Can coffee make one day euphoric, another day anxious?

Yes, coffee can indeed cause different emotional states like euphoria on one day and anxiety on another, and this variability can be influenced by several factors:

1. Genetics: The ability to metabolize caffeine varies significantly from person to person due to genetic differences. Some people are fast metabolizers and experience fewer negative effects from caffeine, while slow metabolizers might feel heightened anxiety or disrupted sleep 1.

2. Tolerance and Withdrawal: Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to tolerance, meaning that the same amount of caffeine may become less effective over time. On days when consumption is reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, or headaches can occur. Alternating days of caffeine intake has been suggested to manage this balance effectively 2.

3. External Stressors: Daily variations in stress levels and physical conditions can also influence how coffee affects you. For instance, on days with higher stress or less sleep, the stimulating effects of caffeine might tip over into anxiety more easily.

4. Dopamine and Mood: Caffeine can boost dopamine levels, which can enhance mood and create a sense of euphoria. However, this effect can vary depending on one's baseline dopamine levels and other neurotransmitter activities on any given day 1.

In summary, the impact of coffee on mood is influenced by genetic factors, tolerance, daily external conditions, and neurotransmitter dynamics. Experimenting with consumption patterns and understanding your own body's responses can help manage these effects.