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Original price €9,90

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Caffeine Boost · 120 capsules

13 reviews

GN Laboratories

Caffeine is probably the most common active ingredient when it comes to having more focus and energy during training or everyday life. In a number ...
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Original price €9,90 - Original price €9,90

Original price €9,90

€9,90

€9,90 - €9,90

Current price €9,90

| /

Caffeine (also known as caffeine or theine and teein) is a stimulant in stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola, mate, guarana, energy drinks and chocolate. It is one of the oldest, most effective and best tolerated stimulants. Caffeine is a white odorless powder or forms hexagonal prisms. It is a purine alkaloid. The correct chemical name is 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, the molecular formula is C8H10N4O2. People have known about the stimulating effect of caffeinated drinks for centuries. No wonder, because caffeine has a stimulating effect, drives away tiredness and increases both performance and motivation. In chemical terms, caffeine is methylxanthine and is found in a whole range of plants, such as the seeds of the coffee tree (Coffea), the leaves of the tea bush, in mate, in the cola nut and also in guarana seeds. Although caffeine, like alcohol, is often classified as a stimulant, on closer inspection it is more of a drug. The special thing about caffeine is that, unlike other plant-based drugs, it is produced by more than a hundred different plant species.

Contents in food, luxury foods and medicines

A cup of coffee contains around 50-150 mg
A small cup of espresso contains around 40 mg of caffeine.
A cup of tea can contain up to 50 mg, depending on how it is prepared. The caffeine found in tea used to be called teein, but chemically it is exactly the same substance as in coffee
energy drinks such as Red Bull (approx. 80 mg per can) and
Today, synthetically produced caffeine is added to cola drinks (with 30-60 mg/500 ml). In the past, cola drinks contained natural caffeine from the cola nut. In some cases, however, natural caffeine obtained from coffee decaffeination is also used.
Even cocoa contains a little caffeine at around 6 mg per cup, but mainly theobromine.
In chocolate, caffeine (milk chocolate approx. 15 mg/100 g, semi-sweet chocolate approx. 90 mg/100 g) is found alongside theobromine and other stimulating substances.
One tablet of "Aspirin forte" contains 50 mg of caffeine; normal aspirin contains no caffeine.

Main effects of caffeine

stimulates the central nervous system
increased heart activity, pulse rate increases
Increased blood pressure
bronchial dilation
diuretic (only from 300 mg/day)
stimulates the peristalsis of the intestines

How does caffeine work?

Inhibition of adenosine

In our brain, a high concentration of adenosine leads to a kind of resting state, which causes increasing tiredness. Caffeine has a stimulating effect as it blocks the adenosine receptors without itself having a dampening effect (1). It also increases the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which results in a stimulating effect. The result is increased alertness, a better ability to concentrate, a clearer head and the ability to think clearly again. It is therefore no coincidence that one of the medical indications for caffeine is the elimination of mental fatigue. However, as described above, caffeine only blocks the adenosine receptors in the brain and thus ensures that the body's other signaling substances, so-called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, can work unhindered. However, unlike other drugs such as cocaine, there is no direct stimulating effect on these substances. Once all the adenosine receptors in the brain have been occupied by caffeine, even a further intake of caffeine has no effect. All coffee drinkers know this experience, when even a double espresso no longer seems to help against tiredness.

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase

Caffeine binds to the phosphodiesterase receptors and blocks phosphodiesterase activity. When fewer phosphodiesterase receptors are available, cAMP cannot bind to these receptors and therefore accumulates in the cells. This produces effects such as dilation of blood vessels and fat oxidation (1, 3).

