Caffeine overdose Health Article

Definition

This is poisoning from large amounts of caffeine.

Poisonous Ingredient

Caffeine

Where Found

• Coffee
• Some tea
• Hot chocolate
• Chocolate
• Some soft drinks (such as Pepsi, Coke, Mountain Dew)
• NoDoz
• Tirend
• Quick Pep
• Vivarin
• Caffedrine
• Coffee Break Caplets
• Durvitan
• Pro-Plus

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Symptoms in adults may include:

• Sleeping trouble
• Muscle twitching
• Confusion
• In and out of consciousness
• Urination - increased
• Increased thirst
• Death
• Fever
• Breathing trouble
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Irregular heartbeat
• Rapid heart beat
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Convulsions

Symptoms in babies may include:

• Muscles are very tense, then very relaxed
• Rapid, deep breathing
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Shock
• Tremors

Home Treatment

Do not make the person throw up unless told to do so Poison Control or a doctor.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

In severe cases, death may result from convulsions or an irregular heartbeat.