What is Caffeine?

• Caffeine is a mild stimulant that stimulates the central nervous system making the person more awake and alert.
• Caffeine is found in different species of cocoa bushes, tea leaves, and in cola nuts.
• Caffeine is a pure white crystalline substance.
• The three major sources of caffeine are tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
• Caffeine is found in over-the-counter medications for staying awake, dieting, treating colds, allergies, and migraines.
• Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which is in the brain.

Street Names No-Doz The Scoop on Caffeine

• Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world
• Americans consume an average of five cups of caffinated drinks each day.
• One of three American men, women, and children consume 200 mg of caffeine each day.
• As a result of its stimulating effects, caffeine can be a habit or addiction.
• Many people drink caffinated beverages to relieve stress. However, caffeine, when combined with the body's natural stress hormone adrenaline, may actually increase the effects of stress.
• Some people may think that caffeine will improve academic or work performance, but in fact, caffeine interferes with activities or work performances, which is called "coffee nerves".
• It is important to note that while caffeine may allow you to stay up, sleeping is a very important biological need that should not be ignored for long.

Short-Term Effects

• Increase in heart rate and blood pressure
• Stomach upset
• Increase in urination
• Panic attacks
• Nausea
• Increase breathing
• Seizures

Long-Term Effects

• Hearth problems
• Insomnia
• Chronic muscle tension
• Nervousness
• Mental confusion

* Please note that short-term effects and long term-effects depend on age, body size or weight and/or physical conditions. Behavior of Users

• Awake
• Alert
• Jittery
• Nervous

Tolerance Many people have a very high tolerance of caffeine because they of their large daily dosage. Withdrawal Symptoms

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Depression

This table shows the Caffeine content of certain beverages:

Beverages	Serving Size	Mg. Of Caffeine Per Serving
Brewed Coffee	5 oz.	100-164
Instant Coffee	5 oz.	50-75
Decaffeinated  Coffee	5 oz.	2-4
Flavored Coffee	6 oz.	27-75
Café Ameretto	6 oz.	60
Irish Mocha Mint	6 oz.	27
Orange Cappuccino	6 oz.	74
Black Tea (1-minute brew)	5 oz.	20-34
Green Tea (1-minute brew)	5 oz.	9-19
Cocoa Beverages	5 oz.	2-15
Coca-Cola	12 oz.	65
Dr. Pepper	12 oz.	61
Pepsi Cola	12 oz.	43
Diet RC Cola	12 oz.	33
Mountain Dew	12 oz.	54

 

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Sources: 1.  http://www.uiuc.edu 2.  Kuhn, Cynthia, Scott Swartzwelder, and Wilkie Wilson.  Buzzed.  W. W. Norton and Company.  New York: 1998 2.  Caffeine:  Mind Altering Drugs Series.  The Wisconsin Clearinghouse.