chat with the 988 Lifeline for free, confidential support. For immediate physical danger or a medical emergency, call 911.[14]
FAQs About the Effects of Caffeine Addiction
How Does Caffeine Affect the Brain?
Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and increases the activity of your brain and nervous system. Caffeine also blocks adenosine receptors, which are related to feelings of sleepiness, hence why many use it to feel more awake and alert.
Similar to other stimulants like amphetamines, caffeine can trigger the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is connected to feelings of pleasure and reward. However, caffeine does not affect dopamine as strongly as other drugs and is thought to be less addictive as a result.
What Are the Effects of Caffeine on the Heart?
Too much caffeine can cause a rapid heartbeat, palpitations or high blood pressure. These symptoms should not be dismissed as harmless.[8]
Call 911 for sudden chest pressure or squeezing, pain spreading to the jaw, arm or back, or chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness or a racing heart.[9]
For recurring symptoms without emergency signs, discuss caffeine intake, medicines and health conditions with your clinician.[8]
How Does Caffeine Affect Sleep?
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Caffeine Addiction?
Too much caffeine can contribute to sleep problems, anxiety, nausea and an upset stomach. There is no single amount that predicts these effects for everyone.[8]
MedlinePlus also notes that large amounts may interfere with calcium absorption and contribute to thinning bones. Discuss persistent symptoms or concerns about bone health with a health professional rather than assuming they will disappear immediately after stopping caffeine.[12]
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Caffeine Addiction?
The time needed to address problematic caffeine use depends on the person. For withdrawal specifically, a review of experimental studies and surveys found a typical duration of two to nine days. This is not a deadline that applies to everyone.[13]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends reducing caffeine gradually. Withdrawal is generally unpleasant rather than dangerous, but new or severe symptoms should not automatically be attributed to it.[8]
How Does Caffeine Affect Children Compared to Adults?
Children and teens can experience increased heart rate, palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleep problems and digestive problems from too much caffeine. Sleep disruption is not the only possible concern. The FDA reports that medical experts advise against energy drinks for children and teens. Ask a health professional about your child’s caffeine intake.[8]
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