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. 1986 Jul;22(1):81–87. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1986.tb02883.x

The psychopharmacological and electrophysiological effects of single doses of caffeine in healthy human subjects.

M Bruce, N Scott, M Lader, V Marks
PMCID: PMC1401080  PMID: 3741730

Abstract

The effects of single doses of anhydrous caffeine (250 mg and 500 mg) and placebo on physiological, psychological measures and subjective feelings were studied in a double-blind, cross-over study in nine healthy subjects who had abstained from caffeine-containing beverages for 24 h before each occasion. Caffeine and caffeine metabolites in plasma and urine were assayed. Peak plasma concentrations were observed at 1 to 2 h with an approximate half-life of 5 h. The concentrations of the metabolite 1,7-dimethylxanthine increased during the 5 h. The major urine metabolite was 1-methyluric acid. The EEG showed a dose-related decrease in log 'theta' power and a decrease in log 'alpha' power. Other dose-related effects were an increase in skin conductance level (sweat-gland activity) and self rating of alertness. Ratings of headache and tiredness were decreased by the caffeine. The study illustrates the complexities of studying a drug which is widely taken and which is often associated with withdrawal effects.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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