Can You Get Enough ... ?

Can you overdose on the caffeine in coffee?

An acute overdose of caffeine, usually in excess of 250 milligrams (more than 2-3 cups of brewed coffee), can result in a state of central nervous system overstimulation called caffeine intoxication. Symptoms may include restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, flushing of the face, increased urination, gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle twitching, a rambling flow of thought and speech, irregular or rapid heart beat, and psychomotor agitation. In cases of extreme overdose, death can result. A lethal dose of caffeine is estimated to be about 150 to 200 milligrams per kilogram of body mass, roughly 140 to 180 cups of coffee over a short period. Though achieving this lethal dose with coffee alone would be exceptionally difficult, there have been reported deaths from intentional overdosing on caffeine pills.