While you may know Adderall and other amphetamines can cause psychosis
(in addition to other effects), were you aware other stimulants can
cause psychotic behavior, including caffeine? This is called
stimulant psychosis and is characterized by:
- delusions
- hallucinations
- disordered thinking
- catatonia (extreme cases)
Physical symptoms are those of stimulant overdose, which you can get without suffering stimulant psychosis:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- rapid breathing
- hyperthermia (elevated temperature)
- sleep deprivation
- tremor
Drugs that are known to cause stimulant psychosis include:
- amphetamines
- methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- cocaine
- caffeine
The effect typically occurs at high doses or from chronic use.
Often it is temporary, although sometimes recovery is incomplete. In
the case of caffeine, psychosis may be related to lack of B-vitamins,
nervous system exhaustion, or a pre-existing mental condition. It's
somewhat controversial because the drug by itself may not be sufficient
to cause the condition. That's probably good news for readers presently
finishing up a pot of coffee or their third energy drink.
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