Posted by Larry Hoover on July 21, 2004, at 7:22:03
In reply to What chemical is released when you drink caffein?, posted by cherylann on July 20, 2004, at 19:17:52
> When my anxiety is under control, I can handle caffeine. In fact, it seems to release some chemical that makes me feel very "on top of the world". Does anyone have any info on this?
The neurological effects of caffeine, the alerting and cognitive enhancement, are primarily due to caffeine's stimulation of adenosine A1 receptors. Some people get the opposite effect from coffee. It makes them dopey. They tend towards adenosine A2 effects. There is also a rather broad increase in dopamine activity, which is generally associated with pleasurable feelings.
The peripheral effect is probably the one that gets you when you're anxious. Caffeine stimulates adrenaline (epinephrine) release. If you're already a little elevated on the adrenal stress hormone thingie, this will probably make your experience unpleasant.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:368383
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040718/msgs/368521.html