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URLhttps://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/too-much-caffeine
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Meta Title5 Ways to Recover From Being Overcaffeinated | Right as Rain
Meta DescriptionThe caffeine that was working for you this morning is now working against you. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do to feel better.
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You were just trying to get the wake-up job done and now this. That joyful lift that you felt at 7 a.m. has turned south. Deep south. Maybe that espresso chaser wasn’t such a good idea after all. Your eyelid is twitching, your heart is going thumpa thumpa and your leg is doing the cha-cha. Yep, another overcaffeinated Monday. We get it. Over-the-top coffee consumption  is how you tolerate a day in the life. But now what?  Everybody metabolizes caffeine differently. That’s because your genetics, age, weight, tolerance and liver all play a role in how quickly you process caffeine.  “Most people’s caffeine intake is probably equivalent to about 1.5 to 2 cups of coffee per day,” says Dr. Beixin Julie He , a cardiac electrophysiologist at UW Medicine Heart Institute.   Which, though less than the recommended maximum daily caffeine consumption of 400mg (about 4 cups of coffee), is still a lot of caffeine, according to many experts. And remember, one cup is 8 ounces or about an average mug of coffee. In Starbucks terms, we're saying a short (8 ounces) is one cup, a grande (16 ounces) would be two cups and a trenta (31 ounces) may give you some jitters.   Something else to remember? The maximum dose of caffeine mentioned above is for adults. Because children weigh less, they’re more prone to its effects and should ingest much less caffeine — which means curbing their soda and chocolate intake.   It’s tough to standardize the measurement of caffeine in coffee because it depends on bean origin, flavor, roast and grind, not to mention water temperature, brewing time and, well, you get the idea. But a typical cup of brewed coffee has caffeine levels from 65 to 120 milligrams, while a shot of espresso ranges from 30 to 50 milligrams.  As mentioned earlier, everyone’s tolerance is going to vary based on the way they personally react to caffeine. There isn’t a universal amount of caffeine that is “bad” for everyone, it’s just about how much your body can handle before going haywire.  Plus, it’s not only coffee that can pole vault you over your own personal caffeine set point — there’s also often caffeine in:  tea  snack bars  soda  bottled water  energy drinks  over-the-counter or prescription headache medication PMS medications  The symptoms of too much caffeine  Caffeine is a stimulant. That’s why it helps wake you up in the morning. And it’s a big part of why you like it.  Aside from that jittery leg, there are other signs of too much caffeine.   “Symptoms of too much caffeine include restlessness, shakiness, rapid or irregular heartbeats, headache, irritability and insomnia,” says Dr. He.   The good news is that most of these symptoms, unpleasant as they are, won’t endanger your life. Cardiovascular symptoms, on the other hand, require vigilance.  The effects of caffeine on your heart  Caffeine stimulates your heart rate and temporarily boosts your blood pressure. And for most people this isn’t a problem. But in anyone with a pre-existing heart condition (known or not), excessive caffeine can trigger fast and irregular heart rhythms , which could lead to sudden cardiac arrest. So, if you have an irregular heartbeat, feel dizzy or faint, a visit to the emergency room is in order. Dizziness can indicate your body is not pumping enough blood to your brain. You can also make an appointment with your primary care doctor to get looked at if your symptoms aren’t too overwhelming (and don’t include dizziness) but are still worrying you. And discuss your caffeine intake with a doctor if you have a pre-existing arrhythmia or seizure disorder, as caffeine can trigger these conditions. Caffeine can contribute to anxiety  It’s caffeine’s effect on your nervous system that produces the jitters. But if you have a predisposition to anxiety, that jitteriness can make you feel even more anxious.  Especially for people already dealing with anxiety, “excess caffeine intake can contribute to increased anxiety and unease,” says Dr. He.   Any heart symptoms you experience can add to this anxiety, especially because when people feel their heart thumping, it can only increase their concern.  So if you are predisposed to anxiety or panic attacks, caffeine may exacerbate those feelings. That means you’re probably not having a heart attack but having a hard time telling the difference between a heart attack and anxiety .  What you can do to feel better  Like recovering from a hangover, you’ll have to wait out your caffeine overdose to get over it completely, generally around 4 to 6 hours. But while you’re waiting (anxiously), here are a few things that might help.  No more caffeine. Don’t consume any more caffeine today, not to state the obvious. And don’t absentmindedly nosh on your usual midafternoon chocolate-covered snack bar by mistake.  Drink plenty of water. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that you need to drink extra water to make up for what you’re peeing out. You don’t want to add dehydration to the unpleasantness.  Replace electrolytes. If you have been sick to your stomach or have diarrhea, you’re losing not only water but also electrolytes. You can replace those with an electrolyte replacement solution like Pedialyte. Take a walk. If you feel a lot of pent-up energy, take a walk to expend some of it. But if you notice anything unusual happening to your heart rate — like a sudden rapid increase — then stop. Practice deep breathing . If you’re anxious, chances are your breathing is fast and shallow — which will further increase your anxiety. Take slow, deep, deliberate breaths to bring your breathing back to normal and reduce anxiety. Dr. He also recommends meditation and practicing healthy sleep habits as two additional ways to combat your caffeine overkill. On the bright side, unless you have a cardiac side-effect, chances are you will recover with no permanent damage. So don’t beat yourself up too badly. And like most things in life, the key to caffeine is to not overdo it.  “In general, moderation promotes a balanced, healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. He.   Maybe we’ll skip that afternoon americano — at least for today.   Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 18, 2019. It has been reviewed and updated with new info. Vanessa Raymond and Heather Logue contributed to this article. 
