Caffeine Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are caused by many things, none more definitive than others as these could occur out of the blue. And while this is true, the American Psychological Association or APA warns those suffering from this to avoid caffeine and other stimulants.

Caffeine, a substance commonly found in coffee, is a central nervous system stimulant. Alertness is one of the short-term effects of this substance. This is because it blocks the action of adenosine. Adenosine is created in the brain and, when connected with appropriate receptors, slows the activity of the nerve cell. It could be found in the beans, fruits, and leaves of some plants.

In consumer goods, many products have traces of this drug in them. It is considered by the United States Food and Drug Administration to be a safe food substance. Despite it being known safe, this substance should be taken only in moderate amounts by regular people. For those with problem, one should ultimately avoid taking in this substance.  

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This drug is considered as a short-term trigger for episodes of anxiety. It also mimics the symptoms of such episodes such as increased heart rates, blood pressure, muscle tension, and breathing.

While this may be alright for the average person, those suffering from anxiety could very well mistake this as an attack and would therefore cause worry. When there is a low or insufficient adrenal function, drinking this substance increases the level of lactate. Lactate is a biochemical that has been known to induce sudden anxiety.

This substance, in acute overdose and in long-term excessive use, could recreate symptoms seen in panic attacks. Acute overdose of this substance can result in intoxication of the central nervous system. Although this is considered a stimulant, the effects of overdose from this are different from other stimulants. With this, many body systems are affected.

A person may show restlessness, confusion, delirium, headache, and insomnia. One might state seeing flashes and having ringing in their ears. They could become increasingly sensitive to touch. One’s muscles may experience twitching and even seizures. Respiration is rapid and shallow. The heart rate is rapid but with an irregular rhythm. One may experience nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, dehydration, and even fever.

Long term excessive use of this drug could lead to caffeine-induced anxiety disorder. This is a major concern for health professionals as this is occasionally misdiagnosed as it is almost like panic disorder, bipolar disorder, or even schizophrenia.

According to a study, one out of ten people in the population is afflicted with this. This may take various forms, such as generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and phobic symptoms. The treatment for this anxiety disorder is to stop further intake of the substance. These days, it would be quite impossible to completely eradicate caffeine from the daily diet as it is found in many of the consumer products in the markets and groceries. In fact, 90% of adults consume it daily.

Minimizing the intake of the substance would certainly go a long way in the prevention of panic attacks.

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