Nausea & Vomiting After Caffeine: Causes & What to Do

Key takeaways:

• Experiencing nausea or vomiting after consuming caffeine is not uncommon and can result from a variety of factors, including sensitivity to caffeine, dehydration, or gastrointestinal issues.
• Most symptoms are mild, but in some cases, they can be the result of other health conditions that need medical attention.
• Understanding the causes and when to seek medical care will help you to manage symptoms and avoid more serious problems.

If you’ve ever felt queasy or even thrown up after your morning coffee, you’re not alone. While caffeine is known for its ability to wake you up and boost energy, it can adversely affect your digestive system. Some people report being very nauseous and vomiting after caffeine consumption. Even one cup of coffee may lead to an upset stomach in some people, while others might feel ill only after consuming large amounts of caffeine.

In this article, we’ll dive into the potential causes of nausea and vomiting after caffeine, explore when it’s necessary to consult a doctor, and discuss ways to prevent and treat these uncomfortable symptoms.

Is it normal to feel nauseous or vomit after drinking caffeine or coffee?

Yes, many people report nausea and vomiting after caffeine consumption.

However, these symptoms should be taken seriously in the event they are linked to an underlying condition. The causes of these unwanted effects are addressed below.

Causes of nausea and vomiting after caffeine or coffee

Caffeine stimulates the smooth muscles in your digestive tract, which is why it’s associated with decreased constipation.

Side effects like nausea and vomiting can also occur after caffeine consumption, and they stem from other factors. Here are some of the most common causes.

Caffeine sensitivity or intolerance

Caffeine affects people differently. Some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine than others, causing them to experience symptoms like nausea, headaches, and jitteriness, even with small amounts.

In addition, other factors such as medication use or metabolic rates can affect how your body processes caffeine. Different medications interact with caffeine and can result in higher caffeine levels at the same dose. If your body processes caffeine more slowly, it may result in higher levels of caffeine in your system, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions such as nausea or vomiting.

Gastric irritation

Caffeine is a stimulant that increases acid production in your stomach. For some people, this extra acid can irritate the lining of the stomach, which may cause nausea, acid reflux, or vomiting.

Those with existing gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux disease (GERD) or gastritis may be more prone to these effects.

Dehydration

Caffeine is a diuretic. Diuretics encourage your body to lose water through urination.

Water should always be drunk alongside your coffee or other caffeinated beverages to prevent dehydration. Dehydration is a known cause of nausea and can make the symptoms of caffeine intolerance even worse.

Overconsumption

Large doses of caffeine can overstimulate your nervous system, causing symptoms like dizziness, restlessness, rapid heart rate, and nausea.

While caffeine consumption is subject to individual tolerance, it is widely recommended not to consume in excess of 400 mg/day for adults. The dose of caffeine in an eight-ounce cup of brewed coffee ranges from 102 to 200 mg.

Blood sugar fluctuations

Caffeine can affect your body’s glucose regulation. People with type 2 diabetes may process caffeine differently than those without the condition. Caffeine consumption can potentially lead to elevated blood glucose and insulin levels in diabetic patients. Caffeine decreases insulin sensitivity, making cells less responsive to insulin's effects.

For those with type 2 diabetes who already struggle with effective insulin utilization, this caffeine-induced effect can exacerbate their condition, making blood sugar management more challenging and contributing to nausea and vomiting.

Withdrawal symptoms

If you’ve been a regular caffeine consumer and then reduced your intake abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can occur.

One of the common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal is nausea, along with headaches and irritability. This is because your body becomes accustomed to the stimulant effects of caffeine, and stopping its intake causes a temporary imbalance.

When to see a doctor about nausea and vomiting after caffeine or coffee

Most cases of nausea and vomiting after consuming caffeine are mild and resolve on their own. However, seeking medical advice is essential if these symptoms continue or are accompanied by other alarming signs.

