However, most of the research on caffeine examines the effects of the caffeine present in coffee. Because of this, scientists often find it difficult to separate the benefits of caffeine from the benefits of the other substances in coffee, such as antioxidants.

Caffeine is a popular way to improve alertness and concentration when studying or working. Research supports its effectiveness for these reasons. A study examined the effects of pills containing mg of caffeine on memory in adults.

The researchers found that those who took caffeine pills during a learning task did better on memory tests 24 hours later compared with those who took a placebo. A review study of 21 meta-analyses indicates that taking caffeine can improve exercise performance by affecting muscle strength and endurance.

However, the NCAA has banned the use of caffeine before competitions. Taking approximately mg — or 6 to 8 cups of brewed coffee — between 2 and 3 hours before a competition is enough to result in a positive urine drug test.

The FDA has approved caffeine for use with pain relievers to treat migraine headaches. Some migraine medications contain caffeine, such as Excedrin and Midol. However, according to the American Migraine Foundation , people should limit caffeine to a maximum of 2 days per week for treating headaches.

It appears that consuming caffeine three or more times weekly could increase migraine frequency. Some people prefer to take their caffeine in pill form, while others would rather consume it through coffee or tea.

For those that do not enjoy the taste of coffee, caffeine pills could provide some similar benefits. Caffeine pills may be more convenient for those who do not have access to a bathroom for long periods, including bus drivers and security personnel.

While caffeine in any form acts a diuretic and increases urine output, coffee may cause a more significant increase because it is liquid. Also, caffeine pills make it easier to take in more caffeine faster.

While this may be beneficial for some people, it also increases the risk of caffeine overdose, which causes anxiety , rapid heart rate, and other symptoms. Coffee is acidic and can cause heartburn and exacerbate the symptoms of GERD. Caffeine pills may be a better option for those prone to reflux, but caffeine can still cause heartburn in some people.

Aside from caffeine, coffee contains high levels of antioxidants that may be responsible for some of its health benefits.

People taking caffeine pills instead of drinking coffee will miss out on this antioxidant boost. On the other hand, coffee contains coffee oils, such as cafestol and kahweol. These oils may increase cholesterol levels in people who drink a lot of coffee.

Caffeine pills are free from coffee oils and may not have these same effects. Caffeine can cause adverse effects, especially if people consume it in large quantities, or if they have a caffeine sensitivity.

These effects include:. Read more about the signs of a caffeine overdose. People can also experience caffeine dependency if they regularly consume caffeine — even 1 cup a day may lead to dependence. This dependency can also lead to withdrawal symptoms if the person suddenly avoids caffeine.

Not everyone who takes caffeine daily will experience dependency or withdrawal symptoms. Caffeine may not be suitable for everyone.

For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children and adolescents avoid caffeine and other stimulants. According to a study , high intakes of caffeine during adolescence can cause permanent changes in the brain that may increase anxiety in adulthood.

The FDA advise that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive talk to their doctor about their caffeine intake. Generally, caffeine pills contain — mg of caffeine per serving.

People can usually take up to mg per day without adverse side effects. However, some people are much more sensitive to caffeine than others. The dosage for caffeine pills will vary depending on the brand of pills a person uses. Individuals should always follow the package instructions and never exceed the recommended dosage.

People should also consider timing when they take caffeine pills. Taking them in the late afternoon or evening may impact sleep. It can take 4—6 hours for the body to metabolize half the caffeine they take in. They are "more accessible or portable than coffee, and some people don't like the taste of coffee or tea," Cynthia Sass, RD , a contributing nutrition editor, told Health.

Some research has suggested that caffeine can be helpful for physical activity performance. One small study compared the effects of caffeine pill use and placebo use on sprinting ability in non-athletes. The researchers found that participants who were supplemented with milligrams mg of caffeine had reduced sprint times.

Other possible benefits of using caffeine pills may be that:. Caffeine tablets may have side effects, which depend on variables like type, dosage, frequency of use, and medication interactions.

Additionally, taking the pills has general risks, like caffeine toxicity, and can be riskier for some individuals than others. Side effects depend on how sensitive you are to caffeine's effects, and how quickly you break down the substance.

High doses of caffeine can have side effects like feeling agitated, high blood pressure, and palpitations. You should check with a healthcare provider immediately if the above symptoms occur or if you show signs of overdose, which include:.

