Hello, The symptoms you are prescribing are typical for a panic attack. This is a situation that due to stress our body produces adrenaline and we get symptoms related to adrenaline flush in the body like heart pounding, hard to take breaths, shakiness, vision might seem strange, numbness and sometimes even faint. This is all a benign condition that does not hurt you or cause you body any damage but can be very distressing and sometimes very embarrassing. Coffee contains caffeine that has similar effects with adrenaline that is why you get more symptoms the times you have coffee. Alcohol can dilate your blood vessels and cause tachycardia (increased heart beating) and in itself precipitate an anxiety attack. What I would recommend is: 1. healthy lifestyle which means: not more than one coffee a day, you can try to gradually reduce or quit it- it will take few days for the dependence to wane. It is the same with other energy drinks like cola or others. Reducing alcohol to 2 drinks a day might be very helpful. No drugs- some illicit drugs can cause anxiety, depression and other psychiatric conditions. Make sure you eat regular meals and go for walks in green areas as much as you can. Have regular exercises during the week. Make sure you meet friends you like and involve in activities you like most as long as they are healthy. Sportive activities are highly recommended If you smoke this is a good time to consider quiting. Make sure you go to bed to sleep at the same time at night. Make sure you rest enough during the week and in the weekends. 2 As for medications SSRI group of medications are found very effective. Citalopram is one you can use and if you start those you will need to use it for several months. These treatments help your mood and make you feel better without causing dependence and are safe but the healing happens with time and cognitive therapy. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon