Zoloft causing hypersensitivity to caffeine

[ntsotypclgirl]

So I started taking Zoloft for mild depression about 7mths ago. I used to drink a rockstar energy drink everyday to help me keep up with my 2 energetic toddlers. I began having a hard time catching my breath shortly after I got on the meds. After exhausting all other culprits, I figured out that I was suddenly hyper-sensitive to caffeine. Has anyone else had this problem? I'd like to find a medication that doesn't have this effect on me as I REALLY need my caffeine jolt lol. Thanks for any help

[Berglin]

Hi,
Im on zoloft/sertraline and im also very sensitive to caffeine, even before the zoloft. I also have a med called Inderal (name in Sweden - Propranolol beta blocker) which I discovered takes the negative coffein effects away. It also takes the overall physical effect of anxiety away. Its actually a medicine for heart decieces but I highly recommended it. :) I think its neutralizing the effect of increased output of adrenaline, which causes stress etc.

Regards,
Dan

[ntsotypclgirl]

Sorry about double post of my last comment...

[ntsotypclgirl]

I guess I should've stated more clearly what I meant by 'hypersensitive'. When I drink caffeine I don't get agitated or jittery, I have difficulty breathing. It's the strangest thing. Green tea doesn't give me the boost I'm seeking. I know energy drinks are not good for you but they help me get through my day without being a zombie. Thanks m4 for the info that all ssri's will have this affect. Saves me the trouble of trying to switch meds.

[ntsotypclgirl]

I guess I should've stated more clearly what I meant by 'hypersensitive'. When I drink caffeine I don't get agitated or jittery, I have difficulty breathing. It's the strangest thing. Green tea doesn't give me the boost I'm seeking. I know energy drinks are not good for you but they help me get through my day without being a zombie. Thanks m4 for the info that all ssri's will have this affect. Saves me the trouble of trying to switch meds.

[MMahon]

Anxiety and depression cause fatique.  We then seek relief and caffeine is the easiest choice for the fastest and cheapest boost.  Unfortunately it makes anxiety worse and contributes to it's symptoms.  M4 is right that you should reduce your intake.  I don't think it's the zoloft causing the symptoms as much as the disorder worsening due to the caffeine.

[M4Y0U]

Yes indeed SSRIs can affect the clearance of caffeine in your system by something as high of 90% I believe and increased half-life.

I would be best if you drink green tea which is healthy and it's 1/3 less powerful than caffeine having only theophylline and theobromine as metabolites. Caffeine have paraxanthine along with the 2 other metabolites. The paraxantine can reach levels as high as 80% in caffeine from other source than green tea.

Rockstar energy drinks contain huge amount of caffeine and therefore, due to the longer clearance and half-life you can get overwhelmed by caffeine. The way to counter this is by reducing the amount of caffeine by taking green tea of even a small coffee, the effects of a small coffee of cup of tea can be enough giving the fact that you are indirectly hypersensitive on caffeine.

Do your tests, know you limits and the time it affects you until the caffeine crunch.

M4