Written by Amal Allam
Saturday, July 27, 2024 05:40 PM
The British newspaper, Daily Mail, has issued a warning regarding certain medications that should not be taken with… Coffee. It explained that consuming certain medications alongside your morning coffee might result in severe side effects and significant complications, including elevated blood pressure and minor bleeding.
The newspaper elaborated that various common medications can interact negatively with coffee and other caffeinated beverages, and that combining them may lead to serious side effects.
The most important medications that should not be taken with coffee:
Antidepressants..
Antidepressants can cause numerous side effects, some of which may complicate drinking coffee in the morning.
Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, a pharmacist and health expert, stated that caffeine can interact with these medications, potentially causing dangerous spikes in blood pressure.
Older classes of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), hinder the body’s metabolism of caffeine.
Typically, caffeine is excreted through the kidneys in urine; however, these medications disrupt this process, causing caffeine to remain in the body for a longer duration. Over time, this accumulation can result in an increased heart rate and consistently high blood pressure.
Are you considering reducing your caffeine intake?
Dr. Hafi Ngo Hamilton, a clinical adviser and pharmacist at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, noted that medications such as fluvoxamine, phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are particularly problematic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in ten Americans over the age of 12 takes antidepressants, totaling about 37 million individuals.
There are no known interactions between caffeine and newer selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft, Lexapro, and Prozac.
Over-the-counter cold and allergy medications.
It is estimated that nearly 75% of adults in the United States use over-the-counter cold and allergy medications to alleviate symptoms.
Many of these contain the stimulant pseudoephedrine, which reduces swelling and congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages.
However, pseudoephedrine also stimulates the brain cells responsible for the “fight or flight” response, which can heighten feelings of stress and anxiety when combined with coffee.
Dr. Ngo Hamilton identifies over-the-counter medications like Sudafed and Mucinex as common products that include pseudoephedrine.
She advises taking these medications two hours before or four hours after consuming a cup of coffee.
Diabetes medications..
Pharmacists warn that sweetened coffee combined with insulin can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
One in ten Americans uses insulin to manage diabetes, and while insulin doesn’t directly react with caffeine, it can interfere with your morning coffee.
Dr. Ngo Hamilton notes that coffee can increase blood sugar, particularly when it includes cream and sugar. Consequently, this rise can diminish the effectiveness of the medication.
Research from the American Diabetes Association indicates that anything containing caffeine can elevate insulin and blood sugar levels.
In addition to insulin, Dr. Ngo Hamilton also highlights the blood-sugar-lowering drug metformin, prescribed to over 20 million Americans in 2021, the latest available data.
She suggests monitoring your blood sugar levels to determine if coffee consumption with your medications is advisable.
Antibiotics..
The CDC estimates that more than 230 million prescriptions for antibiotics, used to treat a variety of infections, were issued in 2022 alone.
Certain antibiotics, like ciprofloxacin (Cipro), can hinder the metabolism of caffeine, leading to increased caffeine levels in the bloodstream. This antibiotic is commonly used for treating bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, bladder infections, infectious diarrhea, and sinus infections.
Like cold and allergy medications, this antibiotic can disrupt caffeine metabolism, which may result in elevated caffeine levels in the blood.
Taking this medication with coffee can provoke symptoms like a racing heart and jitteriness.
Blood thinners..
Warfarin is the oldest and most widely used blood thinner in America; however, combining it with coffee may result in severe bleeding.
Recent research estimates that 8 million Americans are prescribed blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
Warfarin represents about a quarter of the blood-thinning prescriptions in the United States — approximately 2 million prescriptions, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Ngo Hamilton explained that caffeine can prevent blood thinners from metabolizing properly, leading to higher levels of the medication in the body.
This combination can be particularly dangerous as excessive medication can result in significant bleeding, even from minor injuries like paper cuts.
For those taking warfarin, Dr. Ngo Hamilton recommends waiting “at least 6 to 8 hours” after taking it before consuming coffee, highlighting this as a significant drug interaction between warfarin and caffeine. However, newer blood thinners, such as Eliquis, are not expected to cause similar interactions, though warfarin remains more frequently prescribed.