Caffeine and athletic performance

A comprehensive clinical review summarized the results of 21 meta-analyses on caffeine and athletic performance. A large body of evidence suggests that "caffeine consumption improves exercise performance across a wide range of exercise tasks." Caffeine showed positive effects on (19):

Muscle endurance
Muscle strength
Aerobic endurance
Anaerobic power release

Caffeine particularly helps with anaerobic activities such as sprinting and jumping. These effects could stem from the anti-exhaustion effects and increased endurance, increased strength and increased power release (20). When caffeine delays fatigue, the body's muscles can contract more powerfully. Exercisers may train longer and ultimately increase their training volume. Aerobic exercise such as running, jogging, cardio workouts, swimming and cycling may benefit the most from increased training volume (21). Caffeine's effect on the body makes it interesting for athletes of various sports. Caffeine mobilizes several hormones, improves the contractility of muscles and increases the metabolization rate of fats and carbohydrates for energy production. For strength athletes, caffeine is particularly interesting because caffeine can provide the "kick" that is often missing after a hard day's work for productive training. By stimulating the central nervous system, caffeine not only increases mental alertness, but also improves the contractility and motor function of the skeletal muscles, which often enables the movement of heavier weights and an increase in training intensity. For endurance athletes, caffeine is interesting for another reason. As is generally known, carbohydrates are the most important fuel during endurance exercise for the first hour and a half, and these are stored in the liver as well as in the muscles in the form of glycogen. The majority of the energy required is only obtained from the burning of free fatty acids as the duration increases or at low intensity. This is precisely where caffeine comes into play, as it increases lipolysis, i.e. the breakdown of fats. However, the extent to which this increased rate of lipolysis actually leads to increased fat burning is still unclear. If more fat is burned during exercise, the valuable glycogen stores are emptied more slowly. This could have a major impact on endurance performance. It should not be overlooked that caffeine is also a diuretic, i.e. it stimulates the urinary excretion of fluid in the body. Although this is only a slight dehydrating effect, it can still have a significant influence on performance under certain circumstances. The increased excretion of water increases body temperature and can lead to overheating and dehydration. Endurance athletes who do not ensure sufficient fluid intake are particularly affected. It should also be borne in mind that the diuretic effect mentioned above causes more minerals to be flushed out of the body, which need to be replaced. For the same reason, soft drinks containing caffeine should not be consumed immediately after or during training, but the fluid lost during training should first be replaced by a non-caffeinated drink. The energy drinks offered in fitness centers are therefore more suitable as an "energy booster" before training and less as a fluid replacement afterwards. It should also be borne in mind that an energy drink consumed after an evening workout can lead to sleep disturbances precisely because of the caffeine content.

Potential health benefits of caffeine

Caffeine can help with headaches

Migraines

Caffeine is officially approved in the US and other countries in combination with painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, sumatriptan, diclofenac and others for the treatment of migraine headaches (4, 5, 6).

Other types of headaches

Based on its proven efficacy, caffeine is also approved in the US and many other countries for the treatment of simple headaches (tension headaches) and for the prevention of postoperative headaches (7, 8, 9). Ironically, headache is one of the most common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal, which may be a limitation for long-term use (10).

Caffeine can improve attention

Several clinical studies have confirmed the potential of caffeine to increase mental alertness in low to moderate doses (40 to 300 mg). These effects were even more pronounced in people who did not use caffeine regularly and in cases of sleep deprivation (11, 12, 13). In a study of 36 participants, caffeine showed dose-dependent effects on attention and alertness. When people who did not normally consume caffeine-containing products consumed high doses of caffeine, they showed a greater increase in brain function. Regular caffeine consumers may still experience an effect, but it may be weaker (14). A lack of sleep can cause delays in reaction time. In a study of 20 sleep-deprived subjects, a daily dose of 800 mg of caffeine helped improve reaction time and accuracy (15). In one study, 12 young adults either got enough sleep (9 hours) or significantly too little sleep (4 hours). 100 mg of caffeine improved coordination, judgment, memory and reaction time while driving a vehicle in both groups (16). However, some reviews have also highlighted habituation to the stimulant effects of caffeine, abuse potential and potential toxicity at higher doses (17, 18).

