1. CAFFEINE: a history, pharmacology and effects 03 September 2013 © AWDTS 2013

3. History  most widely used psychoactive drug  found in more than 60 species of plants  coffee, tea, cocoa beverages, chocolate, soft drinks  1500 BC – tea in China  13 th C - coffee in Arabia  16 th C – tea in Europe  17 th C – coffee Europe  20 th C – energy soft drinks © AWDTS 2013

4. The Dangers of Energy Drinks  Increased use & incidents among U-18s  High & unregulated amounts of caffeine  Serious adverse effects including:  Seizures  Diabetes  Cardiac abnormalities  Mood & behavioural disorders  Caffeine overdoses © AWDTS 2013

5. Top 10 Dangers  Cardiac arrest  Insomnia  Diabetes  Drug interaction  Headaches and migraines © AWDTS 2013

6. Top 10 Dangers  Risky behaviour  Anxiety  Vomiting & reflux  Addiction  Allergic reactions © AWDTS 2013

7. Conclusions  No therapeutic benefit in energy drinks  Many ingredients understudied  Not regulated  Psychoactive drug of dependence  Potentially serious adverse effects  Long-term research required © AWDTS 2013

8. Conclusions  Psychiatrists rarely assess caffeine abuse  Symptoms overlap psychiatric disorders:  Exacerbation of anxiety & sleep disorders  Eating disorders  Increase anxiety, hostility & psychotic symptoms  Antagonised adenosine receptors exacerbate psychosis  Provide decaf beverages on psychiatric wards © AWDTS 2013

9. Conclusions Health authorities required to:  Increase public awareness  Improve package labelling, warnings  Regulate caffeine content © AWDTS 2013