People frequently depend on caffeine for an added energy boost, for enjoyment or to reduce sleepiness during the day. Though moderate caffeine consumption is considered safe and harmless, caffeine can cause unpleasant side effects. If you believe that caffeine is causing problems in your emotional or physical health, seek guidance from your doctor. If you do decide to cut back on caffeine, gradual reduction is recommended.
Depressive Effects
Though caffeine has not been proven to cause depression, it may exacerbate depressive symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D., some people are particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine. If these individuals also have depression, they may react more severely to caffeine's stimulant properties and experience a heightened caffeine "rush" followed by a "crash" or severe drop in mood or energy. Hall-Flavin suggests that people with depression limit or avoid caffeine. He also suggests reducing caffeine slowly, as eliminating caffeine suddenly may cause severe depressive symptoms.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Caffeine works as a stimulant that may increase blood flow in parts of the body, but limit blood flow to the brain. As a result, people particularly sensitive to caffeine or prone to anxiety may find that consuming caffeinated foods or beverages increases feelings of anxiousness. According to an article published in "Psychology Today" in July 2004, excessive caffeine intake may cause irritability, physical shakiness and panic attacks--sudden influxes of severe anxiety that may feel similar to having a heart attack.
Increased Blood Pressure
Caffeine may cause temporary increases in blood pressure. Research conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2004 showed that men who consumed approximately two cups of coffee experienced increased blood pressure for at least 45 to 60 minutes. The effect caffeine had on the men studied, however, varied. In general, people with or at risk for high blood pressure are at greater risk for further increased blood pressure caused by caffeine. The AHA suggests that children who consume energy drinks containing caffeine may experience longer-lasting and more dramatic effects on their blood pressure than adults who drink moderate amounts of coffee.
Dependency
A person can become dependent upon caffeine. In an article on caffeine addiction, published in "U.S. News and World Report" in June 2009, Professor Roland Griffiths of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine suggests that most people who regularly drink caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, in the mornings experience withdrawal during the night. Thus, they feel relieved, mentally sharper and emotionally content once they attain their "fix." Though mild dependency may not pose significant problems, people dependent on caffeine are likely to experience symptoms, such as lethargy, headache, moodiness or even nausea and vomiting, if their caffeine is missed or delayed.
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