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The Effects of Caffeine on the Central Nervous System

According to a report entitled "Neurologic Effects of Caffeine," caffeine is not only the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, but also is considered a drug of abuse by some researchers.

  1. Identification

    • Caffeine, a central-nervous system stimulant, is the only drug of its type to be considered safe and effective by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    Adenosine

    • The above-mentioned report points out that relatively small amounts of caffeine are capable of suppressing the effects of adenosine, a chemical that causes feelings of drowsiness.

    Effects

    • The effects of adenosine upon the central nervous system include increased mental clarity, a sense of well being and elevated mood, a proliferation of thoughts, and an increase in both mental and physical endurance.

    Negative Effects

    • Consumption of caffeine can bring on insomnia, restlessness, headaches, agitation and tremors. With over-consumption, these symptoms become more pronounced and hallucinations are possible.

    Considerations

    • Caffeine is a fast-acting drug that continues to affect the central nervous system for six to eight hours after consumption. In reality, caffeine does not produce energy but rather, masks the adenosine-induced drowsiness a person might otherwise feel.

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