You should see a doctor for any of the following problems:

• Nausea or vomiting lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours
• You experience severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Frequent bouts of nausea after small amounts of caffeine
• Your symptoms include dizziness, fainting, or confusion
• You have an underlying condition such as diabetes or GERD that could be exacerbated by caffeine

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You are unable to keep fluids down and are showing signs of severe dehydration (e.g., dark urine, dry mouth, lightheadedness)
• You are vomiting blood or have black, tar like stools (this could indicate a gastrointestinal bleed)
• You have chest pain or experience difficulty breathing after you consume caffeine

Questions for your doctor about nausea and vomiting after caffeine consumption

If you’re experiencing nausea or vomiting after consuming caffeine and decide to see a healthcare provider, here are some important questions to ask to help you get the best care:

• Could my nausea be caused by an underlying condition, such as GERD or a food allergy?
• How can I determine if I have caffeine sensitivity or intolerance?
• Are there specific tests that could explain my symptoms after drinking caffeine?
• What changes can I make to my lifestyle to prevent nausea after consuming caffeine?

Treatment options for nausea or vomiting after caffeine or coffee

If you’re experiencing nausea or vomiting after caffeine, there are different avenues you can explore to help treat your symptoms.

Hydration

Since caffeine can lead to dehydration, drinking water is crucial to restoring fluid balance. A sports drink or oral rehydration solution can also help replace lost electrolytes if you've been vomiting.

Ginger or peppermint

Ingredients like ginger and peppermint are well known for their beneficial effects on the stomach.

Ginger can help with nausea and vomiting, while peppermint may ease stomach cramps and irritation. You can drink ginger tea or peppermint tea as a natural remedy.

Antacids

When you experience nausea due to stomach acid irritation, over-the-counter antacids may provide relief.

These medications neutralize stomach acid, preventing further irritation and helping to settle your stomach.

Avoid caffeine

It might be wise to reduce or eliminate caffeine from your diet if it consistently causes nausea or vomiting. Opt for decaffeinated coffee or caffeine-free teas as alternatives.

How to prevent nausea or vomiting after caffeine or coffee

Avoiding the discomfort of nausea and vomiting after consuming caffeine begins with prevention. Here are some strategies to help prevent these symptoms.

Monitor your caffeine intake

Monitor how much caffeine you’re consuming throughout the day. Remember that caffeine is found in many foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and some medications. Moderating your caffeine intake is a good way to prevent nausea.

Drink caffeinated beverages with food

Consuming caffeine on an empty stomach can increase the risk of stomach irritation. Try eating a meal or snack before drinking coffee to buffer the effects of stomach acid and reduce the likelihood of nausea.

Stay hydrated.

Since dehydration can worsen nausea, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Try to balance every cup of coffee with a glass of water to stay hydrated and support digestion.

Frequently asked questions: nausea and vomiting after caffeine

Can caffeine cause nausea or vomiting during pregnancy?

Yes, pregnant individuals are more likely to experience nausea after consuming caffeine due to hormonal changes and increased sensitivity.

Health professionals recommend limiting caffeine consumption during pregnancy to reduce these symptoms and other potential risks.

Why does coffee or caffeine suddenly make you sick?

Caffeine tolerance can change over time. Sudden sensitivity could be due to hormonal shifts, changes in digestion, or a decrease in caffeine tolerance due to a reduction in regular intake.

What if you’re feeling dizzy and nauseous after drinking coffee?

Dizziness and nausea could indicate that you’ve consumed too much caffeine or are experiencing dehydration. Try drinking water and resting in a calm environment until the symptoms subside.

Final thoughts on nausea and vomiting after caffeine

Caffeine has many health benefits, but there are also several adverse effects that impact some people. Nausea and vomiting after consuming caffeine can be an unpleasant experience, but in most cases, it’s mild and manageable with lifestyle changes and preventative treatment.

If you experience persistent symptoms or if your nausea is severe, consult a healthcare professional to assess any potential underlying conditions. Everyone’s tolerance to caffeine is different, so it’s important to monitor your caffeine consumption and listen to your body.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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