Caffeine could be helpful for Parkinson's disease

Caffeine has neuroprotective effects and may prevent the degeneration of nerve cells that occurs in Parkinson's disease (22). In addition, caffeine improved mobility and motor control in Parkinson's patients by inhibiting adenosine receptors (23). In a study of 61 Parkinson's patients, 100 mg of caffeine twice daily for three weeks reduced slowness of movement (bradykinesia), but had no effect on other Parkinson's symptoms (24). In one study, out of 430 healthy volunteers, those who drank caffeinated coffee had a lower risk of Parkinson's disease. Caffeine even reduced the risk of Parkinson's in subjects who had a genetically increased risk of Parkinson's (25). In addition, in a study of 29,000 participants, both habitual coffee drinkers and habitual tea drinkers had a lower risk of Parkinson's (26).

Caffeine could help with dementia and Alzheimer's disease

In a long-term study of 1400 people, the consumption of 3 to 5 cups of coffee per day in middle age reduced the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease in old age by around 65% (27). In one review, coffee had a positive effect on brain function. Moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee reduced the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease later in life. Decaffeinated coffee, on the other hand, had no effect (27). In mice, caffeine suppressed amyloid beta production. Amyloid beta contributes to inflammation of the brain and the onset of Alzheimer's disease (28).

Caffeine could have liver-protective effects

Caffeine is associated with a lower risk of liver fibrosis (scar tissue in the liver). In a study of 306 patients with fatty liver disease, those who drank caffeinated coffee showed less serious scarring in the liver than subjects who did not drink caffeinated coffee (29).

In a cross-sectional study of 910 veterans with chronic hepatitis C, an amount of at least 100 mg of caffeine per day reduced the risk of scar tissue formation in the liver (30). In addition, caffeine consumption was associated with less severe scarring of liver tissue in a study of 177 liver biopsy patients. Two cups of coffee per day helped to reduce the severity of tissue scarring (31).

A study of 274 cirrhotic patients and 458 healthy individuals found that caffeinated coffee prevented cirrhosis (chronic liver damage). However, caffeine consumption from sources other than coffee (such as tea or energy drinks) did not show the same results (32).

Caffeine could support pain relief

According to a review of 20 studies with 7,238 participants, caffeine may slightly but significantly improve the effectiveness of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and other painkillers (33).

Caffeine could support weight loss

A combination of ephedrine and caffeine has been shown to increase fat burning and weight loss and reduce blood lipid levels in 5 scientific studies with over 500 participants (35, 36, 37, 38, 39). However, ephedrine and ephedra-based products are no longer available over the counter in most countries due to their potential for abuse and possible harmful side effects. Caffeine, however, has remained a popular ingredient in over-the-counter fat loss supplements. It can boost energy expenditure and increase metabolic rate, which may help prevent weight gain (40). A meta-analysis published in 2019 included 13 clinical trials with 606 participants. The authors concluded that caffeine could promote reductions in weight, BMI and body fat (41). By breaking down stored fat, caffeine shows potential benefits in weight management. In a study of 2,100 participants, those who drank 2 to 4 cups of caffeinated coffee per day were more successful at losing body weight than those who did not drink coffee (42).

Caffeine could improve memory performance

In a study of 95 healthy young adults, moderate doses of caffeine (200 mg) improved memory performance. Although these results were not significant, the subjects who consumed moderate amounts of caffeine showed better memory performance than the subjects who consumed low amounts of caffeine (43). In another study, 140 young adults took part in two experiments. The participants who consumed caffeinated coffee in the morning performed better on memory tests early in the morning, but not late in the afternoon (44). One review concluded that caffeine was inconsistent in its effects on memory. It was most helpful in improving memory in simple tasks, but not in complex tasks (45). Caffeine may relieve asthma According to a review of 7 clinical trials, caffeine may help open the airways and relieve bronchitis symptoms including wheezing, coughing and breathlessness (46). The effects are similar to those of theophylline, a widely used asthma medication. Theophylline and caffeine have a very similar structure, but the effects of caffeine are of shorter duration and only last for up to 4 hours (47).

