Everyday Chemistry

» kaos42 - caffeine

That's interesting about caffeine causing anxiety. I once quit caffeine for 6 months (actually easy to do if you are willing to put up with a few days of bad headaches) and started having social panic attacks. I had three in public before I decided to drink coffee again on the advice of a friend, which solved the problem. It may have been coincidental and/or psychosomatic.

I wonder how much caffeine causes anxiety. I was at Starbucks recently, and a fellow customer ordered a single drink with 8 shots of espresso! That seemed shockingly excessive (unless he planned on sipping it over four days).

-- posted by kaos42

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» Simon Davies - caffeine causes anxiety

In response to caffeine posted by kaos42:

Thats interesting. I suppose that may have something to do with the dopamine effect. Maybe we begin to depend on the good feelings caffeine induces and that keep our anxiety levels low.

I must admit that caffeine does not affect my sleeping patterns. I can have a cup of strong coffee an hour before going to bed and not have any trouble sleeping - although maybe I have more vivid dreams. Maybe my adenosine enzymes work too well!

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» Brian Tubbs - caffeine

In response to caffeine posted by kaos42:

Yeah, I didn't like those headaches. I went on the Atkins diet about three years ago. Needed to lose some weight fast. I went off soda for about four or so days, and it about killed me - the headaches and the draggy feeling. I started drinking diet soda, and that helped.

I need to go back on a diet again - because I put all those pounds back on since then. Oh well.

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