How Caffeine Affects a Person with Panic Disorder

Caffeine seems to be present everywhere. It is normal for people to think that decaf coffee is the source of caffeine, but it is also present in a candy bar, cold medicine, etc. Irrespective of the caffeine levels in such things, a sufferer of panic disorder should avoid everything to benefit.

Caffeine is well known to trigger panic attacks in a panic disorder sufferer. After the consumption of just four cups or 24oz. of coffee, 50% of the Panic disorder sufferers are found to have panicky feelings. Even those without the disorder have been seen to get panicky, but with a much greater amount consumption.

A PD sufferer becomes so hypersensitive to such an extent that ingestion of two coffee cups can create a buzz, which makes the heart beats faster, the body gets warmer, etc. This finally leads to a fully blown panic attack. And caffeine is certainly a trigger. However, ingestion of caffeine alone did not cause the panic disorder.

When caffeine is consumed, it directly affects the adrenal glands, which is the source of adrenaline. Caffeine increases the adrenaline levels in the body. If the consumption is higher, it can exhaust the glands and hence they no longer respond to stress. Their release of adrenaline is also stopped.

In short, the adrenal glands get impaired. This is not good for a PD sufferer since the glands play a significant role in control of anxiety and fear. Besides, this leads to a weak immune response and panic attacks.

Adenosine, a chemical of the brain, acts as a sedative and has tranquilizing effect, but caffeine seems to interfere with its function.

Research has shown that lactate is also a trigger of panic attacks in PD sufferers. Caffeine boosts up the lactate levels in the body, thus increasing the chances for a panic attack.
The following contains a list of food, drinks and medication where caffeine is present. All caffeine contents are present in mgS per SVG.
· Coffee – Regular 6oz.
Ø Drip method 105
Ø Espresso 1oz. 50
Ø Decaf instant 2
Ø Decaf Drip method 2
Ø Instant 60
· Tea – 15 to 35 (hot or cold)
· Chocolate
Ø 1oz. Unswt. Baking 60
Ø Sweet, or semisweet, or milk, dark, 1oz. 10-20
Ø 1T Cocoa powder – 10
Ø Chocolate milk (8oz.) – 10
Ø Chocolate syrup (1oz.) – 5
Ø ½ cup of Chocolate Ice cream – 2
Ø Hot cocoa (8oz.) – 5
· Soda
Ø Colas – 35 to 50
Ø Mountain dew – 55
Ø Dr. Pepper Types – 35 to 50
· Medicines
Ø Anacin 33
Ø Excedrin 65
Ø No-Doz – 200 (Max.), 100 (Reg.)
Ø Vivarin 200

Concluding, it is recommended for a PD sufferer to stop caffeine consumption or at least limit its consumption. And in case of higher consumption, it should not be stopped in a moment. With the consultation of a doctor, it must be slowly avoided to prevent nausea, intense headaches, vomiting, etc.