Caffeine could help prevent cancer

Cancer of the mouth and throat

A 26-year observational study examined nearly 1 million men and women to look at the link between caffeine and cancer of the mouth and throat. There was a link between a high intake of caffeinated coffee and a reduced risk of oral cancer. Those who consumed 4 to 6 cups of caffeinated coffee per day had up to two times lower cancer rates (48).

Colorectal cancer

In an observational study of 489,706 men, there was an inverse relationship between caffeinated coffee and colorectal cancer rates (49). On the other hand, in a study of 120,000 nurses, no association was observed between caffeinated coffee and rectal cancer risk (50).

Skin cancer

In a study of 450,000 subjects, coffee drinkers had a lower risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer) than those who did not drink coffee (51). A meta-analysis of studies on non-melanoma skin cancer also found protective effects of caffeine and coffee. Regular caffeine consumption was associated with 14% lower cancer rates and regular coffee consumption was associated with 18% lower cancer rates (52).

Liver cancer

A review of 9 observational studies found that consumption of 2 cups of caffeinated coffee per day was associated with 43% lower rates of liver cancer (53). It is worth noting that the above results are from observational studies. In addition, other ingredients in coffee may have contributed to the results. For this reason, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to evaluate the potential anti-cancer effects of caffeine.

Caffeine could protect against type 2 diabetes

In an observational study of nearly 90,000 healthy women, moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes in younger and middle-aged women (54). Another review of 8 studies also showed that caffeinated coffee consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (55).

Caffeine could protect against kidney stones

In a 20-year study of 217,833 healthy participants, high caffeine consumption was associated with reduced rates of kidney stones (56). Caffeine increases the excretion of calcium, which can cause kidney stone formation, via the urine. At the same time, higher coffee consumption diluted the urine and reduced the risk of kidney stones (56). Caffeine may have positive effects on mood and mental health In a large study of 43,599 men and 165,825 women, it was observed that subjects who consumed caffeinated coffee had lower suicide rates. This could be related to the ability of caffeine to increase dopamine levels (57). However, higher amounts of caffeine have been linked to increased tension and agitation, which can have a negative effect on mood (58). The effects of caffeine on depression are also inconsistent - there are studies linking both reduced and increased rates of depression to caffeine consumption (59, 60, 61, 62). The explanation for these contradictory results may lie in the abuse potential of caffeine and tolerance to both positive and negative effects of caffeine (17, 18).

Caffeine could protect the skin

The skin-protective effects of caffeine stem from the antioxidant effects of caffeine, which protect the skin from the UV radiation of the sun. In addition, caffeine is used in cosmetic products to prevent fat accumulation and cellulite formation (63). In a study of 40 dermatitis patients, a cream containing 30% caffeine helped to reduce redness, itching, flaking and secretions from the skin (64).

Caffeine could protect against erectile dysfunction

An observational study of 3,700 men showed that those who drank 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. While healthy men, overweight men and men with high blood pressure experienced these benefits, caffeine did not help diabetics (65).

Caffeine could protect against tinnitus

In a prospective study of 6,500 women, the women who consumed the most caffeine were the least likely to experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears) (66).

Caffeine could reduce the risk of gout

In a prospective study of 89,000 women, caffeinated coffee (but not tea) was associated with a lower risk of gout (67).

Dosage

The effective dosage of caffeine as a performance-enhancing agent is therefore 200 to 300mg, which corresponds to about two to three cups of coffee. A positive doping test with this amount is very unlikely. The serum level in the blood reaches its peak after around 30 to 60 minutes, which is why caffeine intake should take place within this period before training. The half-life in the body is around 4 hours. My recommendation for increasing the use of fatty acids from depots in the body is 2.5 to 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight before training. This would correspond to a dose of 250 to 300mg for a 100kg athlete. Caffeine is particularly recommended as guarana for people who suffer from stomach problems.

