Panic Attacks

[Scoobs87]

Hi, I have just started having panic attacks in the last couple of weeks. My question is, could drinking caffeinated drinks like coffee and pepsi max be the cause of my panic attacks. they came like a bolt out of nowhere. The Dr has said that often there is not a real reason for it. She said the main takeaway is, that they will pass and, that although they are scary, they will not cause you harm

[Agora1]

Absolutely Scoobs, anxiety can be provoked by highly caffeinated drinks.I believe there is always a reason you are in a highly stressed state to begin with.

By having those drinks, it's like pouring fuel on the fire.

Panic Attacks are scary but do not cause physical harm. Learning to avoid the triggers

both physically and mentally can help immensely.

I'm glad you reached out to us. Having support from others who experience the same

can help you not feel so alone and frightened. We're here for each other xx

[FearIsALiar]

Yep! I’m very sensitive to caffeine and they always give me anxiety / panic attacks

[detour13]

Totally.. I gave coffee up when I was 20 .. 34 years ago.. I don't drink any caffeine at all.. It makes me very anxious.. Now I still get panic attacks .. But when I drank a coffee.. I would get one right away!!!

[Midori]

Could be. Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause you to become more jumpy or agitated.

[Sadat50]

Hi Scoobs I would say a definate yes. Having suffered anxiety for most of my life I researched the effects ofcaffeine and it can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. I gave up caffeine cold turkey 2 years ago and after the horrid withdrawal I soon became anxiety free. Until last week following a couple of months back on it. Why I decided to start back with the caffeine I cannot say but I wish I hadn't.

Now 5 days into caffeine withdrawal again which is not as bad this time around and my anxiety though lingering is starting to trail off every day, still bad in the mornings though. I have read research papers which say that caffeine stimulates the area of the brain which produces norepinephrine, the chemical which triggers the fight or flight response.

My advice give it up now. If you are caffeine intollerent like me you may even suffer well below the daily rec of 400mg.