Stay Awake Side Effects

Generic name: caffeine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 6, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Stay Awake Side Effects associated with caffeine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Stay Awake.

Applies to caffeine: oral solution, oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution
• solution

Precautions

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you or your child are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

If you are using caffeine (the active ingredient contained in Stay Awake) solution:

• Call your baby's doctor right away if your baby continues to have apnea.
• Tell your baby's doctor right away if your baby has one of the following symptoms: faster heartbeat, increased diaper wetting, restlessness, jitteriness, or shaking.
• Call your baby's doctor right away if your baby has the following symptoms: abdominal or stomach distension, vomiting, or bloody stools. These may be symptoms of a serious bowel or stomach problem.
• Do not change your baby's dose without checking first with your baby's doctor.

If you are using caffeine tablets:

• Limit the use of medicines, foods, or beverages that contain caffeine. Taking too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heartbeat.
• Check with your doctor if you have drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness that keeps coming back.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Stay Awake

Along with its needed effects, caffeine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking caffeine:

More common side effects

• feeding intolerance

Less common side effects

• agitation
• black, tarry stools
• blood in the stools or urine
• bruising
• burning feeling or tenderness in the stomach
• chills
• coma
• confusion
• coughing or vomiting blood
• decreased urine output
• depression
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• headache
• hostility
• indigestion
• irritability
• lethargy
• lightheadedness
• muscle twitching
• nausea
• persistent bleeding
• rapid, shallow breathing
• rapid weight gain
• rash
• seizures
• severe stomach pain
• stomach upset
• stupor
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking caffeine:

Symptoms of overdose

• irritability
• nervousness
• rapid heartbeat
• trouble sleeping

Other side effects of Stay Awake

Some side effects of caffeine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• rash

Less common side effects

• dry skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to caffeine: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral gum, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet dispersible, oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

Long-term follow-up studies have not shown caffeine (the active ingredient contained in Stay Awake) to adversely affect neurological development or growth parameters.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Constipation (up to 17.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Necrotizing enterocolitis, gastritis, GI hemorrhage, gastroesophageal reflux, dilated bowel loops
• Frequency not reported: Increased gastric aspirate, GI intolerance, vomiting, regurgitation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hemorrhage, tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arrhythmia
• Frequency not reported: Increased left ventricular output, increased stroke volume, hypertension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, dry skin, skin breakdown^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Disseminated intravascular coagulation, anemia
• Frequency not reported: Decreased hemoglobin^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Kidney failure^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Acidosis, hyperglycemia
• Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia, temporary reduced weight gain, decreased thyroxine^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Cerebral hemorrhage
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Convulsions/seizures
• Frequency not reported: Irritability, restlessness, jitteriness, tremors, brain injury^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Retinopathy of prematurity^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Perinatal disorder (trace aspirates, feeding intolerances), injection site reaction, sepsis, accidental injury, abnormal healing, infusion site phlebitis and inflammation
• Frequency not reported: Failure to thrive, deafness^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, lung edema
• Frequency not reported: Tachypnea^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Increased urine flow rate, increased creatinine clearance, increased sodium and calcium excretion^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• How much caffeine is in Excedrin Migraine?
• Does caffeine affect Vraylar (cariprazine)?
• How long do caffeine withdrawal headaches last?
• Does Maxalt have caffeine in it?
• Does caffeine help migraines?
• Does caffeine cause high blood pressure?
• Does coffee help with asthma?

Further information

Stay Awake side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer