Health assessment of caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system and can have effects on the autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems. The main desired effect is the psychostimulant central stimulating effect, for which the usual single doses of 50 to 200 milligrams are used.

The occurrence of adverse effects when consuming caffeine depends on the individual's sensitivity to caffeine and the extent of daily consumption of caffeinated beverages. Adverse effects of caffeine in adults range from nervousness, insomnia, nausea, headaches, increased anxiety, perceptual disturbances, cardiac arrhythmia, increased respiratory rate and gastrointestinal disorders. Severe poisoning with additional symptoms has also been described.