Caffeine & Anxiety

[Barto]

I’ve been reading a lot lately about caffeine and that its consumption can cause symptoms that mimic those of a variety of mental disorders in people. I’ve come to suspect, and maybe believe, that caffeine is the number one offender (if not the cause) in my Social Anxiety or Panic Disorder.

I’ve also read that the symptoms of caffeine consumption can mimic the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia among other mental illnesses.

What I was wondering is whether any of you that suspect that you may have any sort of mental illness, even a simple anxiety disorder (if there is such a thing), also drink caffeine.

Would you mind stating whether or not you drink caffeine, and, if so, how much?

Also, if you’ve quit for a period of time: how long did you quit for; and what differences, if any, did you notice?

FWI. I’ve been reading that some chemical dependency treatment centers now refuse to serve caffeinated beverages to patients because they acknowledge that it is a mind altering substance. Of course, there are still those that claim to detox a person from all mind altering substances but still serve up the java – not to mention that they gladly provide areas for nicotine consumption.

[choose2bsober08]

I too had read about caffiene being one of the causes to trigger anxiety and I totally stopped drinking it after that, other than eating the occasional chocolate as you may or may not know contains caffeine. Anyhow, I totally did realize the connection as when I did drink it I did feel much more anxious and this is one of the things that can throw one into an anxiety attack. I did have the occasional diet coke with caffiene with decaf was not available and seemed to be okay. After about a year of "avoiding" it I started to drink a cup of coffee here and there and have no issues. Of course I have been on medication for about 3 years (Prozac, 20 mg a day) and have had some great counseling. I also exercise as that is an excellent way in assisting (fighting) anxiety. I hope this helped some! Good luck to you!

[historyteach]

I cut back significantly on my caffine years ago, when I was having anxiety issues. I now drink "lite" coffee in the morning. It's a 1/2 regular and 1/2 decaf blend; I drink 2 cups which is the equilivent of one regular cup of coffee. Sometimes I'll have another, or a diet soda in the early afternoon, if I need that "pick me up." My doc is very happy with this, and I'm feeling fine.

Shalom!

[liveweyerd]

Barto, sorry to be missing. I dropped the decaf for awhile and found it overall insignificant. But do not do the full fledged caffeine things (other than some chocolate).
It seems that in my case,....my hormones are far more powerful and have far more effect on anxiety, and etc etc than the decaf.

I did find out I really like sleepytime tea brewed strong and made into iced tea.

hugs,
Tena

[Barto]

I think decaf frustrates my tapering the medication. I don’t know if it would be an issue if I stayed on the medicine. In fact, I could probably get used to regular coffee on the meds (maybe at a higher dose). I’m not sure how good this would be for me though. Because I will try to taper completely off the meds again, I’m off even decaf for the moment. It’s day by day though. If I really need some coffee, I’ll have some decaf. So far, I have no craving though – but only at day six.

[liveweyerd]

I did read that tinnitus is a major problem when tapering benzos but eventually goes away?

[sct]

I have a variety of anxiety disorders- currently in counseling for those- and in NA for recovery, and I own an espresso machine. Honestly, I don't see much of a difference adding/subtracting caffeine. How nuts I feel has much more to do with what I'm dealing with than how much coffee I drink.

[PupMum]

I found no difference when life was cruising along but if I had coffee at stressful time, I fell apart. I have given up for over a month and feel beeter for it. I have occaisional weak tea. I think it is one of those things which affects some people badly. The most I could ever have without shakingwas 2 lattes.

[Barto]

Originally Posted by liveweyerd

I did read that tinnitus is a major problem when tapering benzos but eventually goes away?

Mine never went away, even after I went back on. I’m starting to think it has nothing to do with benzos.

[Barto]

I hope to find out soon and put the issue to bed one way or another. I’m now seven days off all caffeine (but still in caffeine withdrawal).

What anxiety disorders have you been diagnosed with sct?

[sct]

ptsd, avoidant personality disorder, ocd, borderline personality, social phobia, selective mutism (mostly related to ptsd)- and formerly antisocial personality and factor 2 psychotic, but the last two have been rescinded since I've been clean and seeing a counselor.

[Barto]

That’s quite a list. Did one shrink diagnose you, or did you see several?

No panic disorder or agoraphobia?

Are you taking any meds for any of these?

[freespirit1980]

Barto:

Thanks for bringing this up. I can no longer intake caffeine in any weight, shape or form. I have PTSD, and even one coke will re-traumatize me. And it takes days for my brain chemistry -- which is already screwed -- to stabilize again.

[liveweyerd]

Barto......is it all that LOUD music?

[tommyk]

Caffeine is not good for my anxiety because it does NOT help me relax.

Relaxation is critical in managing my anxiety, caffeine makes me 'jumpy'.

[liveweyerd]

Real caffeine coffee does make me clench my jaws, feel frustrated and irritable.
Barto, I just switched from xanax to clonopin, like it MUCH better altho I do still have a small scrip for xanax for breakthrough anxiety and panic.

You take such a small amount of clonopin, why do you find that unacceptable?

[2ala2]

Hey Barto,
What are you up to? Haven't seen you 'round in a while. I hope all's well.

[liveweyerd]

ditto with 2Ala2!

oH BOY.....know how students cram coffee for exams etc. I did that over the last week and an half, tho' it wasn't exams.

TRAINWRECK!

I find now that I can't even drink decaf coffee after a certain time, but the decaf iced tea does not bother me.
However I must also factor in that I am out of trazadone so I am not sleeping more than a couple hours at a time and find myself still awake at 3 am. Will definitely pick up trazadone scrip tomorrow and refill. I am wiped out.

Tena