Pamabrom vs Caffeine: Comparing the Effects on Your Body & Mind

While pamabrom and caffeine are not the same, they can have a few of the same effects on the body. Considering both these substances can be taken without a prescription, understanding what they are and the possible dangers involved is crucial to your health. Below, we have compared the two, how they work, and the side effects you should keep your eyes open for. Continue reading before you hurry out to grab a pack of pamabrom or your next cup of coffee.

Overview of Pamabrom

Pamabrom is a diuretic that is available over-the-counter. Diuretics are often used to treat swelling and bloating in women. Pamabrom, or water pills, helps your body flush away salt and water. In most cases, pamabrom is recommended for women who suffer a great deal of bloating and water weight during their menstrual cycle. Pain medication can also be added to pamabrom to help deal with the pain associated with swelling and water retention.

How It Works

The active ingredient in pamabrom is called 8-bromotheophylline. Pamabrom has been used in supplements for several years due to its ability to increase the amount of urine produced without any stimulants. Many feel that the effect of this active ingredient is on par with caffeine and its natural diuretic properties.

With several types of pamabrom available on the market, users have several options. While some are coupled with acetaminophen for added pain relief, others will have added caffeine in them to promote more urination and removal of water weight.

The Uses of Pamabrom

While there are several reasons someone may choose to use a diuretic, the most common use of these over-the-counter varieties are for women who deal with menstrual issues. Pamabrom can help alleviate the pain of cramps and even flush away the excess water retained when women are bloated during their cycle.

Side Effects of Pamabrom

Like any medication, there are possible side effects when taking pamabrom. One of the most severe is when someone has an allergic reaction. This often shows itself in the form of hives, swelling, and breathing issues. When these types of symptoms present, the user should be taken immediately to the hospital for treatment.

Another issue with pamabrom is for those who suffer from certain illnesses or take certain prescribed medications. People who suffer from kidney issues, cardiovascular problems, and high blood pressure should not take pamabrom unless instructed otherwise by their doctor. Often, the medications used to treat these illnesses can react with pamabrom causing larger issues such as dehydration.

Overview of Caffeine

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in certain plants and nuts. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and helps the body and mind feel more alert when you’re feeling tired. Caffeine is also considered a mild diuretic. It is not considered to be as potent as pamabrom. Considered relatively safe, the FDA recommends a healthy adult consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day.

How It Works

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, muscles, and even the heart. You’ll also find that it can naturally increase urination when taken. Caffeine helps block receptors in the brain that make you feel tired. When these receptors are blocked people often feel like they are in a better mood.

For most people, caffeine is ingested through foods and drinks. Coffee, tea, sodas, energy drinks, and chocolate are among the most popular options. Once in the body, caffeine will begin to work by providing the stimulation needed to fight sleep and stay focused.

The Uses of Caffeine

The most common use of caffeine is as a stimulant. By drinking coffee, which contains caffeine, or another energizing drink the body and mind are awakened and on full alert. Unlike pamabrom, however, most people do not use caffeine for its diuretic properties. In most instances, a person will not lose more fluids than they’ve ingested when drinking caffeine unless they consume excessive amounts. Other potential uses of caffeine include helping relieve migraines, weight loss, and improved athletic performance.

Side Effects of Caffeine

While considered relatively safe for most, caffeine can be dangerous for those who have an intolerance or ingest too much. The most common side effects reported are jitters, insomnia, increased heart rate, nausea, headache, and even high blood pressure. It is also recommended that pregnant or nursing women lower their consumption of caffeine along with young children.

The Differences Between Pamabrom and Caffeine

As you can see, there are a lot of differences between pamabrom and caffeine. The largest is that caffeine is used to stimulate the mind and body while pamabrom is normally used as a diuretic. While both have diuretic properties, it is clear that pamabrom is the more potent of the two. This is especially true when used by women who are suffering from bloating, swelling, and pain from menstrual periods. Caffeine can cause cramps and worsen other issues suffered during this time.

When it comes to the effects on your mind, this is where caffeine dominates. Many people feel better after drinking a cup of coffee or soda thanks to caffeine’s ability to stimulate the mind and body. Pamabrom, although it may alleviate certain issues, doesn’t have the mind-stimulating properties of caffeine.

Keep in mind, however, that when it comes to caffeine and pamabrom it is recommended not to use them together. Although caffeine isn’t a powerful diuretic, when used with pamabrom it can intensify the effects and cause dehydration.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a few similarities when it comes to pamabrom and caffeine, but they have more differences than anything. Like with any substance, speak with your doctor concerning the addition of pamabrom to your daily routine. It is also important that you stick to the recommended daily dosage of caffeine to avoid issues with any negative side effects.

Featured Image Credit: Pamabrom Left (Pixabay), Caffeine Powder Right (Casimiro PT, Shutterstock)