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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: Caffeine a No-No?

Submitted by George R on Sat, 2006-09-30 - 19:27
George - NYC Hi Sara--It sounds like we're a lot alike! I sometimes wonder if my ongoing need for caffeine stems from just basic insecurity. That is, if I don't have that treat near me, it doesn't feel like the day is going well. I know that years ago, older people told me that I would notice that as I aged, I wouldn't be able to take as much coffee. Indeed, I would make fun of the decaff commercials I'd see on TV, and the fact that most always they'd show senior citizens having them. However, now it seems to have changed, and even places like Starbucks feature decaff, although studies show that those cups of decaff have just a tiny bit less caffeine than "regular" coffee. I am currently trying to just plain cut down. That is, have a taste of coffee, but never finish an entire cup. Or even make it, "half regular/half decaff" when I order in a restaurant. Like you, when feeling in good spirits for a while, I'll go back to regular, then when a seizure hits me, it's another "OK, I swear I'll stick to decaff!" But then, I seldom keep my promise. It is a cycle, as you say. --George

Re: Caffeine a No-No?

Submitted by pgd on Tue, 2007-07-10 - 09:56
Coffee/caffeine is a known weak drug. For some of those with epilepsy, it can lower the seizure threshold. That's my understanding. Coffee/caffeine is a weak stimulant in the same category as Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Adderall (prescription ADHD meds). http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Tartrazine_and_ADHD/ Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Adderall, like caffeine, can lower the seizure threshold for some of those with epilepsy also.

Re: Caffeine a No-No?

Submitted by autumn18 on Sat, 2007-07-14 - 00:50
Hey George, I have not an overload of caffine before but I know that between chocolate and caffine I can have one. But there are other things that can cause them to. Like headaches, not taking the meds, not sleeping worth crap (like under 5 hrs), and many other things can cause them. So what I am trying to say is that CAFFINE is not the only or main cause of seizures. I hope I helped you out some how!! If you have any personal questions then e-mail me at autumnrexcell_epilepticlife@yahoo.com Just Remember that "Normal is just a setting on the washing machine, and people that have Epilepsy are far from normal!!!!!" ;

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