Blood pressure medications..
The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy estimates that 117 million prescriptions for beta blockers have been dispensed to 26 million Americans.
These medicines aim to lower blood pressure and block the effects of adrenaline, improving blood flow and reducing heart rate.
Dr. Ngo Hamilton explained, “Beta blockers slow down your heart rate, reducing the workload on your heart. But, drinking coffee or any caffeinated beverage increases your heart rate and ultimately raises your blood pressure. This is not a direct drug interaction; rather, it resembles beta blocker resistance.”
She suggests taking these medications two hours before or four hours after consuming coffee or any caffeinated drink.
Thyroid medications..
The Truth About Your Thyroid: Many women misinterpret their underactive thyroid symptoms as depression or menopause.
Levothyroxine, a common treatment for hypothyroidism, ranks among the most prescribed medications in America, with an annual total of 23 million prescriptions.
However, Dr. Ngo Hamilton warns that consuming these medications with food, including coffee, can reduce their absorption in the body.
A review in 2020 found that caffeine could decrease absorption by up to 50%.
Dr. William Franklin, founder and director of Victory Medical Center in Texas, advised the Daily Mail that those taking levothyroxine should consume the drug “on an empty stomach with water and wait 30 to 60 minutes before drinking coffee.”
Alzheimer’s drugs..
Experts estimate that one in ten adults in the United States over 65 has received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the most prevalent form of dementia.
Cholinesterase inhibitors, the medications used to alleviate symptoms of this disorder, function by blocking the degradation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and cognition. However, pairing these medications with coffee tightens the blood-brain barrier, making it challenging for the medication to penetrate the brain. “Ultimately, this diminishes its effectiveness,” Dr. Ngo Hamilton stated.
She noted that donepezil and rivastigmine are the drugs most likely to cause this effect.
Furthermore, she suggested that individuals taking these medications should wait two hours before or four hours after consuming coffee.
Osteoporosis medications..
Osteoporosis refers to a condition characterized by brittle or weak bones, increasing the risk of fractures even from minor stresses such as coughing.
The CDC estimates that 10 million Americans over 50 live with this condition and rely on medications like risendronate and ibandronate to slow down bone degradation.
However, similar to thyroid medications, taking these with coffee may hinder proper absorption, making them less effective.
As with thyroid medications, Dr. Ngo Hamilton recommends waiting about two hours before consuming coffee or food.
Asthma medications..
Many of the 25 million Americans diagnosed with asthma rely on bronchodilators, which are prescription drugs designed to relax and widen the airways.
However, combining bronchodilators like aminophylline and theophylline with coffee may exacerbate side effects such as irritability and insomnia.
“Especially if you are new to medication, it is advisable to observe whether you experience any side effects before consuming coffee, as it can aggravate them,” Dr. Ngo Hamilton cautioned.
If you still wish to drink coffee, it is preferable to take these medications four hours before or after consumption.
Medications for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder..
Nearly one in ten Americans under 17 has been diagnosed with ADHD, according to the CDC, with around 41 million prescriptions dispensed. These medications help regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine to enhance focus, attention, and impulse control.
However, consuming medications like Adderall and Ritalin with coffee may decrease their effectiveness and lead to heightened hyperactivity.
Both ADHD medications and caffeine are stimulants, and their combined effects can lead to overstimulation.
Antipsychotics..
The Cleveland Clinic reports that about 4 million Americans are prescribed some form of antipsychotic medication.
Common examples include clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine, prescribed for serious health issues like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
These medications work by regulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin to alleviate symptoms like hallucinations.
However, Dr. Ngo Hamilton warned that coffee may reduce the absorption of these medications. If a person is experiencing mania, the medications may be less effective in stabilizing them.
She recommends completely avoiding coffee if the patient is currently experiencing a manic episode.
