What are your reactions to caffeine? - Anxiety Message Board

pjcat · 05-23-2005, 12:09 AM

Hey all,

I think this might be just anxiety related, and just wanted to see if anybody else gets this reaction to caffiene.

Everytime I drink anything with caffiene in it (Soda, coffee, tea, etc.) even a SMALL amount. I get very intense feelings of "feeling out of it", throbing ache behind the eyes, and a "panicky feeling" (I've had a couple of panic attacks in my life). Back in the day I use to drink 30-40 oz. of coffee a morning to warm me up, and I did this for a couple of years. I'm wondering if I maybe developing an allergy toward it

(It isn't caffiene withdrawal, at least I'm pretty sure it isn't)

So I was just wondering if anybody else has a reaction similar to it, or even any reaction at all? I figured I would post on the anxiety board since I am somewhat prone to anxiety.

Thanks all

Graciecat · 05-23-2005, 05:51 AM

I've heard other people say that caffeine made them feel more panicky.
But it never did that to me.
I don't have a panic/anxiety problem any more but when I did I drank two or three cups of coffee a day and I also smoked but neither of those things ever made me feel worse.
This may sound strange but in my case they seemed to help calm me down.
But like I said it could be the caffeine that's giving you the panicky feelings, because some people do react that way to it.

kingam · 05-23-2005, 06:06 AM

caffeine always makes me more panicky.

which sucks, because before i had anxiety disorder, i drank coffee all the time, but i needed to stop.

i still miss it. big time. but its not worth it.

woodfaery · 05-23-2005, 11:09 AM

Yes, caffeine adds anxiety for me. I take Lexapro which helps balance out my emotions and anxiety levels but I find that even if I drink a couple of cups of coffee I am feeling panicky.
WF

Jitterygal · 05-23-2005, 02:19 PM

I feel shaky and nervous and sweat a lot when I've had too much caffeine. I usually can handle 1-2 cups a day with no problem...I used to drink 6 day before panic attacks.