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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (March 8, 1985)
Caffeine: What is it ? A drug 1s defined as "any compound, synthetic or naturally occurring, that causes a physiological and/or psychological action on a living organism". Caffeine fits this definition and 1s one of the most widely con sumed drugs 1n this society. Millions of law abiding American are physically addicted to caffeine - and most of them don't even know 1t. A natural plant substance found. In coffee beans, cocoa beans, tea and kola nuts, caffeine Is consumed for many reason by a wide variety \ of people 1n coffee, tea, chocolate or cocoa,, and cola drinks. And 1f not in what people drink, caffeine:1s present In many foods - baked goods, frozen dairy products, gelatins, . puddings, chocolate, .and soft candles'. • It ■* 1s also an Ingredient In more than 1000,over-.' the-cdunter drugs--often.used in'weight control remedies,•alertness'or stay awake ‘ tablets, and headache and pain, relief.medi cations. Caffeine's Effects Host authorities aqree that 200 mg (about 2 cups of coffee) 1s the amount that begins to cause a wide range of effects on the body. Some people notice these effects 1n dosages as low as 50 mg. The following systems can be affected: central nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. . Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system within 30-60 minutes of being taken and its effects may last several, hours. It can reduce or mask fatigue,.Improve the ability: to think faster and. more clearly, and sharpen. the senses. Contrary.'.to,.popular belief, caf-.. felne will not counteract the effects-of al-. . . conor. . ..... • • . -.! . •* ' Th'e.gastro-iritestlnai.system can be’.' ;' Effected, .c^us.1 ng.; hau.$ea‘,.d1arrtie'a,yoin1t1 ng and ctccaslb'najlyje'.ven'pep.tlc. .ulcers..' These effects-are probably-ca'used.by,the..Irritating oils. In 'coffee!! or! from, ah Increase .’in .gastric;' . ■ . ; secretions. Caffeine .a-1so ! causes, -an Increase : ; 1n* both..heart‘and-pu1.se>atesl'. . ’ ’■ According; to;.the-Consumer's i/nioh Report ‘ on..L1c1.t-and-Illicit.Qrugsi-.physical dependence on coffee ’(caffeine) .may occur when ..five' or .more cups-ire^consumed a day.'o.ver an extended . period o.f time.. .Psychological .dependence, >.' ' • according .to. the Report,’may comrooniy-occur' at. a lower dosage than.five'cups. a*.day; How- ..' ever, the exact amount of- caffeine which' will, cause dependence w1ll’:yary from--person to' person'.; ' , •. ••’ -V -. • • : When heavy-caffeine-users abstain, they experience. Jitters, nervousness; irritability, • and .headache.s,' known as. "The-Caffeine. Head- . ache,"-12-18 hourj after-drlnjtlng their last" ■cup of coffee.- Heavy coffee users report an. Inability to work effectively and feelings of 1 restlessness when they give up-their morning ■ coffee. . . 1 • : -.* A dosage of one gram of.caffeine (about 7-10 cups of'coffee, a day) can produce In somnia, restlessness, and excitement, which may progress to mind delirium* sensory dis turbances such as ringing In the ears or seer ing flashing lights, tense or tremulous muscles, convulsions and even hallucinations.