Seizures caffeine

Caffeine in overdose also acts as a nonselective antagonist of neuronal adenosine receptors that may lead to seizures. Caffeine is also a mild diuretic and it stimulates gastric acid secretion, respiration, and lipolysis. 

Very high doses of caffeine can induce seizures in those with no preexisting seizure disorder. Caffeine also prolongs seizures induced by electroconvulsive treatment in humans (Shapira et al. 1987). Given the... 

Use of caffeine has also been recommended to lower the threshold in patients who do not experience an adequate seizure (104,105 and 106). One report, however, found that caffeine appeared to produce neuronal damage in rats receiving ECS (107). Because adenosine may have neuroprotective effects, one postulated mechanism is the ability of methyixanthines (e.g., caffeine, theophylline) to block adenosine receptors. On a positive note, studies have not found a difference in cognitive disruption between patients receiving ECT with or without caffeine (108). Although the implications of the animal data for humans are not clear, and because shorter seizures may be effective in some patients, a conservative approach would be to augment with caffeine only when seizure duration is less than 20 seconds and response is inadequate ( 38). Alternatively, it may be appropriate to switch to BILAT electrode placement or from methohexital to etomidate when UND electrode stimulation produces inadequate seizure duration (even at maximal stimulus intensity) and response is insufficient ( 97, 98). 

Enhancement with intravenous caffeine sodium benzoate (500 to 2,000 mg) given 5 to 10 minutes before the seizure induction (106)... 

Enns M, Peeling J, Sutherland GR. Hippocampal neurons are damaged by caffeine-augmented electroshock seizures. Biol Psychiatry 1996 40 642-647. 

Anxiety is characterized by fear and apprehension that may or may not be associated with a cieariy identifiabie stimuius. Anxiety is a common reaction to significant life stress, is seen in conjunction with almost every psychiatric disorder, and is a common component of numerous organic disorders as well (e.g., hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, pheochromocytoma, complex partial seizures, pulmonary disorders, acute myocardial infarction, caffeine intoxication, various substances of abuse). Anxiety is almost invariably accompanied by physical symptoms such as the following ... 

An example of a potentially important drug interaction is that which occurs when fluvoxamine is given along with theophyllin (Figure 6—13). In that case, the theo-phyllin dose must be lowered or else the blood levels of theophyllin will rise and possibly cause side effects, even toxic side effects such as seizures. The same may occur with caffeine. Fluvoxamine also affects the metabolism of atypical anti-psychotics. 

Tea also contains caffeine, so anyone who is very sensitive to caffeine s effects (which may include jitteriness and upset stomach, or, in severe cases, seizure and irregular heart rhythms) should steer clear of green tea. The same is true for anyone taking drugs to prevent blood clotting, such as the drug warfarin. This is because small amounts of vitamin K in the tea can reduce the effectiveness of this kind of drug. 

Fluvoxamine administered with either caffeine or theophylline can thus cause jitteriness, excessive stimulation, or rarely seizures, so concomitant use should proceed cautiously... 

Insomnia, anxiety, tachycardia, and tremor are among the symptoms most commonly reported with caffeine (11). Tenseness and irritability also occur and, with high intake, symptoms resembhng those of anxiety neurosis (12). A case of caffeine psychosis has also been reported (13). Dose-response associations have not been particularly well studied, but some are known (SEDA-7, 6). Paradoxically, six cases have been reported of pathological sleepiness induced by caffeine (14). Tonic-clonic seizures occurred postpartum in a woman who had... 

Great stress, to ensure efficacy, is put on those products containing stimulants, such as caffeine or ephedra, to those on a diet, workout often, or under the age of 18. These products can cause long-term stress to the body if used for extensive amounts of time. Ephedra arises in the concern of the FDA because of the mechanism of ephedra in the human body. The adrenaline-like stimulant can cause dangerous effects to the nervous system and heart. Some of these effects include heart attack, seizure, stroke, and even death. There must be caution because the risk can increase with the dose, and with strenuous exercise. It specifies certain groups (such as women who are pregnant or breast feeding) who should never use these products and lists other conditions, such as diseases and the use of certain medications that rule out the use of ephedrine alkaloids. 

A number of heroin seizures in Munsterland (G.F.R.) were analyzed by Bohn et al. with glass capillary gas chromatography. With a 12 m long column by 0.3 mn I.D. coated with Triton X 350 and temperature programming (200-250°C) a good separation was obtained for heroin, 6-0-acetylmorphine, morphine, acetyl codeine, caffeine and the internal standard, dotriacon-tan. The heroin samples contained heroin (19.1-58.2 %), 6-0-acetylmorphine (1.0-7.3 %), acetylcodeine (2.4-9.8 %), caffeine (26.5-64.3 %) and strychnine (0-1.26 %). 

CAF = Anticonvulsant activity against caffeine-induced seizures in animals... 

Take safety precautions because the patient is at risk for tetany and seizures. Tell the patient to refrain from alcohol and caffeine because they inhibit calcium absorption. 

A. The earliest symptoms of acute caffeine poisoning are usually anorexia, tremor, and restlessness. These are followed by nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, and confusion. With serious intoxication, delirium, seizures, supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia may occur. Hypotension is caused by excessive beta-2-mediated vasodilation and is characterized by a low diastolic pressure and a wide pulse pressure. 

IV. Diagnosis is suggested by the history of caffeine exposure or the constellation of nausea, vomiting, tremor, tachycardia, seizures, and hypokalemia (also consider theophylline see p 354). 

A. Specific levels. Semm caffeine levels are not routinely available in hospital laboratories but can be determined at commercial toxicology laboratories. Toxic concentrations may be detected by cross-reaction with theophylline assays (see Table 1-33, p 44). Coffee drinkers have caffeine levels of 1-10 m L, while levels of 80 mg/L have been associated with death. The level associated with a high likelihood of seizures is unknown. 

D. Enhanced elimination. Repeat-dose activated charcoal (see p 57) may enhance caffeine elimination. Seriously intoxicated patients (with multiple seizures, significant tachyarrhythmias, or intractable hypotension) may require hemodialysis or charcoal hemoperfusion (see p 55). 

Ma huang Ephedrine (various Ephedra spp.) Stimulant athletic performance enhancement appetite suppressant Insomnia hypertension, tachycardia psychosis, seizures (see Caffeine, p 142). 

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