Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant drug naturally found in many plants, such as coffee, cocoa, and tea. It reduces tiredness and increases alertness by blocking a chemical produced by the body to signal fatigue.
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Who is it for?
People over the age of 16 years can use caffeine to increase alertness, reduce fatigue and malaise, and enhance pain relief when used with acetaminophen.
How does it work?
Caffeine works by blocking the actions of adenosine, a natural chemical the body produces to signal tiredness. It can be purchased in tablet form either as synthetic caffeine or as guarana (plant-based caffeine).
Pharmacist recommended products
Should anyone avoid taking it?
Caffeine should not be used by children under 12 years when it is found in cold, flu, or pain relief products. Caffeine alone is not recommended for use by anyone under 16 years. Caffeine should also be used with caution in those taking stimulant attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication as it can increase the side effects of their medication.
Are there any side effects?
As with any medication, some people are bound to get some unwanted side effects. Some of the common ones include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, nausea, headaches, and diarrhea.
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