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[Skip to main content](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/too-much-caffeine#main-content) [![Home](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/sites/rar/files/RightasRain_color.svg)](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/) ## Main navigation [About](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/about) Mind - [All Mind](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind) - [Stress](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/stress) - [Mental Health](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/mental-health) - [Well-being](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being) Body - [All Body](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body) - [Exercise](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/exercise) - [Food](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food) - [Healthy Weight](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/healthy-weight) - [Rest](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/rest) Life - [All Life](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life) - [Leisure](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/leisure) - [Parenthood](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/parenthood) - [Relationships](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/relationships) - [Sex](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/sex) - [Work](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/work) Well - [All Well](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well) - [Health](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health) - [Prevention](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/prevention) - [Stories](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/stories) - [Research](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/research) ## Main navigation (mobile) [About](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/about) li \> a').focus()" @keydown.arrow-down="document.querySelector('\#mobilemenu-2 \> li \> a').focus()" @keydown.escape="mobileMenuOpen = false; mobileMenuTab = 1" :class="{ 'text-dk-rain border-dk-rain focus:text-dk-rain': mobileMenuTab === 2 }" \> Mind li \> a').focus()" @keydown.arrow-down="document.querySelector('\#mobilemenu-3 \> li \> a').focus()" @keydown.escape="mobileMenuOpen = false; mobileMenuTab = 1" :class="{ 'text-mtn-green border-mtn-green focus:text-mtn-green': mobileMenuTab === 3 }" \> Body li \> a').focus()" @keydown.arrow-down="document.querySelector('\#mobilemenu-4 \> li \> a').focus()" @keydown.escape="mobileMenuOpen = false; mobileMenuTab = 1" :class="{ 'text-uw-purple border-uw-purple focus:text-uw-purple': mobileMenuTab === 4 }" \> Life li \> a').focus()" @keydown.arrow-down="document.querySelector('\#mobilemenu-5 \> li \> a').focus()" @keydown.escape="mobileMenuOpen = false; mobileMenuTab = 1" :class="{ 'text-well-coral border-well-coral focus:text-well-coral': mobileMenuTab === 5 }" \> Well - [All Mind](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind) - [Stress](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/stress) - [Mental Health](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/mental-health) - [Well-being](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being) - [All Body](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body) - [Exercise](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/exercise) - [Food](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food) - [Healthy Weight](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/healthy-weight) - [Rest](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/rest) - [All Life](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life) - [Leisure](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/leisure) - [Parenthood](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/parenthood) - [Relationships](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/relationships) - [Sex](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/sex) - [Work](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/work) - [All Well](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well) - [Health](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health) - [Prevention](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/prevention) - [Stories](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/stories) - [Research](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/research) [![envelope icon](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/themes/custom/rar/images/email.svg) Healthy ideas for your inbox](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/subscribe) ![close icon](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/themes/custom/rar/images/close_14x14.svg) [Body](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body) [Food](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food) # What to Do When You’ve Had Too Much Caffeine [Right as Rain](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/authors/right-rain) June 2, 2023 Fact Checked ![woman with head in her hands because she's over-caffeinated ](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/sites/rar/files/styles/landscape_16x9_024000_960x540_100/public/images/2023/Too%20Much%20Caffeine_Republish_RAR.jpg?itok=SLy29SYA) © Eyes on Asia / Stocksy United ## Quick Read Coffee overkill? - Caffeine is a stimulant, which