Like many other drugs, it’s possible to develop a tolerance to caffeine, which means

you need bigger and bigger doses to achieve the same effect.
What does caffeine do to your body?
Caffeine is well absorbed by the body, and the short-term effects are usually
experienced between 5 and 30 minutes after having it. These effects can include
increased breathing and heart
([Link]
rate, and increased mental alertness and physical energy. Depending on the
individual, these effects can last up to 12 hours.
Some of the signs and symptoms of having too much caffeine include:
a rise in body temperature
frequent urination
dehydration
dizziness
([Link]
and headaches
([Link]
rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
restlessness and excitability
anxiety
([Link]
and irritability
trembling hands
sleeplessness
([Link]
first feeling energetic but then having an even greater feeling of tiredness.
How much caffeine is okay each day?
How you react to caffeine depends on your body mass
([Link]
, health and metabolism. It also depends on whether your body is used to getting
regular doses of caffeine and how much you have in one serving. Research suggests
that 400mg per day or less is an acceptable dose of caffeine for the general
population.
Approximate caffeine levels per serve include:
chocolate drinks: 5–10mg per 250ml
instant coffee: 80–120mg per 250ml
drip or percolated coffee: 150–240mg per 250ml
espresso coffees such as espresso or latte: 105–110mg per 250ml
decaffeinated coffee: 2–6mg per 250ml
black tea: 65–105mg per 250ml
cola drinks: 40–49mg per 375ml
Red Bull energy drink: 80mg per 250 ml
energy drink: 160mg per 250ml
dark chocolate bar: 40-50mg per 55g serve
milk chocolate bar – 10mg per 50g serve
guarana: can contain up to 100mg per 1g of guarana
caffeine tablets such as No-Doz – 100mg per tablet.
Energy drinks and caffeine
Energy drinks contain caffeine, as well as ingredients such as taurine and guarana
(a natural source of caffeine). Energy drinks do not hydrate and should not be
confused with sports drinks.
The caffeine and sugar
([Link]
content of energy drinks is high. In fact it is often higher than in soft drinks. The
levels of caffeine in energy drinks vary between brands, so it is important to read the
label before having them.
Children and pregnant
([Link]
women should avoid drinking energy drinks.
Caffeine dependency and withdrawal
Like many other drugs, it’s possible to build up a tolerance to caffeine. This means
you become used to its effects on your body and need to take larger amounts to
achieve the same results. Over time, you may become physically and psychologically
dependent on caffeine to function effectively.
If you are dependent on caffeine and you stop having it, you may experience
withdrawal symptoms. These may include:
fatigue
([Link]
crankiness
persistent headache
sweating
muscle pain
([Link]
adults)
anxiety.
Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal may begin within 12 to 24 hours and can last about
seven days.
The easiest way for you to break caffeine dependence is to reduce the amount
you’re having gradually. This gives your nervous system time to adapt to functioning
without the drug.
Children, pregnant women, athletes and caffeine
Some people who need to take special care with caffeine include:
children – currently there are no guidelines for children's intake of caffeine. Caffeine intake
should be investigated if children are showing symptoms of irritability, inability to sleep,
interrupted sleep or stomach upsets. Remember that caffeine is present in many soft
drinks and chocolate, not just coffee and tea. The consumption of energy drinks should
also be closely monitored
pregnant women – if you are pregnant, limit your caffeine intake to 200mg per day or less,
or avoid it altogether. Having high amounts of caffeine may increase your risk of
miscarriage, experiencing a difficult birth and having a baby with a low birth weight
athletes – caffeine is not classified as a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping
Agency Prohibited List
([Link]
. The Australian Institute of Sport
([Link]
lists it as a Group A substance, which means it’s 'supported for use in specific situations in
 sport' and 'provided or permitted for use by some athletes according to best practice
protocols'.
However, check the anti-doping rules of your particular sporting code to make sure
caffeine is not a restricted drug for the sport you play.
Where to get help
Your GP (doctor)
([Link]
Pharmacist
([Link]

References
Caffeine
([Link]
, 2015, European Food Safety Authority.
Caffeine facts
([Link]
, 2019, Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
Health Canada reminds Canadians to manage their caffeine consumption
([Link]
, 2013, Healthy Canadians, Government of Canada.
Persad LAB 2011, 'Energy drinks and the neurophysiological impact of caffeine
([Link]
' Frontiers in Neuroscience, vol. 5, no. 116.
Supplements: benefits and risks of using supplements and sports foods
([Link]
, AIS, Australian Sports Commission, Australian Government.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
 ([Link]
([Link]

View all drugs

Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product
or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not
intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and
materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all
aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice
from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to
ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in
their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance
by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 02-08-2022

The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional
Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.

The Department of Health celebrates, values and includes people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities,
cultures, bodies and abilities.
Privacy statement: [Link]
Copyright notice: [Link]
Disclaimer notice: [Link]
This web site is managed and authorised by the Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia
© Copyright State of Victoria 2024.