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Caffeine a No-No?

Fri, 07/21/2006 - 14:57
The more I ask folks with "E" about their reactions to caffeine (in far more foods than coffee and tea), the more I realize I'm not alone. For as great as a cup of that brown stuff tastes, it sure can screw up my neuro system. Indeed, in most cases when I have a seizure or get "auras" -- I've had coffee, or an extensive amount of it. Oh, maybe that wake-me-up cup in the morning isn't that bad, but those pleasure-filled cups can become addictive, can't they? Let's hear how you and Starbucks get along! --George

Comments

Re: Re: Re: Caffeine a No-No?

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2006-09-25 - 19:48
Great thread everyone! Caffeine is a stimulant and can affect seizures in many people. Sometimes it may not seem like a direct link. Maybe the caffeine is affecting sleep - don't get normal restful sleep with high caffeine, and then people feel tired the next day, and then drink more! It's like a vicious cycle. Being on phenobarb or other sedating drugs makes the cycle even worse..

I've seen many people gradually come off caffeine, either with coffee or from lots of caffeinated sodas and do much better in terms of seizures and overall well-being afterwards. Headaches better too off caffeine.

Coming off is hard though. Sometimes making changes in meds to get rid of sedating side effects makes it easier to taper off the caffeine.

Would love to hear how people do with or without caffeine, and what happens when they make changes.

Epi_help

I've seen many people gradually come off caffeine, either with coffee or from lots of caffeinated sodas and do much better in terms of seizures and overall well-being afterwards. Headaches better too off caffeine.

Coming off is hard though. Sometimes making changes in meds to get rid of sedating side effects makes it easier to taper off the caffeine.

Would love to hear how people do with or without caffeine, and what happens when they make changes.

Epi_help

Re: Re: Re: Re: Caffeine a No-No?

Submitted by girlygirl on Tue, 2006-09-26 - 12:53
what is E?I can't have caffiene because of my shizophrenia and depression.

Hi girlygirl, 'E' is the

Submitted by solis on Tue, 2006-09-26 - 15:04
Hi girlygirl, 'E' is the abbreviation many use for epilepsy. Hi Epi, I have had np coming off caffine. I must admit that once in awhile I'll buy caffinated flavoured coffee, but only due to the fact that I can't buy those flavours decaffinated. ~sol

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