Safety and side effects

Caffeine is probably safe and harmless for most adults when used appropriately. Caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stomach irritation, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate and other side effects. Caffeine can exacerbate sleep disorders in AIDS patients. Higher doses may cause headaches, anxiety, agitation, chest pain and tinnitus. High doses of caffeine may not be safe and may cause irregular heartbeat or even be fatal. For regular consumers, especially coffee drinkers, forms of psychological dependence on caffeine can be observed; the taste and smell of coffee and the social rituals of drinking coffee certainly play a role. Symptoms of such dependence can include headaches, migraines, tension, trembling, nervousness, lack of concentration and irritability. The body needs around three days to detoxify from caffeine, after which time the side effects should stop. Other undesirable side effects of caffeine in high doses include the urge to urinate and palpitations. Slow-release caffeine (e.g. guarana powder, black tea) can largely minimize these negative effects and optimize the positive effects of caffeine. Caffeine in stimulants, such as black tea or chocolate, can be problematic, especially for children: for example, three cans of cola and three chocolate bars contain about as much caffeine as two cups of coffee (approx. 200 mg caffeine). A child weighing thirty kilograms will thus have a concentration of 7 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, a dose sufficient to cause nervousness and sleep disorders.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: For pregnant and breastfeeding women, caffeine in amounts below 200 mg per day may be safe and harmless. This amount is equivalent to about 2 cups of coffee. Consuming larger amounts during pregnancy could increase the risk of miscarriage and other problems. Caffeine passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding women should closely monitor their caffeine intake and make sure it is low. Caffeine may not be safe in large amounts during pregnancy. Caffeine can cause sleep disturbances, irritability and increased frequency of bowel movements in breastfed infants.

Anxiety disorders: Caffeine could exacerbate anxiety disorders and should therefore be used with caution by affected individuals.
Bipolar disorder: Too much caffeine could exacerbate this condition. In one case, a 36-year-old man with controlled bipolar disorder was hospitalized for 4 days due to symptoms of mania after consuming several doses of an energy drink containing caffeine, taurine, inositol and other ingredients (Red Bull). Caffeine should be used with caution and only in small amounts if you suffer from bipolar disorder.
Blood clotting disorders: There are concerns that caffeine may aggravate blood clotting disorders. For this reason, people who suffer from blood clotting disorders should use caffeine with caution.
Heart disease: Caffeine can cause irregular heartbeat in susceptible people. If you suffer from heart disease, you should use caffeine with caution.
Diabetes: Some research suggests that caffeine may alter the way the body processes sugar and could exacerbate existing diabetes. For this reason, diabetics should use caffeine with caution.
Diarrhea: Caffeine can aggravate diarrhea, especially in large amounts.
Irritable bowel syndrome: In addition to diarrhea, caffeine can also worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially in large quantities.
Glaucoma: Caffeine increases intraocular pressure. This increase begins within 30 minutes and lasts for at least 90 minutes.
High blood pressure: Caffeine may increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. However, this effect may be weaker in people who use caffeine regularly
Osteoporosis: Caffeine can increase the amount of calcium excreted in the urine. This could weaken the bones. If you suffer from osteoporosis, you should therefore limit your caffeine intake to less than 300 mg per day (about 2 to 3 cups of coffee). Taking calcium supplements could help to compensate for calcium loss.

Postmenopausal women who suffer from a genetic problem that impairs the body's use of vitamin D should use caffeine with caution. Vitamin D works with calcium to build bone.

Interactions

Caffeine should not be taken in combination with the following medications:

Ephedrine

Stimulants accelerate the function of the nervous system. Caffeine and ephedrine are both stimulants. Taking caffeine in combination with ephedrine can cause excessive stimulation and sometimes serious side effects and heart problems. For this reason, caffeine and ephedrine should not be taken at the same time.

