anxiety and caffeine

[lisadallasr]

OK If any of you had read in my journal or under the silly's excerciser of the week you know that i had a panic attack last night, well i have been experiencing anxiety now for the last 2yrs, the same time i started drinking coffee everyday, not sure if there is a connection, but also, was wondering because here lately i have been having issues with cyst in my stomach, and i do know caffeine can irritate them, but for whatever reason i have not gave up coffee. Now as far as the panic attacks go, not sure why im experiencing them, i go to the doctor tomorrow, but was wondering if caffeine can cause anxiety to be worst or not, i dont really drink soda much every now and then but before the woe i did, so not sure if the coffee would cause much of an issue here or not. I just feel as though im losing my mind over all of this. Another concern i have is the splenda can that cause any ill effects, or aggravate cyst, this is a problem that has just occured in the last couple of months with the cyst in the stomach that my doctor said is just a fatty cyst but i do know it hurts from time to time. It will be so hard to give up that coffee in the morning but maybe its for the best.

[ValidRouge]

I would imagine that caffeine would certainly make the symptoms of an anxiety attack much worse. Rapid heart beat, increased brain activity and all that stuff that are side effects of a stimulant (caffeine) would maket the anxiety worse. Drugs that are stimulants often make people paranoid too.

If it were me...I'd cut out the coffee and see what happens. You'll have a real bad headache for a few days withdrawing from caffeine, but it probably will be worth it in the long run, Lisa.

[dimar97]

I agree - too much coffee can really wind me up and if other triggers are in place I will have an anxiety attack. They are AWFUL - I can totally relate! (deep breathing really does help but it takes practice - breathe in slowly for a count of 4-6 I can only do 4 but many can do 6 then out again - your heart cannot race if your breathing is slow so try it a few times.) Also, try decaf in the am if you like the taste and having something warm in the morning (I know I do) or maybe herbal tea (though that has never cut it as a coffee replacement for me) If you are still having them then it is probably not the caffeine per se...

[Bren]

http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/sh...a/caffeine.htm

Do a search on panic attacks and caffeine. Here is just one.

[indymom]

Hi Lisa,
Caffeine and sugar are one of the first things they tell u to eliminate if u have anxiety disorders. I dont think it causes anxiety but can make it worse if u are prone.
After the birth of my first son I developed severe panic attacks..could barely leave the house. Anyways, I ended up giving up coffee, chocolate..anything with caffeine..and getting Behavioral Modification Therapy and it helped tremendously.
Good luck

[aj94]

I suffered from anxiety attacks for a long time. The first thing my MD told me to do was switch to decaf (coffee and soft drinks) and get into power walking. I'm amazed at how cutting out the caffeine (and sugar from Atkins) and the walking has worked. I haven't had an attack in 2 yrs. If you have a hard time getting off the caffeine start by using that 1/2 caff coffee. I think its Maxwell House that makes a coffee with 1/2 the caffeine. Drink that for a while and then switch to decaff. But most importantly really try and get that walking in. It has made a WORLD of difference for me.