Caffeine is an alkaloid found in a number of plants, including cola nuts, tea, cacao beans, mate, coffee and others. This stimulant, isolated in 1821, has effects that include stimulation of the CNS, cardiac muscle, and respiratory system, and overall feelings of being alert and wakefull. While there is a dependence potential, it is small compaired to other drugs, but worth considering if you are a daily coffee drinker. Coffee can cause stomach irritation as well as headaces, heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and bladder irritation. It is really quite irritating on the entire gastrointestinal track in general. In addition to coffee, caffeine can be found in many teas and in trace amounts in chocolate. Theobromine and theophylline are close chemical relative of caffeine and are found in both teas and, to a larger extent, in chocolate. Theobromine, theophylline and caffeine are 100% legal.
Caffeine information (Erowid)
