Do caffeine pills really work? Or, are they bad for your health?

Question

I was thinking about taking some caffeine pills made by Long's Drugs. I was thinking about taking them during the weekday mornings because I wake up really early on weekdays mornings Monday-Thursdays to attend my morning college math class. I tried coffee and that does not seem to do the trick. So, I was wondering if caffeine pills made by Long's Drugs work? Or, are they bad for your health?

Answer 1

Caffeine pills aren't any more harmful than coffee just so long as it is done in moderation (as is anything really). The only difference between the pills and coffee are that you're doing it all in one shot rather than sipping it over a 10-15 minute timespan. Personally, I like the pills, because it's the quick jolt that wakes me up, rather than the slow rise you get with coffee, plus you don't get the darkened teeth and bad breath. The only reason they seem to get the bad rep healthwise is because society at large seems to have a negative stigma toward pills verses a social beverage like coffee, but in actuality they can both be abused in the exact same way.

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking to see if the pills you're looking at are right for you:

check the dosage
100mg = one cup of coffee
200mg = two cups of coffee
etc....

Try the 100mg pills first to see what effect it has. If it works to keep you alert, then that's great, stick with them. They're a low dose, so it doesn't hurt to use them fairly regularly (1 or 2 a day is all you probably need).

Only use the 200mg pills in case of a unique circumstance like pulling an all nighter. Don't use those too regularly or it can eventually lead to dependency.

Also IMPORTANT: stay away from anything with ephedrine in it. Ephedrine is known to lead to adverse effects for your heart and nervous system. In fact, the FDA was considering banning products containing it years back after finding it may have resulted in the deaths of a few people.

Hope that helps

Answer 2

I have also used caffeine pills, but not the ones made by Long's Drugs. The brand I use is called "Wake ups" and each pill is equivalent to 2 cups of coffee. I have been guilty of using several in a day (up to 6 on really bad days). They helped keep me alert during the day without feeling "jumpy", but with extended use came pain in the joints of my hands, stomach cramps and frequent diarrhea.

I complained to my doctor about feeling tired as I have had problems with Pernicious Anemia in the past. But he insists that my anemia isn't the problem. He suggests getting cardio-vascular exercise, as well as getting adequate sleep and managing stress.

Once in a while, a caffeine pill or two may be necessary, but it shouldn't be part of your regular diet.

Answer 3

For me, it works, but.. it can caus overdoes...

Caffeine is a drug that in large amounts, especially over an extended period of time, can lead to a condition termed "caffeinism". Caffeinism usually combines physical addiction with a wide range of unpleasant physical and mental conditions including nervousness, irritability, anxiety, tremulousness, muscle twitching, insomnia, heart palpitations and hyperreflexia.[28] Furthermore, because caffeine increases the production of stomach acid, high usage over time can lead to peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.[29] However, since both "regular" and decaffeinated coffees have also been shown to stimulate the gastric mucosa and increase stomach acid secretion, caffeine is probably not the only component of coffee responsible.[30]

Answer 4

Yes caffeine pills work, I've taken them many times before.

Answer 5

They seem as though it might be bad for your health. I know drinks, and stuff with alot of caffeine is bad for you, so I doubt pills are any different.

Answer 6

Caffeine pills are like drinking a lot of coffee at once. You will be awake but jumpy.

Answer 7

One caffeine pill is usually equal to 6 cups of coffee. I once took one and was so wired I couldn't concentrate. It makes you very jumpy and may cause your heart to race. It's not good to take them every day. Try eating candies during the class....the sugar usually wakes you up and makes the class less boring! Or if you feel like you're falling asleep get up and take a walk in the hallways or something.

Answer 8

They do work, however you want to be EXTREMELY careful about how you use them. I have personally seen a guy become so dependant on caffeene pills that he had to take them once every two hours. Not something I'd ever like to see happen to anyone else.

Answer 9

Yes, they work for most people, but so does coffee and yes using them for a long time is probably bad for your health.

Why don't you try going to bed earlier and maybe going for a walk to get your blood flowing before class. Also, drinking water helps me wake up.

Answer 10

Well, they're not the greatest thing for you, but one a day to help you through those morning classes is fine. No different than a couple of cups of coffee.