is why you feel jittery. - More than 400 milligrams (about 4 cups) of caffeine is too much. - Drink lots of water, take a walk, practice deep breathing and wait it out. - If you experience an irregular heartbeat or feel dizzy or faint after caffeine, go to the emergency room. You were just trying to get the wake-up job done and now this. That joyful lift that you felt at 7 a.m. has turned south. Deep south. Maybe that espresso chaser wasn’t such a good idea after all. Your eyelid is twitching, your heart is going thumpa thumpa and your leg is doing the cha-cha. Yep, another overcaffeinated Monday. We get it. Over-the-top [coffee consumption](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/6-easy-ways-make-your-morning-coffee-habit-little-healthier) is how you tolerate a day in the life. But now what? ## **How much caffeine is too much** Everybody metabolizes caffeine differently. That’s because your genetics, age, weight, tolerance and liver all play a role in how quickly you process caffeine. “Most people’s caffeine intake is probably equivalent to about 1.5 to 2 cups of coffee per day,” says [Dr. Beixin Julie He](https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/beixin-he#about-tab), a cardiac electrophysiologist at UW Medicine Heart Institute. Which, though less than the recommended maximum daily caffeine consumption of 400mg (about 4 cups of coffee), is still a lot of caffeine, according to many experts. And remember, one cup is 8 ounces or about an average mug of coffee. In Starbucks terms, we're saying a short (8 ounces) is one cup, a grande (16 ounces) would be two cups and a trenta (31 ounces) may give you some jitters. Something else to remember? The maximum dose of caffeine mentioned above is for adults. Because children weigh less, they’re more prone to its effects and should ingest much less caffeine — which means curbing their soda and chocolate intake. It’s tough to standardize the measurement of caffeine in coffee because it depends on bean origin, flavor, roast and grind, not to mention water temperature, brewing time and, well, you get the idea. But a typical cup of brewed coffee has caffeine levels from 65 to 120 milligrams, while a shot of espresso ranges from 30 to 50 milligrams. As mentioned earlier, everyone’s tolerance is going to vary based on the way they personally react to caffeine. There isn’t a universal amount of caffeine that is “bad” for everyone, it’s just about how much your body can handle before going haywire. Plus, it’s not only coffee that can pole vault you over your own personal caffeine set point — there’s also often caffeine in: - tea - snack bars - soda - bottled water - energy drinks - over-the-counter or prescription headache medication - PMS medications ## The symptoms of too much caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant. That’s why it helps wake you up in the morning. And it’s a big part of why you like it. Aside from that jittery leg, there are other signs of too much caffeine. “Symptoms of too much caffeine include restlessness, shakiness, rapid or irregular heartbeats, headache, irritability and insomnia,” says Dr. He. The good news is that most of these symptoms, unpleasant as they are, won’t endanger your life. Cardiovascular symptoms, on the other hand, require vigilance. ## A newsletter that’s good for your health [Subscribe me, please](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/subscribe?utm_source=overcafffeinated&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=good-for-health) ## The effects of caffeine on your heart Caffeine stimulates your heart rate and temporarily boosts your blood pressure. And for most people this isn’t a problem. But in anyone with a pre-existing heart condition (known or not), excessive caffeine can trigger fast and [irregular heart rhythms](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/heart-palpitations), which could lead to sudden cardiac arrest. So, if you have an irregular heartbeat, feel dizzy or faint, a visit to the emergency room is in order. Dizziness can indicate your body is not pumping enough blood to your brain. You can also make an appointment with your primary care doctor to get looked at if your symptoms aren’t too overwhelming (and don’t include dizziness) but are still worrying you. And discuss your caffeine intake with a doctor if you have a pre-existing arrhythmia or seizure disorder, as caffeine can trigger these conditions. ## Caffeine can contribute to anxiety It’s caffeine’s effect on your nervous system that produces the jitters. But if you have a predisposition to anxiety, that jitteriness can make you feel even more anxious. Especially for people already dealing with anxiety, “excess caffeine intake can contribute to increased anxiety and unease,” says Dr. He. Any heart symptoms you experience can add to this anxiety, especially because when people feel their heart thumping, it can only increase their concern. So if you are predisposed to anxiety or panic attacks, caffeine may exacerbate those feelings. That means you’re probably not having a heart attack but having a hard time [telling the difference between a heart attack and anxiety](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/your-chest-pain-heart-attack-or-anxiety). ## What you can do to feel better Like recovering from a hangover, you’ll have to wait out your caffeine overdose to get over it completely, generally around 4 to 6 hours. But while you’re waiting (anxiously), here are a few things that might help. **No more caffeine.