If you were using a stimulant like Wellbutrin or Adderall, you could have problems experiencing the impact of coffee because the activation is much less. If this is the case, Dr. Kreiger recommends increasing your intake of energy-boosting meals such as proteins and complex carbohydrates to help close the gap. Caffeine has been proven to be effective in treating depression. However, since it activates so many processes in the brain, it can also cause problems such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, diarrhea, and muscle cramps. Because these are undesirable effects for people who are already depressed, especially if they are taking other medications, it's important to work with your doctor to find an appropriate dose that will give you the benefit you're looking for while minimizing side effects.