Caffeine can also be toxic if you take in too much too quickly. Serious effects, including seizures, have been linked to rapid consumption of about 1,mg.

Even though consuming up to mg of caffeine daily—about four or five cups of coffee—is generally considered safe, it doesn't mean it's a healthy habit.

It is possible to develop a dependence on caffeine pills, Ryan D. Andrews, RD, author of "A Guide to Plant-Based Eating," told Health. Consuming higher doses can be risky for:.

Consuming high doses of caffeine can also be fatal. The FDA had also given several manufacturers warnings over pure and highly concentrated caffeine in liquid or powder forms after noting just two deaths caused by that type of caffeine. Sass said while every type of pill is made differently, most have between and mg of caffeine.

The following table includes comparisons between caffeine pills and other sources of caffeine. Also, know that caffeine supplements may not provide the same beneficial compounds that you might get from natural caffeine sources.

For example, L-theanine , a compound helpful for attention, can be found in green and black teas. Before taking caffeine pills, talk with a healthcare provider to see if they are right for you. It can be easier to consume too much caffeine with caffeine pills, especially if you eat or drink other caffeine sources.

Some medications may also interact with caffeine tablets. Also, you shouldn't use caffeine pills daily; only take them occasionally. Follow the instructions on the bottle. For example, you might have to take half or a whole pill no more than every three to four hours. People with the following conditions shouldn't use caffeine pills:.

Caffeine pills are an option if you're looking for an energy boost and may not or don't want to drink coffee. There are some potential benefits like improved exercise performance or decreased sugar intake when taking caffeine pills.

However, caffeine pill use could also result in side effects like rapid heartbeat, agitation, and nervousness if you have too much caffeine. Whatever your life goals may be, Mind Lab Pro® is the best dietary supplement you can take.

It is one formula that optimizes the whole brain — so it can help with mental focus, give a stim-free energy boost, and even promote other health benefits for the brain, specifically. Mind Lab Pro supplies 11 nootropics, including B-Vitamins, L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine we discussed above.

But that's the start of this formula's impressive caffeine complements. Some of the other nootropics in Mind Lab Pro that may work especially well with caffeine pills include:. The best overall nootropic, citicoline has been shown in human research to boost brain energy production by It has also been suggested to improve mental energy, memory, attention, reaction time, concentration and focus.

Citicoline may play a role in raising production of dopamine and norepinephrine. These brain chemicals are associated with motivation and mental performance; bioactivities that appear to be closely related to the get-up-and-go effects many people associate with caffeine pills or drinking a cup of coffee.

More on Mind Lab Pro ® Citicoline. PS is the best nootropic for memory. It also supports stress resistance and enhances sports performance, benefits that pair well with caffeine pills for athletes seeking a pre-workout energy boost.

This nootropic has also been linked to benefits for attention and concentration, as well as for language and communication skills. Many people who take caffeine pills for these exact benefits may consider stacking on PS for a potential additive effect.

More on Mind Lab Pro ® Phosphatidylserine. Its research backed benefits for improving speed of visual information processing pairs well with caffeine's impact of alertness and mental processing agility. Bacopa monnieri's additional anti-stress and mood-balancing benefits make it an ideal nootropic for those in academics who are using caffeine pills for studying or test-taking purposes.

As an adaptogen, like Rhodiola, Bacopa also helps to regulate hormones and keep your entire system in balance, potentially supporting a smoother caffeine stimulation state.

More on Mind Lab Pro ® Bacopa Monnieri. This adaptogen herb blunts hormones to strengthen resistance to stress, thereby optimizing mind-body performance. Rhodiola has been suggested to promote concentration, energy, physical intensity, mood and work capacity.

Rhodiola is associated with an active, stimulated brain state, even without using any stimulatory pathways. Researchers suggest it may have benefits for physical performance and mental performance.

Rhodiola is a flat-out performance enhancer that provides caffeine-like benefits for energy and focus, minus the stimulation.

So can you imagine what happens when you stack it with caffeine pills? This herb has been traditionally used in work settings, as well as reputedly used by Russian Olympic athletes.

So it makes sense as a caffeine topper for those who use the stimulant for purposes related to productivity and athletic performance. More on Mind Lab Pro ® Rhodiola Rosea. This antioxidant complex helps protect the brain and cerebral blood vessels, as well as raising nitric oxide NO , a compound that relaxes blood vessels and enhances blood flow.

