caffeine and anxiety

 I often post here because of my anxiety/panic which, after a long break, has kicked up alot in the last month or so.  I think it was jump started when I accidentally drank two cups of regular coffee...my heart and mind were racing so much I thought I would jump right out of my skin - and then after that wore off I was doomed....the anxiety just stayed and has been with me for weeks.  Now today I went over to another department to get what I thought was decaf...apparently somene poured the last of a regular pot into an orange decaf pot.  I'm sure if I complained to anyone they'd think I was exaggerating my reaction but those of you who suffer from the same type of nervous anxiety might relate.  I have to admit I must be awfully sensitive since it's only coffee, but that's one of the reasons why I'm afraid to take antidepressants - I'm convinced they'd "hype" me up so much that my anxiety would be even worse.  Any suggestions or thoughts on this issue?

You are very alert to your physical reactions to caffeine, Andwes, and you are to be commended for that.

The best thing for you to do is to give up caffeine completely. It makes depression worse in people sensitive to it, and you obviously are.

Please read a website called [email protected]/caffeine. She has written extensively about the serious bad effects of caffeine for those of us who are sensitive to it, and her article will really astound you in regard to the consequences of continued use of caffeine in those sensitive to it. She gave me permission to quote from her article regarding this serious problem in our society now.

It is known to make bipolar illness worse, deepen depression and anxiety, and cause the exact symptoms you describe, as well. It's worth your time and effort to find out about this problem in your life so that you may overcome it and probably find yourself stronger and healthier than ever.

It takes time to get caffeine out of the system--months, if you are a long-time user, and every cup of coffee that you add to your diet acts as a bolus making your organs and tissues more sensitive to it. It builds in the body organs and is not excreted as other types of liquid intake are.

Take care and I hope you are very much relieved if you decide to give up caffeine in any form, whether in coffee, some teas, chocolate or any other food or beverage.

It's Genetic

Post Edited (It's Genetic) : 3/8/2012 9:11:43 AM (GMT-7)