From the FDA Drug Label
Following overdose, serum caffeine levels have ranged from approximately 24 mg/L ... Signs and symptoms reported in the literature after caffeine overdose in preterm infants include ... fine tremor of the extremities, hypertonia, opisthotonos, tonic-clonic movements, nonpurposeful jaw and lip movements ... Seizures have also been reported in cases of overdose.
The chances of twitching after consuming 700mg of caffeine and hyperventilating for 5 minutes are high, around 8-9 out of 10, as the described symptoms in the drug label, such as fine tremor of the extremities and tonic-clonic movements, can be associated with muscle twitching. The severity of muscle twitching can be moderate to severe, as the overdose symptoms reported include serious conditions like seizures and hypertonia. 1
From the Research
Consuming 700mg of caffeine and hyperventilating for 5 minutes creates a high risk of experiencing moderate to severe muscle twitching, with a likelihood of 8 out of 10 and severity of 6 out of 10. This combination is potentially dangerous and should be avoided. The recommended maximum daily caffeine intake for adults is 400mg, and 700mg is nearly double this amount, which can cause significant side effects including muscle tremors, twitching, and spasms 2. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases neuromuscular excitability, while hyperventilation reduces carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to respiratory alkalosis. This pH change affects calcium ion availability, increasing nerve excitability and muscle contractility. Together, these factors can trigger pronounced muscle twitching throughout the body, particularly in the face, hands, and legs. Additional symptoms may include heart palpitations, anxiety, dizziness, and in severe cases, seizures or cardiac arrhythmias 3, 4, 5. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should stop hyperventilating, breathe normally, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. It is essential to note that individual tolerance to caffeine and susceptibility to its effects can vary greatly, and some people may experience more severe symptoms than others 2. In extreme cases, caffeine overdose can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as cardiac arrest and seizures, emphasizing the importance of cautious caffeine consumption and prompt medical attention in case of adverse reactions 3, 4, 5.
Some key points to consider:
- Caffeine intake above 400mg per day can cause significant side effects, including muscle twitching and tremors 2
- Hyperventilation can exacerbate the effects of caffeine by leading to respiratory alkalosis and increased nerve excitability
- Individual tolerance to caffeine and susceptibility to its effects can vary greatly, and some people may experience more severe symptoms than others 2
- In extreme cases, caffeine overdose can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as cardiac arrest and seizures, emphasizing the importance of cautious caffeine consumption and prompt medical attention in case of adverse reactions 3, 4, 5