Caffeine is a stimulant that can result in feelings of anxiety and even paranoia, which is often associated with panic attacks. The effects can begin shortly after consumption or can take up to an hour. The effects can last for up to six hours. Caffeine is found in a variety of foods and drinks, as well as over-the-counter medications.
Function
Information found at the Princeton.edu website confirms that most people experience increased alertness, blood pressure and breathing rate after consumption of caffeine. This is mostly due to an increased metabolic rate. Another important point made is that the drug is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration. Long-term use can result in nervousness, insomnia, dehydration, stomach irritation and fatigue.
Effects
Anxiety disorders are common problems in the general population, and many individuals are predisposed to anxiety and or panic attacks. Like any drug, caffeine can have slightly different effects on different individuals. Large quantities of caffeine can cause mild to moderate anxiety, but the amount that leads to feelings of unease varies. Besides anxiety, caffeine has been associated with an increase in the number of panic attacks in persons predisposed to them, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Expert Insight
According to Roland R. Griffiths, Ph.D., professor of behavioral biology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 200 milligrams or more of caffeine increase anxiety ratings and induce panic attacks in the general population. Griffiths also stated that caffeine intoxication can occur in someone who has been using caffeine for many years without prior apparent problems.
Significance
Caffeine is extremely addictive. This is largely because a tolerance is readily built to its stimulatory effects. Withdrawal symptoms from caffeine can include fatigue, severe headaches, moodiness, depression, irritability and difficulty concentrating. Besides coffee and cola, caffeine is found in many over-the-counter medications, tea, energy drinks and chocolate, according to the Phillips Academy Andover website.
History
Caffeine is found naturally in a number of plants, including the coffee plant. Coffee is such an integral part of the American culture that few people recognize coffee and caffeine as drugs, so most fail to consider a potential for their misuse and abuse. Even drinks as innocent sounding as chocolate milk contain caffeine, according to the University of California at Berkeley.
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