Caffeine And Anxiety: How Does Your Caffeine Habit Affect Anxiety?

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Does Caffeine Cause Anxiety?

Medically reviewed by Joslyn Jelinek, LCSW, ACSW, RDDP — Written by The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on July 1, 2025

Caffeine and anxiety
Symptoms
Caffeine withdrawal
Average caffeine content
Too much caffeine
Takeaway

Key takeaways

Caffeine’s stimulating effects can mimic anxiety symptoms, especially in those prone to panic disorder or social anxiety.
Abruptly stopping caffeine intake can cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches, anxiety, and fatigue, highlighting the importance of gradual reduction.
While moderate caffeine consumption is generally safe for most adults, individual sensitivities vary.

Many people worldwide consume caffeine, and a large majority of people in the United States consume some amount every single day.

But what many may not consider is that caffeine is actually a psychoactive drug, meaning it can boost energy and alertness, but may also bring with it anxiety. This is especially true for those who may already experience anxiety or depression at some point in their lives.

Caffeine and anxiety

Research shows there’s a link between caffeine consumption and mental health.

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5), the guide published by the American Psychiatric Association and used by healthcare professionals for the diagnosis of mental disorders, there are 4 caffeine-related disorders:

caffeine intoxication
caffeine withdrawal
unspecified caffeine-related disorder
other caffeine-induced disorders (anxiety disorder, sleep disorder)

Research shows caffeine increases alertness by blocking a brain chemical (adenosine) that makes you feel tired while triggering the release of adrenaline, which is known to increase energy.

If the amount of caffeine is high enough, these effects are stronger, resulting in caffeine-induced anxiety.

While caffeine does provide mental benefits, research shows that high amounts may lead to anxiety. People with panic disorder and social anxiety disorder are especially sensitive.

In a 2022 study, researchers found that the caffeine found in roughly 5 cups of coffee can induce panic attacks in people with panic disorders. They also noted that caffeine can increase anxiety in people with panic disorders and healthy adults.

What are the symptoms of anxiety from drinking caffeine?

Some caffeine-induced symptoms that might mirror anxiety include:

nervousness
restlessness
trouble sleeping
fast heart rate
gastrointestinal problems

Caffeine withdrawal

If you’re accustomed to regularly consuming caffeine and abruptly stop, you can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:

headaches
anxiety
fatigue
depressed mood
difficulty concentrating
tremors
irritability

Caffeine withdrawal is not considered dangerous, but it can be difficult and distressing.

Consult your doctor for suggestions on how to cut back gradually, including getting enough sleep and exercise, and staying hydrated.

How much caffeine are you consuming?

The concentration of caffeine varies depending on the type of beverage, the quantity, and the brewing style.

Below are ranges of caffeine contents in popular beverages:

8 ounces of decaf coffee contains 3–12 mg
8 ounces of plain black coffee contains 102–200 mg
8 ounces of espresso contains 240–720 mg
8 ounces of black tea contains 25–110 mg
8 ounces of green tea contains 30–50 mg
8 ounces of yerba mate contains 65–130 mg
12 ounces of soda contains 37–55 mg
12 ounces of energy drinks contain 107–120 mg

How much caffeine is too much?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 400 milligrams a day, which translates to about 4 cups of coffee, typically doesn’t result in negative or dangerous effects for healthy adults.

The FDA also estimates that around 1,200 mg of caffeine can result in toxic effects, such as seizures.

When reviewing these figures, keep in mind that there are wide variations in different people’s sensitivities to the effects of caffeine and the speed they metabolize it.

If you take any medications, they may also be affected by caffeine consumption. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Takeaway

There’s an association between caffeine consumption and anxiety, including caffeine-induced anxiety disorder. Yet, for most people, moderate caffeine intake is safe and may have benefits.

Cutting back or eliminating caffeine from your diet quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can also be anxiety-producing.

If you feel that your anxiety is increasing due to caffeine, or it’s making you feel anxious, speak to your doctor about the right amount for you.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Davoudi M, et al. (2025). Network analysis of caffeine use disorder, withdrawal symptoms, and psychiatric symptoms.https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-025-06478-z
DSM 5 diagnostic codes related to substance use disorders. (2015). http://www.acbhcs.org/providers/qa/docs/training/DSM-IV_DSM-5_SUD_DX.pdf
Evans J, et al. (2024). Caffeine.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/
Klevebrant L, et al. (2022). Effects of caffeine on anxiety and panic attacks in patients with panic disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34871964/
Liu C, et al. (2024). Caffeine intake and anxiety: a meta-analysis.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10867825/
Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much? (2024).https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much

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Medically reviewed by Joslyn Jelinek, LCSW, ACSW, RDDP — Written by The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on July 1, 2025

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Key takeaways

Caffeine and anxiety

What are the symptoms of anxiety from drinking caffeine?

Caffeine withdrawal

How much caffeine are you consuming?

How much caffeine is too much?

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

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