Written by Amal Allam
Saturday, July 27, 2024 05:40 PM
The British newspaper, Daily Mail, issued a cautionary alert regarding certain medications that should not be taken with coffee. They explain that combining some medications with your morning cup of coffee may lead to severe side effects, including high blood pressure and internal bleeding.
This article will detail the medications that can interact negatively with coffee, alongside practical tips for safe consumption.
The Most Important Medications that Should Not Be Taken with Coffee:
1. Antidepressants
Antidepressants come with a laundry list of potential side effects, and caffeine can significantly complicate these. According to Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, a pharmacist and health expert, the combination can lead to alarming increases in blood pressure. This is especially true for older classes of antidepressants, such as:
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
These medications inhibit caffeine metabolism in the body, causing it to linger longer in your system, which can lead to increased heart rates and blood pressure levels.
2. Over-the-Counter Cold and Allergy Medications
Nearly 75% of American adults use over-the-counter cold and allergy medications. Many of these contain pseudoephedrine, a stimulant that narrows blood vessels and can lead to increased stress and anxiety when combined with caffeine. Dr. Hafi Ngo Hamilton advises that it’s best to take these medications 2 hours before or 4 hours after coffee.
3. Diabetes Medications
For individuals taking insulin, sweetened coffee can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Dr. Ngo Hamilton emphasizes that coffee, especially with added sugars, raises blood sugar levels, potentially making diabetes medications like insulin less effective. Regular monitoring of blood sugar can help manage this interaction.
4. Antibiotics
Some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin can inhibit caffeine metabolism, leading to heightened caffeine levels in the bloodstream. This can cause erratic heart rates and jitteriness. Consume coffee cautiously when on antibiotics.
5. Blood Thinners
Warfarin, a common blood thinner, may react dangerously with caffeine. The combination can prevent proper medication breakdown, resulting in excessive bleeding risks. Dr. Ngo Hamilton suggests waiting at least 6-8 hours after taking warfarin before consuming coffee.
6. Blood Pressure Medications
Beta blockers help control heart rates and blood pressure. Unfortunately, caffeine can counteract these effects, leading to elevated heart rates. Patients are advised to take blood pressure medications 2 hours before or 4 hours after coffee consumption.
7. Thyroid Medications
Levothyroxine, frequently prescribed for hypothyroidism, is affected by caffeine. Studies suggest that caffeine can reduce medication absorption by as much as 50%. It’s crucial to take thyroid medications on an empty stomach and wait at least 30-60 minutes before consuming coffee.
8. Alzheimer’s Drugs
Coffee can inhibit the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors, the drugs used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients should avoid coffee for 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking these medications to ensure they are as effective as possible.
9. Osteoporosis Medications
Osteoporosis drugs may not be absorbed effectively when taken with coffee. Waiting about two hours after taking these medications before consuming coffee is advisable to avoid interference.
10. Asthma Medications
Individuals with asthma often use bronchodilators, which can have their side effects exacerbated by caffeine. If you’re starting a new asthma medication, monitor side effects and consider limiting coffee intake until you understand how the medication affects you.
11. Medications for ADHD
Caffeine and ADHD medications (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin) are both stimulants, which can lead to increased overstimulation when taken together. This can amplify symptoms rather than alleviate them.
12. Antipsychotics
People taking antipsychotic medications, such as clozapine and risperidone, may also find coffee compromises the effectiveness of their treatment. Patients should consider avoiding coffee entirely, especially during manic episodes.
Practical Tips for Safe Consumption
- Always consult your healthcare provider about your medications and potential food interactions.
- If you are on multiple medications, pay extra attention to how caffeine may impact each.
- Consider timing your coffee consumption appropriately to avoid possible interactions.
Case Studies
Many patients have reported negative effects such as jitteriness and heart palpitations due to coffee consumption while on antidepressants or antibiotics. Seeking monitoring from healthcare professionals can help tailor medication plans better suited to individual needs.
Benefits of Moderation
While coffee can lead to interactions with some medications, it’s worth noting that moderate consumption offers several benefits, such as enhanced focus and concentration. Alongside proper timing and awareness of medications, enjoying coffee can still be part of a healthy lifestyle.