Fast Five Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Caffeine Consumption, Toxicity, and Overdose

Richard H. Sinert, DO

January 26, 2018

Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant drug in the world. It is present in various forms, including medications, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. About 85% of adults in the United States drink at least one caffeinated beverage a day, as do 73% of children.

Caffeine has differing central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and metabolic effects based on the quantity ingested. Average doses of caffeine (85-250 mg, the equivalent of 1-3 cups of coffee) may result in feelings of alertness, decreased fatigue, and eased flow of thought. High doses (250-500 mg) can result in restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, and tremors. In high doses, caffeine can cause a hyperadrenergic syndrome resulting in seizures and cardiovascular instability. Because caffeine overdoses, intentional or unintentional, are relatively common, physicians and other medical personnel must be aware of caffeine toxicity to recognize and treat it appropriately.

Are you familiar with the signs and symptoms associated with caffeine overdose and toxicity, as well as key aspects of workup and treatment? Test your knowledge with this short quiz.

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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Richard H. Sinert. Fast Five Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Caffeine Consumption, Toxicity, and Overdose - Medscape - Jan 26, 2018.

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