Perhaps many of us use this drug as a means of staying alert at work or during long or night drives. Others of us may be hopelessly “addicted” to our four-to-five cokes per day! All of us have used caffeine in one form or another for its drug effect — stimulation of the nervous system. So how should we feel about it’s use?

In mild or small doses, caffeine will, indeed, keep the nervous system more alert. In larger doses, however, such as found in over-the-counter pills which are sold to keep one awake, irritability, shakiness and poor judgment can be the result. As you can imagine, these symptoms could lead to accidents. Also, the bladder is stimulated and leads to more “pit stops”! Finally, heart palpitations or skipped beats can be caused in certain people, which can occasionally be dangerous.

How much is too much caffeine? Since we are all so different, the best advice is to stop when you begin to get edgy, shaky or irritable.

On the subject of coffee, there are many unfounded rumors and stories. To the relief of coffee drinkers everywhere, coffee has not been proven to cause any disease of the heart or otherwise, or cancer. Studies have not been proven to show any benefit for decaff over regular for cancer, heart or other problems.

My best advice is to moderate your caffeine intake, don’t rely on it to keep you awake, get adequate rest and see your family doctor if you feel you have a medical problem.