Caffeinism

See also: Caffeine-induced anxiety disorder, caffeine-induced psychosis, caffeine-induced sleep disorder, and caffeine dependence
Caffeinism
Other namesCaffeine overdose
SpecialtyToxicology, psychiatry, neurology

Caffeinism is a state of intoxication caused by excessive consumption of caffeine. This intoxication covers a variety of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms associated with the consumption of excessive amounts of caffeine.[1]

Caffeine is considered one of the most widely consumed drugs around the world. Around 80% of the world population consumes caffeine in one form or another.[2] It is found in coffee, tea, caffeinated alcoholic drinks, cocoa, chocolate, soft drinks, especially cola, and is an important component of energy drinks and other dietary supplements.[1]

Caffeine is also an ingredient of several medications, many of them over-the-counter and prescription drugs. The consensus is to consider caffeine a drug with pharmacological effects acting throughout the body.

  1. ^ a b Stolerman, Ian P. (2010). Encyclopedia of Psychopharmacology (Online-Ausg. ed.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. pp. 261–264. ISBN 978-3-540-68706-1.
  2. ^ Iancu, I; Strous, RD (February 2006). "Caffeine intoxication: history, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment". Harefuah. 145 (2): 147–51, 163–4. PMID 16509422.