Millions of people consume caffeine everyday to increase wakefulness, improve concentration and alleviate fatigue.

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea leaves, kola nuts and cocoa beans, as well as cold medications, over the counter pain relievers and diet pills.

Caitlin Lewis, a freshman communications major, said she drinks two or three sodas a day. Although she does not drink coffee or energy drinks, she said she does drink a lot of tea.

She is not concerned with the health risks, even though her doctor told her to drink more water.

“I probably should care more than I do,” Lewis said.

For most healthy adults, it is safe to have up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day. That is roughly the amount in four cups of coffee, two energy drinks or ten cans of soda. Adolescents should not use more than 100 milligrams of caffeine a day.

Using more than 500 milligrams a day can have negative side effects like nervousness, restlessness, irritability, upset stomach, and muscle tremors. Overuse of caffeine can also cause headaches and migraines. Consuming caffeine late in the day can interfere with sleep and even cause insomnia.

Caffeine causes mild physical dependence. If someone who uses caffeine regularly stopped abruptly, he or she could experience headache, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

Caffeine is a drug, and like any other substance, it can affect people differently. Consumers should understand how it interacts with their bodies.

Consuming caffeine can cause high blood pressure in people with hypertension. It can also impair glucose metabolism for people with type 2 diabetes.

Women have added risks from caffeine consumption. It can reduce a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant by about 27%, according to the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Additionally, in some studies, women who consumed large amounts of caffeine had an increased risk for miscarriage.

People should be careful when using caffeine with other substances. Some antibiotics interfere with the breakdown of caffeine, which may increase the length of time it remains in the body and amplify its effects.

Echinacea, an herbal supplement used to prevent colds, increases the concentration of caffeine in the blood, which also increases its effects as well.

Sophomore communication major Dakota Ratley said that he does not use caffeine regularly. He does not drink coffee or energy drinks. However, he said he does take a 5-Hour Energy Shot about once a month. He said he will probably need one during finals week. Ratley is not concerned with the health risks because he is “too young to worry about it.”

He said he will probably need one during finals week. Ratley is not concerned with the health risks because he is “too young to worry about it.”

In order to avoid withdrawal, people who want to change their caffeine consumption should do so gradually. Keeping up with exactly how much caffeine is consumed daily is a good way to start cutting back.

Drinking one less soda a day, opting for a smaller cup of coffee and avoiding caffeine consumption late in the day will help the body get used to lower levels of caffeine. Choosing decaf alternatives is also beneficial.

When making tea, brew it for less time because this cuts down its caffeine content. Some herbal teas have less caffeine than others, and many have none at all.

Caffeine carries a number of health risks, but like most things, it is safe when used in moderation.