Caffeine

Category: Caffeine is the best known member of the xanthine stimulants (methylxanthines)

Chemical Name: 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1h-purine-2,6-dione

• Caffeine occurs in many species of plants. Its most common sources are the fruit of Coffea trees (coffee), leaves of Camellia sinensis (tea), Cocoa (chocolate) and the fruit of Guarana plants (which have twice as much caffeine as the coffee plant).
• Caffeine is found in hundreds of prescription and over the counter medicines (wake-ups- 100 mg of caffeine, Dristan- 16 mg of caffeine, Vanquish 32 mg of caffeine, etc.).
• The methylxanthines are quickly absorbed into the blood because they are bases and have a low pKa.
• Canadian adults get an estimated 60% of their caffeine from coffee and about 30% from tea (40 mg of caffeine per 5-oz. cup). The remaining 10% comes from cola beverages (45 mg of caffeine in 12 oz. coca-cola), chocolate products (35 mg of caffeine in 8-oz. of chocolate milk) and medicines.
• Peak blood levels are reached 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, but this varies in different individuals.

Energy drinks: energy drinks contain mostly caffeine and sugar, but other ingredients in popular energy drinks are:

• Ephedrine - central nervous system stimulant. It is a common ingredient in weight-loss products and decongestants. Research has shown some negative effects on the heart
• Taurine - natural amino acid produced by the body that helps regulate heart beat and muscle contractions. It is easily artificially synthesized.
• Ginseng - root believed by some to have several medicinal properties, including reducing stress and boosting energy levels.
• B-vitamins - A group of vitamins that can convert sugar to energy and improve muscle tone.
• Guarana seed - comes from Paullaina cupana, native to Venezuela and Brazil, and contains 2 to 6 % caffeine, making it the most potent of natural sources of caffeine.
• Carnitine - amino acid playing a role in fatty acid metabolism.
• Creatine - Organic acid that helps supply energy for muscle contractions.
• Inositol - A member of the vitamin B complex (not a vitamin itself, because the human body can synthesize it) that helps relay messages within cells in the body.
• Ginkgo biloba - Made from the seeds of the ginkgo biloba tree, thought to enhance memory.

Energy drinks are relatively recent in the worldwide markets, and much research still needs to be done to identify all possible long term side effects

*Reactions and experiences may vary dramatically from person to person.*

Effects on brain:

Short term:

• Methylxanthines are adenosine (neuro-modulator inhibiting the release of many neurotransmitters) receptor blockers, acting on 2 of the 4 types of adenosine receptors. There is therefore increased stimulation due to increase of firing and a decrease in activity of some dopamine receptors.
• Methylxanthines, at high doses, also block benzodiazepine receptors.
• Caffeine also appears to cause the release of epinephrine and other catecholamines from brain tissues.
• Constriction of blood vessels

• Coming soon

Effects on body:

Short term:

• In high doses caffeine causes the release of epinephrine and other catecholamines in the adrenal glands as well, causing a response similar to the body’s response to acute stress (increase in levels of corticosteroids and drop in hormones).
• It will also stimulate the spinal cord, increasing spinal reflexes, and rate and depth of breathing.
• In lower doses, relaxation of certain muscles resulting in dilation of the bronchii of the lungs.
• Increase of available fatty acids, reducing the susceptibility of muscle fatigue and increasing athletic performance.
• Dilation of blood vessels in the body.
• Headache.
• Stomach ache, stomach cramps, gassy feeling, excessive bowel movement, diarrhea.
• Diuretic effects (kidneys remove more liquid from the blood, which can cause dehydrations)
• Reduction of the acoustic arousal threshold.
• Death from convulsions and respiratory collapse can occur if doses between 3 and 8 g are reached.

• Headaches
• Studies show possible reduction of risk of stroke, diabetes, Parkinson's, colon cancer, gallstone development, and cavities,
• It has been shown beneficial in asthma, stopping headaches, boosting mood, etc.
• If too much is taken: general toxicity (tremors, nausea) stomach ulcers, damage to the esophagus, and gastric reflux, decreased bone density, negative effects on male and female fertility, cancer and cardiovascular disease have all been linked to caffeine, but further research is needed.

Effects on behavior:

Short term:

• Possible short term effects include increased alertness, mood changes, feelings of well-being, motivation and self-confidence, increased performance on boring and tiring tasks, anxiety, and insomnia and restless sleep in casual drinkers (heavy drinkers become tolerant to this effect).

• Exacerbation of pre-existing symptoms in neurotic and psychotic patients.
• Decreased effectiveness of some psychotherapeutic drugs.
• Caffeinism disorder, caused by the gradual increase of caffeine intake to experience the same desired effects. It is seen with doses above 1000 mg a day. Symptoms include: ringing in the ears, flashes of light, mild delirium and excitement, low-grade fever, flushing, chilliness, loss of appetite. The only cure is to eliminate caffeine from the diet.

Addiction: Psychological and physical addiction can occur. Some caffeine users keep using caffeine simply to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Tolerance: Neurological (increase in the number of adenosine receptors) metabolic and contextual tolerance can occur, causing an eventual fading of physiological effects in as little as 4 days of steady/usual consumption.

Withdrawal Symptoms: Possible withdrawal symptoms include headaches, drowsiness, decreased energy, fatigue, lethargy , decreased concentration, increased irritability, flu-like symptoms, and reports of decreased motivation for work, decreased feelings of well being, and decreased self-confidence

• These symptoms can appear from daily exposures of 100 mg daily doses
• Withdrawal symptoms will generally start 12 to 28 hours since the last caffeine intake, peaking at 20 to 51 hours and lasting up to 9 days.

*Disclaimer! Nothing you do can make using cocaine or crack completely safe. All drug use has inherent risks and dangers. The suggestions in this section can only help you reduce some of the associated risks. The best way to avoid the harms related to drug use is to not take the drug at all.*

• There is no law that insists that caffeine be listed on a product, unless it was added as a separate substance, so you might be getting a dose of caffeine without knowing (i.e. herbs, guarana).
• Drug use affects the developing mind and body differently than developed ones. Waiting until your mind and body have more fully developed before using substances can have long term health and mental benefits.
• Health Canada recommends adults take no more than three 8 oz. cups of coffee a day (that is, no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day) to not be at risk of potential adverse effects from caffeine. These doses are different for pregnant women (300 mg) and children (between 45 and 85 mg, depending on the age).
• Caffeine taken throughout the day builds up in your body. This includes all forms of caffeine, such as energy drinks, caffeine pills, coffee, tea and chocolate.
• Everyone reacts differently to caffeine; find out how you react with small doses before taking bigger doses.
• Getting an adequate amount of daily calcium will help protect you from the possible adverse effects of caffeine.
• Avoid mixing alcohol or other drugs with caffeine or energy drinks, as the drugs can interact and cause undesired effects. The mixture can also affect your judgment and may result in risky behaviour (driving a car, unsafe sex, etc).
• If you consume too much caffeine and do physical exercise that makes you sweat, be sure to drink a lot of water because you will likely get dehydrated faster.