** Don’t consume any more caffeine today, not to state the obvious. And don’t absentmindedly nosh on your usual midafternoon chocolate-covered snack bar by mistake. **Drink plenty of water.** Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that you need to drink extra water to make up for what you’re peeing out. You don’t want to add dehydration to the unpleasantness. **Replace electrolytes.** If you have been sick to your stomach or have diarrhea, you’re losing not only water but also electrolytes. You can replace those with an electrolyte replacement solution like Pedialyte. **Take a walk.** If you feel a lot of pent-up energy, take a walk to expend some of it. But if you notice anything unusual happening to your heart rate — like a sudden rapid increase — then stop. **[Practice deep breathing](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/stress/why-deep-breathing-makes-you-feel-so-chill).** If you’re anxious, chances are your breathing is fast and shallow — which will further increase your anxiety. Take slow, deep, deliberate breaths to bring your breathing back to normal and reduce anxiety. Dr. He also recommends [meditation](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being/science-behind-meditation) and practicing [healthy sleep habits](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/rest/7-ways-sleep-better-tonight) as two additional ways to combat your caffeine overkill. On the bright side, unless you have a cardiac side-effect, chances are you will recover with no permanent damage. So don’t beat yourself up too badly. And like most things in life, the key to caffeine is to not overdo it. “In general, moderation promotes a balanced, healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. He. Maybe we’ll skip that afternoon americano — at least for today. ## Take the Next Step - Find out why [meditation is great](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being/science-behind-meditation) for both your mind and body. - Is it all the coffee? Exploring why people in Seattle are [so anxious](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/mental-health/anxious-in-seattle). - Learn more about your chances of a [melatonin overdose](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/sleep/melatonin-overdose). - Stay in the health news “know” by [subscribing to our newsletter](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/subscribe) that’s packed with wellness tips and information. *Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 18, 2019. It has been reviewed and updated with new info. Vanessa Raymond and Heather Logue contributed to this article.* ## Recommended for you ![two hands stacking carrots and cucumbers into a tower](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/sites/rar/files/styles/landscape_4x3_024000_960x720_100/public/images/2026/Fibermaxxing.jpg?itok=DiMPTqBa) Body Food Is Fibermaxxing the Best Way to Get More Fiber? Increasing fiber is a marathon, not a sprint, which is why fibermaxxing isn’t always the best option. Is Fibermaxxing the Best Way to Get More Fiber? in the Food subcategory within the Body main category Increasing fiber is a marathon, not a sprint, which is why fibermaxxing isn’t always the best option. [![A photo of fruits and vegetables on a table](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/sites/rar/files/styles/landscape_4x3_024000_960x720_100/public/images/2026/Constipation-RAR.jpg?itok=ZnxhZEix)](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/food-and-constipation) [Body Food How Food Can Help (Or Hurt) Feeling Constipated How Food Can Help (Or Hurt) Feeling Constipated in the Food subcategory within the Body main category What to, or what not to eat — that really is the question when it comes to constipation.](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/food-and-constipation) [![A photo of a sleep mask, pills, and a glass of water against a blue background](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/sites/rar/files/styles/landscape_4x3_024000_960x720_100/public/images/2026/Melatonin-Heart-Health-RAR.jpg?itok=gZQeJ2dh)](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/rest/how-melatonin-affects-heart-health) [Body Rest Is Taking Melatonin Every Night Bad for Your Heart? Is Taking Melatonin Every Night Bad for Your Heart? in the Rest subcategory within the Body main category Taking melatonin long-term isn’t always dangerous, but keep these potential heart-related risks in mind.](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/rest/how-melatonin-affects-heart-health) [![Woman scooping creatine powder out of a tub](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/sites/rar/files/styles/landscape_4x3_024000_960x720_100/public/images/2026/Creatine-RAR.jpg?itok=D3t4u-Y2)](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/exercise/creatine-supplement-exercise-performance) [Body Exercise Should You Be Taking Creatine? Here's What You Need to Know Should You Be Taking Creatine? Here's What You Need to Know in the Exercise subcategory within the Body main category The benefits of creatine for athletic performance have been well-researched, but it’s not a magic pill.](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/exercise/creatine-supplement-exercise-performance) [![A woman lifting weights at