Some doctors feel the caffeine exhausts the adrenals which may be stressed by Lyme as it is.
Perhaps I am a bad example, but I have not found that caffeine impeded my getting better.
Maybe you might cut it out while you start your treatment regimen. After you are feeling a bit better you could add it back in and see how you feel.
Or you could follow your doctor's advice!!
And stevia is readily available now.
BTW, baylor. Welcome to the forum!!
You can access info on previous threads by using the search function located in the top right hand corner of the page. Also, check out our "New to Lyme?" thread. There is a lot of good info and resources.