Am I Doing It Wrong? Everything You Need To Know About Caffeine
Mar 12, 2026
Dr. Marilyn Cornelis, an associate professor at Northwestern who studies genetics of coffee and caffeine metabolism, joins to break down caffeine science. Hear how it works in the brain and why people react differently. Learn the differences between coffee, tea, sodas and energy drinks. Get practical talk on safe limits, jitters, tolerance and when to be cautious.
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Noah Quit After Cold Brew Triggered Panic
- Noah Michelson stopped caffeine after severe anxiety and panic attacks from daily cold brew, describing sensations like 'spiders under my skin.'
- He weaned off all caffeine because it provoked intense jitters and panic.
Ride Out Acute Caffeine Anxiety
- If caffeine makes you jittery or anxious, there's no instant antidote; you generally must wait for your body to metabolize it.
- Marilyn Cornelis says the acute symptoms only resolve as the caffeine is processed.
Stick Near 400 Milligrams Per Day
- Follow FDA guidance: up to about 400 mg of caffeine daily is generally safe, and dietary guidelines note up to five cups of coffee may be safe for many adults.
- Marilyn Cornelis cautions this isn't a recommendation to increase intake if you already consume less.