From the Guidelines
There is no safe dose of caffeine or nicotine specifically to induce muscle twitching, as intentionally causing muscle twitches is not medically recommended. Muscle twitching (fasciculations) from these substances is actually a side effect of overstimulation and can indicate toxicity. For caffeine, most adults can safely consume up to 400mg daily (about 4 cups of coffee) without significant adverse effects, as recommended by the DGA 1, while nicotine has no established safe level as it's highly addictive and toxic. Consuming excessive amounts of either substance to cause muscle twitching would mean exceeding safe limits, potentially causing serious side effects including anxiety, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, insomnia, and in severe cases, seizures or cardiac issues. These substances affect the nervous system by stimulating neurotransmitter release and increasing nerve firing, which at high levels can disrupt normal muscle control. Some studies have investigated the effects of caffeine and nicotine on muscle and nerve function, including the use of caffeine in diagnostic tests for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility 1. However, these studies do not support the use of these substances to intentionally induce muscle twitching. If you're experiencing involuntary muscle twitches, this warrants medical evaluation rather than self-medication with stimulants. Nicotine's toxicity and potential for addiction are well-documented, with symptoms of acute nicotine toxicity including mild to severe effects, and large exposures can be fatal 1. The highly addictive nature of nicotine and its toxic effects on the body, including potential links to various diseases and conditions, are also highlighted in other research 1. Given the potential risks and lack of medical benefit, it is not recommended to consume caffeine or nicotine for the purpose of inducing muscle twitching. Instead, any concerns about muscle twitching or other symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and advice.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Caffeine and Nicotine Effects
- Caffeine has been shown to induce muscle twitching, with studies indicating that it can potentiate twitches in frog single muscle fibers 2 and isolated rat soleus muscle 3.
- The safe dose of caffeine that can induce muscle twitching is not explicitly stated, but a study found that twitch tension was potentiated at concentrations between 0.01 and 2.5 mM caffeine, with a peak of 150% of resting tension at 0.5 mM 3.
- Nicotine, on the other hand, has been found to have no significant effect on skeletal muscle characteristics, including contractile, enzyme-histochemical, and biochemical properties, after prolonged exposure 4.
- There is some evidence to suggest that caffeine consumption can affect nicotine consumption, with coffee-drinking cigarette smokers taking in more nicotine when they ingest almost no caffeine than when they ingest an amount of caffeine ranging from 75 mg to 300 mg 5.
- However, there is no clear evidence to suggest a safe dose of nicotine that can induce muscle twitching, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of nicotine on muscle twitching.
Interaction between Caffeine and Nicotine
- The interaction between caffeine and nicotine is complex, and more research is needed to fully understand how they affect each other and muscle twitching.
- A study found that caffeine consumption can affect nicotine consumption, but the exact mechanisms and effects are not well understood 5.
- Another study found that caffeine has ergogenic effects, while nicotine has some preliminary evidence as an ergogenic aid, but further study is required 6.