caffeine poisoning [Ar, qahwah,, coffee; L, potio, drink], a toxic condition caused by the chronic ingestion of excessive amounts of caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, cola bevarages, and certain stimulant druggs. Symptoms include restlessness, anxiety, general depression, tachycardia, dysrhythmias (premature atrial contractions), tremors, nausea, diuresis, and insomnia. In cases of caffein poisoning, death may result from cardiovascular and respiratory collapse. Also called caffeinism /kafe'(with stroke) nize(upside down)m/, caffeism /kaf'e(with stroke)∙izm/. See also xanthine derivative.