A-Z Drugs Caffeine Caffeine is a drug that has been around for centuries and is found naturally in coffee and cocoa beans, tea leaves and cola nuts. It acts as a stimulant, increasing heart and breathing rate, blood pressure, alertness and enhancing the senses. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, chocolate, many soft drinks, diuretics, pain relievers, weight control aids, stimulants and some cold remedies. It is relatively harmless if used in moderation but large amounts can cause anxiety, sweating, irritability, nervousness and irregular heartbeats.
Caffeine also acts as a mild diuretic as it increases the flow of urine and can be addictive.
A sudden abstinence, even after moderate use, can cause withdrawal symptoms including headache, extreme nervousness, insomnia and in some cases, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms usually do not last long and can be minimized if you slowly reduce your caffeine intake instead of abruptly stopping. There are plenty of decaffinated products to help you through the transition. If you have further questions on the sources and effects of caffeine, or if you have related nutritional concerns, make an appointment with one of the registered dietitians in the Preventive Cardiology Clinic at MedSport. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.