New to Anxiety.. Will I ever be ok to drink at least some Caffeine?
Posted , 4 users are following.
I'm 26 years old and I tried a new weight loss supplement that I realize now I didn't need. I was just wanting to shed some extra weight even though I was only 105lbs. I took Lipo6Rx which basically had like over 350mg of caffeine and other herb blends and it was one pill and it sent me to the ER. That was 3 months ago. Ever since then I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and was given Clonazepam which made me suicidal so I discontinued it and have been trying to be as healthy as possible. I've only had 1 panic attack since then but my face is numb constantly and my eyes have been achy and my vision blurred since I did also have depersonalization. Thankfully it is slowly going away except for the numbness. I've stopped drinking alcohol and caffeine for 3 months now. I've read all these blogs and articles on caffeine leading to anxiety. Will I ever be ok to drink 1 coke? Or do these articles refer to like having a 2L by yourself? I've avoided even chocolate because of the caffeine content. The therapist I saw said that I'm making caffeine my phobia when it has nothing to do with my symptoms. Can I drink a cup of coffee or is it too soon? Im not afraid of the panic attack since I know they don't last, I'm afraid of the aftershock that leaves me feeling exhausted and short of breath with blurry vision for a week after.
0 likes, 9 replies
borderriever denisse47403
Posted
What would it do if I was to say you are getting better ??? A phobia I suppose you you to give it permission to go
B.
denisse47403 borderriever
Posted
I didnt mean it as in asking for permission to drink it. I also dont necessarily see it as a phobia. I'm associating rightfully that if the initial overload may have been the culprit that I dont send myself down that spiral again. I was the type of person that could drink a cup of coffee 5 minutes before bed and be fine. Since my eyes were greatly affected during the first panic attack (vision connected to amygdala I read) then I dont want to chance losing my vision again. But asking in case they're not related and I'm just creating a problem that doesnt exist. Seeing if anyone else had a similar experience.
anxietysite123 denisse47403
Posted
I used to drink pop literally every single day. I never drank water.. Just sugary drinks along with coffee everyday.. Since my panic attacks and anxiety started last year, I was told my heartrate was a bit high ( now that I'm on meds it's ok) and was told to cut down caffeine.. I no longer allow myself anything except water and decaf tea. Personally, if I were to have a cup of coffee, my mind would take over and I would spend probably 2 or 3 days in a panic attack state of mind. If you can keep your panic attacks under control though, your body should have no real problem handling caffeine.
denisse47403 anxietysite123
Posted
See? that's what my fear is. I keep telling myself that if I was fine before then it shouldnt affect me now but I'm wondering if the onset of this changed me chemically to where my body couldn't handle it now. I'm slooooowly getting better and would hate myself if I took 3 steps back all because I miss coffee.
anxietysite123 denisse47403
Posted
Can you get decaf? I find even the decaf sometimes gets me hyper because of the sugary syrup they use in it (i go to Starbucks), but it's still tolerable. My friend has anxiety and drinks coffee multiple times a day.. All depends on your body and how it can tolerate it. Maybe drink half a cup and wait a few hours.. If you're still fine withing 2 or 3 hours and not panicky, you should be able to have a cup a day.
Purpledobermann denisse47403
Posted
you will be able to handle it again but first time you do go for 1/4 glass. No need to go all the way. Let yourself settle a bit and then re-introduce it in more digestible amounts
Best day to introduce a nice small cup of coffee...when you have a cold or flu. Tried and tested. And I am VERY reactive to caffeine 
denisse47403 Purpledobermann
Posted
Ive had sips of my husbands fountain pepsi but then I'm analyzing my body too closely afterwards to see if there are any noticeable changes or if it's triggering anything.
I'm also relating this to a previous diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis (bladder problem) where I cut alcohol for 6 months to follow the recommended diet but then realized with or without I still felt the same so I went back to drinking and it went away on its own.
Ive cut caffeine but my face is still numb and my vision still somewhat blurred so wondering what the point is.
Purpledobermann denisse47403
Posted
Caffeine is often very aggravating to anxiety sufferers. As are pseudoephedrines found in cough syrups and OTC cold&Flu tablets etc....no need to be phobic or obsessive about it but common sense that when you are already pumped up on adrenaline, no need to add fuel to the fire. Not sure why your therapist wouuld say caffeine has nothing to do with your symptoms - perhaps your overload was a trigger. As such it is rather noteworthy chemically speaking. Mine was trying to smoke a joint as a teenager....never been the same after it and sadly cannot peruse...ever.
phobic - why not 
lisalisa67 denisse47403
Posted
i dont think you have a phobia you dont want a panic attack and i dont blame you. Soda is poison. Its really pure poison and filled with sugar and chemicals theres never a need to drink that.