Tingling Hands and Feet From Too Much Caffeine

Caffeine neuropathy is uncommon, though caffeine does induce other side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, insomnia and more. Tingling hands and feet caused by neuropathy, is often associated with other substances, conditions and diseases.

Multitudes of people take in caffeine every day: to improve concentration, keep awake, heighten focus. But how much caffeine is too much and what are the side effects of high doses? According to Mayo Clinic, you should have no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. That amounts to about four cups of coffee, ten cans of Coca-Cola and around two energy shot drinks.

If you're drinking too much coffee every day, you may experience side effects, such as an upset stomach, restlessness and irritability, insomnia, a migraine headache, rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors and more, says Mayo Clinic. What's more, caffeine should be avoided by children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those taking certain medications.

A May 2017 review in Frontiers in Psychiatry, concludes that though caffeine is safe in normal doses, it can be harmful when consumed in high doses, with alcoholic beverages or for certain individuals, such as those with a mental illness.

Read more: Long-Term Effects of Caffeine

Tingling of the extremities is not considered to be one of the many side effects of drinking caffeine. However, according to MedlinePlus, other substances, such as alcohol and certain medications, can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which may then trigger a tingling sensation.

Long-term heavy alcohol use, for example, can ultimately lead to nerve damage. Moreover, drugs that treat cancer, infections, seizures and high blood pressure, as well as glue, lead and mercury, could increase your risk of neuropathy.

In short, caffeine neuropathy is unlikely. The tingling and numbness may be due to other factors, or you may be experiencing similar side effects to tingling, such as dizziness or muscle tremors.

Hands tingling after an energy drink? Perhaps you're simply experiencing the jitters or have induced the sensation through other means, such as staying in the same position for too long. If the feeling of numbness or tingling persists, you should consult your doctor.

Read more: What Really Happens to Your Body When You Have Caffeine?

Another article by MedlinePlus details the many causes of numbness and tingling in your fingers, hands, feet, arms and legs. Among them:

• Animal bites, as well as insect, tick, mite and spider bites.
• Abnormal calcium, potassium or sodium levels or lack of vitamin B12.
• Pressure on the peripheral nerves.
• Sitting or standing in the same position for too long.
• Nerve injury — according to MedlinePlus, a neck injury may cause numbness in the hand or arm, while a back injury could cause numbness or tingling the back of your leg.
• Nerve damage caused by chemotherapy, alcohol or tobacco.
• Certain medication.
• Lack of blood supply to a certain area.
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes, seizures, migraines, multiple sclerosis, stroke, underactive thyroid and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of numbness, according to Mayo Clinic, include damage, compression and irritation of nerves. There are several conditions, diseases and injuries that can trigger numbness. Be sure to consult your doctor to get to the root of your discomfort.