Coffee and soda, particularly the caffeinated types, can aggravate stomach ulcers. Large doses of caffeine can cause anxiety or panic attacks in some people. And those who take appetite suppressants, tranquilizers, or some antidepressants can find that caffeine causes unwanted side effects. If you have no major health problems and see no reason to stop your caffeine intake, try to keep your consumption steady to avoid withdrawal symptoms. When taking pain relievers or certain cold medications, you may want to forego coffee.
Some medications contain caffeine doses equivalent to five cups of coffee.
Instead, gradually lower the caffeine intake over a period of weeks. Some people can do it much more rapidly, over one to two weeks. Rosenfield admits that kicking the caffeine habit is easier said than done. Contact Information Copyright 2001 Methodist Health Care System, Houston, Tx. All Rights Reserved.