Care should be taken when combining guarana with the following medications:

Adenosine

Caffeine could block the effects of adenosine. Adenosine is often used by doctors to perform a test of the heart called a cardiac stress test. Due to the possible interactions, caffeine consumption should be stopped at least 24 hours before such a test.

Antibiotics (quinolone antibiotics)

The body breaks down caffeine in order to excrete it. Some antibiotics can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking these antibiotics in combination with caffeine can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Cimetidine

The body breaks down caffeine in order to excrete it. Cimetidine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking cimetidine with caffeine may increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headache, increased heart rate and others.

Clozapine

The body breaks down clozapine in order to excrete it. Caffeine appears to reduce the rate at which the body breaks down clozapine. Taking caffeine in combination with clozapine could increase the effects and side effects of clozapine.

Dipyridamole

Caffeine could block the effects of dipyridamole. Dipyridamole is often used by doctors to perform a test of the heart called a cardiac stress test. Due to the possible interactions, you should stop taking caffeine at least 24 hours before such a test.

Oestrogens

The body breaks down caffeine in order to excrete it. Estrogen can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking estrogen in combination with caffeine could cause shakiness, headaches, rapid heartbeat and other side effects. For this reason, you should limit your caffeine intake if you are taking estrogens.

Lithium

Caffeine can increase the rate at which the body excretes lithium. If you consume products that contain caffeine and are taking lithium, you should slowly reduce your intake of caffeine-containing products. Stopping caffeine intake too quickly can increase the side effects of lithium.

Medication for depression (monoamine oxidase inhibitors / MAOI)

Caffeine can stimulate the body. Some medications used for depression can also stimulate the body. The consumption of caffeine in combination with these medications could result in excessive stimulation. This could cause serious side effects including rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nervousness and more.

Medications that slow down blood clotting

Caffeine could slow down blood clotting. Consuming caffeine in combination with medications that also slow blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise.

Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen and others.

Phenylpropanolamine

Caffeine can stimulate the body. Phenylpropanolamine can also stimulate the body. The consumption of caffeine in combination with the intake of phenylpropanolamine could result in excessive stimulation and increase the heart rate, raise blood pressure and cause nervousness.

Riluzole

The body breaks down riluzole in order to excrete it. The consumption of caffeine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down riluzole and thus increase the effects and side effects of riluzole.

Stimulants

Stimulants accelerate the function of the nervous system. By accelerating the function of the nervous system, stimulants can speed up the heart rate and cause a feeling of restlessness. Caffeine can also accelerate the function of the nervous system. Consuming caffeine in combination with stimulants could cause serious problems including accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure. For this reason, caffeine should not be taken in combination with stimulants.

Some stimulants include epinephrine, phentermine, pseudoephedrine and many others.

Theophylline

Caffeine works in a similar way to theophylline. In addition, caffeine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down theophylline. Consuming caffeine in combination with theophylline could increase the effects and side effects of theophylline.

Care should be taken when combining green tea products with the following medications:

Alcohol

The body breaks down caffeine in order to excrete it. Alcohol can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Consuming alcohol in combination with caffeine can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Fluconazole

The body breaks down caffeine in order to excrete it. Fluconazole can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking fluconazole with caffeine may increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Diabetes medications

Caffeine may increase blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar levels. By increasing blood sugar levels, caffeine could reduce the effectiveness of diabetes medication. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.

Mexiletine

The body breaks down caffeine in order to excrete it. Mexiletine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking mexiletine in combination with caffeine can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Terbinafine

The body breaks down caffeine in order to excrete it. Terbinafine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking terbinafine with caffeine may increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Birth control pill

The body breaks down caffeine in order to excrete it. Birth control pills can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Consuming caffeine with birth control pills can cause shakiness, headaches, rapid heart rate and other side effects.

Caffeine

Caffeine Boost · 120 capsules