Do you ever feel flighty after a cup or two of coffee? If so, there’s a reason for it. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and the short-term perks may be increased alertness, focus, productivity and energy. But caffeine, especially in people who are sensitive to it, can significantly contribute to anxiety and related conditions and symptoms including insomnia, irritability, racing heart, heart palpitations, and even full-blown panic attacks.

Reasons for the increase in these symptoms include:

1. Caffeine increases stress hormones

Caffeine consumption can more than double your blood levels of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine, resulting in an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and levels of stress hormones.

2. Caffeine affects neurotransmitter balance

Caffeine achieves many of its effects by blocking activity of adenosine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that makes us tired and sleepy.

Caffeine also inhibits the calming neurotransmitter GABA(Gamma Aminobutyric Acid).

It’s essential for feeling happy and relaxed and low GABA is associated with anxiety and panic attacks.

3. Some people are genetically sensitive to caffeine

Some people are genetically predisposed to being more, or less sensitive to caffeine.

Those hypersensitive to caffeine take longer than average to metabolise it and can experience anxiety, jitters, and insomnia.

4. Depends when you ate before consumption

If you haven’t eaten in a while you may experience hypoglycaemia or low blood sugars. Signs of low blood sugars include feeling jittery, sweating, heart pounding, irritability, and confusion. Caffeine can exacerbate these symptoms.

5. You’re on the pill

If you’re using oral contraceptives, you will likely metabolise caffeine at one-third of the rate you would otherwise, leaving you far more sensitive to its side effects.