Maritime Pine Bark Extract dietary supplements are suggested to help promote mental energy, attention and long-range brain health. Maritime pine bark's support for robust circulation may also help to offset caffeine's blood vessel constricting effects, thereby promoting a more balanced stimulation state.

More on Mind Lab Pro ® Maritime Pine Bark Extract. Some of its quality features:. Mind Lab Pro® is the only nootropic supplement you will ever need. Take it for stim-free performance enhancement, or pair it with caffeine for synergistic performance benefits. Now, with Performance Lab Caffeine 2 , we have caffeine pills that are updated and enhanced for superior performance.

That means you can more effectively take caffeine for weight loss, studying, athletics or just for an energy boost. The real magic happens when you combine the best caffeine pill with the world's greatest nootropic stack. Adding Mind Lab Pro to Caffeine 2 reinforces several of its caffeine benefits -- such as for focus, attention, mental energy, processing speed -- via non-stimulant nootropic pathways.

Mind Lab Pro also supplies several brain health benefits, to help you bounce back faster, easier and more comfortably from stimulation-driven workouts or productivity sessions. To get the best deal on Performance Lab® Caffeine 2, click here. To get the best deal on Mind Lab Pro®, click here.

These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

This article is an opinion and explanation of current research given by the author. It is not an expression of a medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as such.

Get ahead of the game. Company: All Rights Reserved. The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Suitable for vegans: Contains NO soy, peanut, tree nuts, or wheat. Free of gluten, artificial additives, colors and preservatives.

Non-GMO and non-irradiated. Suggested Use: Take 2 to 4 capsules per day in the morning or early afternoon on an empty stomach.

Other Ingredients: NutriCaps® Pullulan Capsule, NuFlow® Rice Concentrate. I was surprised by the degree of statistical significance. We have submitted our findings to peer-reviewed scientific journals for publication. We are soon to begin work on the next phase. Dr Andrea Utley BA Hons , PGCE, PhD.

Reader in Motor Control and Development, University of Leeds. MLP® v4. Conducted by the University of Leeds in the UK.

Vali also claims it makes this product in the United States at a facility that complies with current good manufacturing practice CGMP guidelines.

The Genius Brand sells caffeine capsules using VitaShure microencapsulated sustained-release caffeine. The company writes that VitaShure caffeine delivers a quick energy boost that continues to release slowly over time.

It aims to avoid a caffeine crash. ProLab Advanced Caffeine is a high potency stimulant. It delivers mg of caffeine in each serving. The supplement also contains added calcium , offering 60 mg per serving. The company writes this supplement contains no other active ingredients and consists of only rice flour and a gelatin capsule.

This supplement is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to its gelatin content. Each serving delivers mg of caffeine extracted from coffee, along with mg of L-theanine. It also offers 10 mg of L-leucine.

It is an essential amino acid that helps regulate blood sugar and helps the body repair muscle and bone. The company claims this caffeine supplement can support focus and provides long lasting energy without a crash. The table below compares each product in this article for price, form, quantity, serving size, dosage, and more.

Caffeine pills may be suitable for people looking for a convenient natural stimulant and energizer. People may choose caffeine pills over other forms for several reasons.

Some people may not enjoy foods or beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee or tea. Others might not like to consume energy drinks, coffee, and tea as they may contain extra ingredients or calories.

People may also be looking for a higher relative dose of caffeine without drinking multiple cups of coffee for the same effect. They may be sensitive to acidic drinks, such as coffee, which may irritate the digestive tract.

A person can also combine caffeine pills with other ingredients to help enhance their stimulant effects. This may make them a more effective option for people looking for a strong boost.

Caffeine may be a useful substance as a fast-working natural stimulant. These effects are temporary. They only last as long as the caffeine remains in the body. The Food and Drug Administration FDA notes that caffeine consumption of up to milligrams mg per day is generally not associated with negative effects in healthy adults.

However, some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Each person will have a different tolerance level. There are some risks associated with taking caffeine, particularly at high levels and in people sensitive to the substance. Additionally, too much caffeine can overstimulate the body, causing side effects.

Some adverse effects of caffeine, especially in high doses, include :. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH notes there is a link between heavy caffeine consumption and issues such as:.

Large amounts of caffeine may also cause serious issues in the heart and blood vessels, including:. Children, teenagers, and young adults should avoid taking caffeine pills. This drug may harm the developing nervous and cardiovascular systems in young people.

Taking caffeine regularly and then suddenly discontinuing use may lead to temporary withdrawal symptoms, including :. A caffeine overdose is possible in people who take very high doses of caffeine. Extremely high amounts of this drug are toxic and can even be fatal.

Overdose symptoms include :. Anyone experiencing symptoms of an overdose should seek immediate medical attention. Caffeine pills allow a person to take their preferred caffeine dose easily.

People should follow the dosage instructions on each product and monitor any side effects or symptoms they experience. People sensitive to the effects of caffeine pills may need to lower their dosage or switch to a weaker product. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Even in people with a high caffeine tolerance, other ingredients in the pills may cause adverse effects.

People should also be aware of any potential interactions between caffeine and prescription and nonprescription drugs. A review notes that varying levels of caffeine can affect the absorption and effectiveness of certain substances, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and iron-rich food or supplements.

MedlinePlus states that people should contact a healthcare professional before consuming caffeine if they take certain prescription medications, such as:. Even if product labels claim their pills derive from natural ingredients, they can still pose a risk when taken with other medications.

People should speak with a healthcare professional before using any supplements. According to the FDA, adults can generally consume up to mg of caffeine , or around 4—5 cups of coffee, per day without experiencing dangerous or negative side effects.

However, some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others. Additionally, people who are trying to conceive, are pregnant , or are breastfeeding should contact a healthcare professional to discuss how much caffeine they can consume each day.

The FDA also warns that caffeine dietary supplements can be dangerous. Small amounts of pure or concentrated caffeine powder can lead to serious side effects and even death. For example, half a cup of highly concentrated caffeine powder contains similar amounts of caffeine to 20 cups of coffee.

One teaspoon of pure caffeine powder is equal to 28 cups of coffee. People should ensure that they carefully measure the amount of a supplement they consume and avoid pure or highly concentrated caffeine products that have the potential to cause harm.

Consuming too much caffeine can lead to serious side effects. The FDA has linked two deaths to pure and highly concentrated caffeine products in the United States.

People should remember that natural or herbal caffeine alternatives are not risk-free. They could still trigger potentially harmful drug interactions in people with health conditions or people who take prescription medications.

Discuss these with a doctor before taking any caffeine supplements or alternatives. In addition, the FDA does not regulate these products. Buyers should make sure they choose products that have gone through independent laboratory testing to verify their purity and safety.

Two potential alternatives to caffeine that can increase alertness are ginseng and maca. Ginseng is an herb that people have used for over 2, years for various reasons, including as a stimulant.

However, the NCCIH states that many studies investigating the effects of ginseng are of low quality, and more research is needed. Maca may also be beneficial for people who are sensitive to caffeine or for those who are looking for an alternative.

A study from suggests that maca may reduce tiredness. However, this research only investigated the effects of maca on people who have gone through menopause.

In a animal study , maca improved physical fatigue in mice by strengthening muscle structures. However, these results have not been replicated in humans.

As an alternative to drugs, people may benefit from the following to help them feel more awake and alert:. A person can consider discussing caffeine pills with a doctor if they are intending to take these on a regular basis. If a person develops any of the following side effects after taking caffeine pills, they should seek medical attention:.

Most people can safely consume up to mg of caffeine per day. Caffeine pills may be healthier than getting caffeine from other sources, such as energy drinks, as they may not contain sugar or other added ingredients. It is also easier to know how much caffeine a person has consumed.

Supplements will list the dose per serving on the product label. However, a person should discuss taking caffeine pills with a doctor before starting.

Caffeine pills can interact with medication and cause side effects. If a person needs caffeine pills to boost their energy, they can also discuss other ways to improve fatigue with a doctor, such as exercise and drinking water, which may be healthier than taking caffeine pills.

Additionally, people taking caffeine pills should limit the caffeine they consume from other sources, such as tea and coffee. People will react differently to varying doses of caffeine.

As such, the most effective caffeine pill for one person may not be effective for another. It will also depend on what effect a person would like to get from a caffeine pill. Some caffeine pills claim to aid concentration, while others aim to provide people with a boost of energy.

Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.

If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.

Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read the information carefully and make sure you understand it before taking this medicine.

If you have any questions, talk to your doctor. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine.

If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep from freezing. Your doctor will check your progress closely while you or your child are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription over-the-counter [OTC] medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.