home](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/sites/rar/files/styles/landscape_4x3_024000_960x720_100/public/images/2026/weightlifting-for-women.jpg?itok=HNbE-U8A)](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/exercise/strength-training-bone-health) [Body Exercise Why You Shouldn’t Skip Strength Training During Menopause Why You Shouldn’t Skip Strength Training During Menopause in the Exercise subcategory within the Body main category Decreasing estrogen levels during menopause can weaken bones; strength training can help.](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/exercise/strength-training-bone-health) [![A basket full of energy drink cans](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/sites/rar/files/styles/landscape_4x3_024000_960x720_100/public/images/2025/Energy-drinks-RAR.jpg?itok=RhHKBmhW)](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/energy-drinks-caffeine-health-risks) [Body Food Energy Drinks Have Gotten a Glow Up. Are They Healthier? Energy Drinks Have Gotten a Glow Up. Are They Healthier? in the Food subcategory within the Body main category A new generation of energy drinks claims to be a guilt-free way to get a boost. Is that true?](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/energy-drinks-caffeine-health-risks) - [Load more stories](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/too-much-caffeine?page=1 "Go to next page") ## Healthy tips for your inbox ###### Connect With Us [![Facebook icon](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/%0A%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20/sites/rar/files/vector-images/rar-facebook_2.svg%0A%0A)](https://www.facebook.com/UWMedicine "Facebook") [![Instagram icon](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/%0A%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20/sites/rar/files/vector-images/rar-instagram_0.svg%0A%0A)](https://www.instagram.com/uwmedicine "Instagram") [![YouTube icon](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/%0A%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20/sites/rar/files/vector-images/YouTube_Logo_rar.svg%0A%0A)](https://www.youtube.com/user/UWMedicineHealth "YouTube") [![Threads icon](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/%0A%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20/sites/rar/files/vector-images/Threads_Logo_RAR.svg%0A%0A)](https://www.threads.net/@uwmedicine "Threads") [![Bluesky icon](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/%0A%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20/sites/rar/files/vector-images/Bluesky_Logo_RAR.svg%0A%0A)](https://bsky.app/profile/uwmedicine.bsky.social "Bluesky") [![X icon](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/%0A%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20/sites/rar/files/vector-images/x_logo_rar.svg%0A%0A)](https://x.com/uwmedicine "X") [![LinkedIn icon](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/%0A%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20/sites/rar/files/vector-images/icon_linkedin_rar_0.svg%0A%0A)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/uw-medicine "LinkedIn") ###### UW Medicine The text logo displaying UW Medicine and University of Washington At UW Medicine, our mission is to improve the health of the public. We created Right as Rain to serve as a resource to connect you with health and wellness information you can trust from researchers, healthcare providers and faculty from UW Medicine and the University of Washington. [Make an Appointment](http://www.uwmedicine.org/patient-care/making-an-appointment) Copyright © 2026 University of Washington.All Rights Reserved. - [Privacy](https://www.washington.edu/online/privacy/) - [Terms](https://www.washington.edu/online/terms/) - [Copyright and Disclaimer](https://www.uwmedicine.org/about/compliance/disclaimer) - [Contact](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/contactus) ![](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/themes/custom/rar/images/arrow-top.svg)
Readable Markdown
You were just trying to get the wake-up job done and now this. That joyful lift that you felt at 7 a.m. has turned south. Deep south. Maybe that espresso chaser wasn’t such a good idea after all. Your eyelid is twitching, your heart is going thumpa thumpa and your leg is doing the cha-cha. Yep, another overcaffeinated Monday. We get it. Over-the-top [coffee consumption](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/6-easy-ways-make-your-morning-coffee-habit-little-healthier) is how you tolerate a day in the life. But now what? Everybody metabolizes caffeine differently. That’s because your genetics, age, weight, tolerance and liver all play a role in how quickly you process caffeine. “Most people’s caffeine intake is probably equivalent to about 1.5 to 2 cups of coffee per day,” says [Dr. Beixin Julie He](https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/beixin-he#about-tab), a cardiac electrophysiologist at UW Medicine Heart Institute. Which, though less than the recommended maximum daily caffeine consumption of 400mg (about 4 cups of coffee), is still a lot of caffeine, according to many experts. And remember, one cup is 8 ounces or about an average mug of coffee. In Starbucks terms, we're saying a short (8 ounces) is one cup, a grande (16 ounces) would be two cups and a trenta (31 ounces) may give you some jitters. Something else to remember? The maximum dose of caffeine mentioned above is for adults. Because children weigh less, they’re more prone to its effects and should ingest much less caffeine — which