Caffeine overdose

Definition

This is poisoning from ingestion of caffeine.

Poisonous Ingredient

• caffeine

Where Found

• coffee
• 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

Adults

• body as a whole
  o difficulty sleeping
  o muscle twitching
  o confusion
  o in and out of consciousness
  o increased urination
  o increased thirst
  o death
  o fever
  
• respiratory
  o difficulty breathing
  
• gastrointestinal
  o vomiting
  o diarrhea
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o irregular heartbeat
  o rapid heart beat
  
• nervous system
  o hallucinations
  o dizziness
  o convulsions
  

Infants

• body as a whole
  o very tense muscles alternating with overly relaxed muscles
  
• respiratory
  o rapid, deep breathing
  
• gastrointestinal
  o nausea and/or vomiting
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o rapid heartbeat
  o low blood pressure
  o shock
  
• nervous system
  o tremors
  

Home Treatment
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  
• the time it was swallowed