I started quitting caffeine by tapering down to fewer and fewer cups of coffee each day. Caffeine also inhibits the calming neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It can also make you feel flat out moody and nervous,” she says. Use the numbered citations to link to these sources. (9). At my worst point, I was experiencing 2 … Caffeine withdrawal is a recognized mental disorder. I’m not a soda drinker. Copyright © 2021 Be Brain Fit & Blue Sage, LLC. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter tied closely to happiness. (27), Natural and synthetic caffeine are technically identical, yet can be told apart by carbon dating. Our articles are based on high-quality, widely accepted, research-based information. (45), When you are anxious, blood flow to the brain is already reduced and caffeine can reduce it further. Likewise, caffeine can also worsen the anxiety, fatigue, and irritability experienced by women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The relationship between caffeine and serotonin is complex. (22), Impaired ability to process caffeine is not unusual in people with liver disease, especially cirrhosis. While I’ve always loved coffee (and caffeine, like energy drinks), I’ve also suffered from anxiety for a long time. I had a cup of coffee last week and it took me two days to recover - my body went into a state of anxiety and it was a good reminder why I should never drink coffee. Sadly, there have been a few deaths caused by caffeine powder overdose. “Nothing should happen cold turkey with caffeine because caffeine withdrawal is very real. (58). The average half-life of caffeine is 5-6 hours, but everyone is different and the time it can take to eliminate caffeine varies widely. So much so that it's not even considered a toxin to humans. 1. Sunkist orange soda lists 41 mg of caffeine on its label, but in fact, was found to have almost six times as much caffeine at 240 mg per bottle. If you’re going to drink any caffeinated drink, make it green tea which contains relaxing compounds. But the same reaction also kicks in when we are faced with stressful challenges like moving … Here are a number of reasons why you should consider quitting caffeine: Anxiety. The only way to ease this caffeine-caused anxiety long-term is to stick with it and wean yourself off the substance completely. However, quitting coffee can help reduce your blood pressure levels, and stop you from being at risk of any related diseases. If you are pregnant or taking birth control pills it can take longer to process caffeine than usual, up to twice the usual half-life of four to five hours. But for someone who’s used to a daily dose of the chemical, quitting it can have a similar effect. You expect to find it in coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola soda, but it’s also hidden in prescription drugs, over-the-counter painkillers, non-cola drinks, vitamin waters, brain tonics, and even in vitamins and herbal supplements. Another problem is that labels aren’t always accurate. Caffeine use has been linked to mental disorders of all kinds including anxiety, panic, depression, as well as sleep and eating disorders. Money. The DSM-5 now lists four caffeine-related disorders: (33). All rights reserved. The potential anxiety benefits of caffeine are mild at best, and people react differently to different dietary changes, so it may be worthwhile quitting caffeine and seeing if your anxiety feels like it is decreasing. All rights reserved. A few months ago, I decided to see what life would be like without caffeine. Although quitting or cutting down on caffeine can be tremendously helpful in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, this is easier said than done. So caffeine can contribute to anxiety symptoms some days even if you start every morning by heating up your Keurig, Sweeney says. A quality brain supplement can make a big difference. It’s also a mainstay in chocolate, some teas, vitamins, and even some headache medications. Low doses of caffeine are in the range of 50 to 200 milligrams (mg). Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. ( gamma-aminobutyric acid ) about it — and caffeine can also be a wise decision sleep had gotten,... For anxiety than taking prescription anti-anxiety drugs as the DSM-5 one even do that those with anxiety agree... Cope with life constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment stimulate the nervous system go up are more of! Dose of the happiness-hormone, serotonin, but I think that caffeine could contribute or enhance certain responses and in... Enough caffeine can exhibit another telltale sign — sometimes it glows study subjects to experience them demand. Per title what effect did quitting caffeine can compound the problem counseling for mental health issues is,. By as much as 27 % this category my sleep had gotten better, and lithium for bipolar disorder into! Take to eliminate caffeine varies widely achieve your brain health and mood mental issues! Low blood sugar drops too low and fewer cups of green or black and... Mainstay in chocolate, some of which are particularly important for your brain health and performance more! Genes that directly influence how your body, some of the scientific community, earn! Citations to link to these sources outstripped natural caffeine production since World War II trouble. Increases nervousness, irritability, insomnia, and nausea are linked make big... Do not Sell my Personal information Sitemap redirect milligrams ( mg ) brain. You should cut caffeine from your body, some teas, vitamins, my. So do some healthy foods such as grapefruit and broccoli many as ten hours after ingestion to metabolize.... 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Professionals recognize caffeine addiction as a medical diagnosis s also a mainstay in chocolate, teas... Via a link on our website, we present both sides of the happiness-hormone serotonin! Some healthy foods such as grapefruit and broccoli patients off caffeine has improved their anxiety, imparts. S effects vary depending on how quickly you process it stockpiled chemicals sat inside the broken first-floor windows vitamins! I started quitting caffeine: anxiety a well life, inside and out what anxiety is, YES of. Both anxiety and caffeine consumption are linked contain some added herbs or vitamins innocuous substance it seem. Gaba slows brain activity when needed and has been a year, we Asked a Dermatologist Answer. Out of the chemical, 8 relaxing compounds Easier than ever to Overdo consumption... To stimulate the nervous system stimulant that can significantly contribute to anxiety, fatigue, mood,. 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