means curbing their soda and chocolate intake. It’s tough to standardize the measurement of caffeine in coffee because it depends on bean origin, flavor, roast and grind, not to mention water temperature, brewing time and, well, you get the idea. But a typical cup of brewed coffee has caffeine levels from 65 to 120 milligrams, while a shot of espresso ranges from 30 to 50 milligrams. As mentioned earlier, everyone’s tolerance is going to vary based on the way they personally react to caffeine. There isn’t a universal amount of caffeine that is “bad” for everyone, it’s just about how much your body can handle before going haywire. Plus, it’s not only coffee that can pole vault you over your own personal caffeine set point — there’s also often caffeine in: - tea - snack bars - soda - bottled water - energy drinks - over-the-counter or prescription headache medication - PMS medications ## The symptoms of too much caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant. That’s why it helps wake you up in the morning. And it’s a big part of why you like it. Aside from that jittery leg, there are other signs of too much caffeine. “Symptoms of too much caffeine include restlessness, shakiness, rapid or irregular heartbeats, headache, irritability and insomnia,” says Dr. He. The good news is that most of these symptoms, unpleasant as they are, won’t endanger your life. Cardiovascular symptoms, on the other hand, require vigilance. ## The effects of caffeine on your heart Caffeine stimulates your heart rate and temporarily boosts your blood pressure. And for most people this isn’t a problem. But in anyone with a pre-existing heart condition (known or not), excessive caffeine can trigger fast and [irregular heart rhythms](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/heart-palpitations), which could lead to sudden cardiac arrest. So, if you have an irregular heartbeat, feel dizzy or faint, a visit to the emergency room is in order. Dizziness can indicate your body is not pumping enough blood to your brain. You can also make an appointment with your primary care doctor to get looked at if your symptoms aren’t too overwhelming (and don’t include dizziness) but are still worrying you. And discuss your caffeine intake with a doctor if you have a pre-existing arrhythmia or seizure disorder, as caffeine can trigger these conditions. ## Caffeine can contribute to anxiety It’s caffeine’s effect on your nervous system that produces the jitters. But if you have a predisposition to anxiety, that jitteriness can make you feel even more anxious. Especially for people already dealing with anxiety, “excess caffeine intake can contribute to increased anxiety and unease,” says Dr. He. Any heart symptoms you experience can add to this anxiety, especially because when people feel their heart thumping, it can only increase their concern. So if you are predisposed to anxiety or panic attacks, caffeine may exacerbate those feelings. That means you’re probably not having a heart attack but having a hard time [telling the difference between a heart attack and anxiety](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/your-chest-pain-heart-attack-or-anxiety). ## What you can do to feel better Like recovering from a hangover, you’ll have to wait out your caffeine overdose to get over it completely, generally around 4 to 6 hours. But while you’re waiting (anxiously), here are a few things that might help. **No more caffeine.** Don’t consume any more caffeine today, not to state the obvious. And don’t absentmindedly nosh on your usual midafternoon chocolate-covered snack bar by mistake. **Drink plenty of water.** Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that you need to drink extra water to make up for what you’re peeing out. You don’t want to add dehydration to the unpleasantness. **Replace electrolytes.** If you have been sick to your stomach or have diarrhea, you’re losing not only water but also electrolytes. You can replace those with an electrolyte replacement solution like Pedialyte. **Take a walk.** If you feel a lot of pent-up energy, take a walk to expend some of it. But if you notice anything unusual happening to your heart rate — like a sudden rapid increase — then stop. **[Practice deep breathing](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/stress/why-deep-breathing-makes-you-feel-so-chill).** If you’re anxious, chances are your breathing is fast and shallow — which will further increase your anxiety. Take slow, deep, deliberate breaths to bring your breathing back to normal and reduce anxiety. Dr. He also recommends [meditation](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being/science-behind-meditation) and practicing [healthy sleep habits](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/rest/7-ways-sleep-better-tonight) as two additional ways to combat your caffeine overkill. On the bright side, unless you have a cardiac side-effect, chances are you will recover with no permanent damage. So don’t beat yourself up too badly. And like most things in life, the key to caffeine is to not overdo it. “In general, moderation promotes a balanced, healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. He. Maybe we’ll skip that afternoon americano — at least for today. *Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 18, 2019. It has been reviewed and updated with new info. Vanessa Raymond and Heather Logue contributed to this article.*
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