Coffee is a necessary component of the morning routine for a lot of us. It provides a brief respite before the day starts and is warm and invigorating. However, did you know that the way you take some medications may be negatively impacted by your daily cup of coffee? Yes, coffee can affect how the body absorbs, distributes, and processes certain medications.
It’s critical to recognize when coffee may be more detrimental than beneficial, whether you’re battling a cold or managing a chronic illness like diabetes. Here are ten common medications that shouldn’t be taken with coffee, along with tips on how to control your caffeine addiction and maintain your health.
1. Thyroid Medications
Coffee should be avoided close to your morning dose of levothyroxine if you’re taking it for hypothyroidism. Coffee can reduce thyroid medication absorption by more than 50%, according to studies. This can indicate that your treatment isn’t working as well as it should. Experts advise against drinking coffee for at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking thyroid medication.
2. Cold and Allergy Medications
Caffeine can interfere with medications such as fexofenadine, which is used to treat allergies, and pseudoephedrine, which is present in many decongestants. Combining the two stimulants can cause jitters, restlessness, and difficulty falling asleep. If you’re feeling ill, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your health and space them out.
3. Diabetes Medications
Blood sugar and insulin levels can rise as a result of caffeine, particularly if you add sugar or cream to your coffee. Even with medication, this may make managing diabetes more difficult. While some people may tolerate black coffee in moderation, people taking drugs like metformin should discuss timing and coffee consumption with their doctor.
4. Alzheimer’s Medications
Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that is protected by medications such as donepezil and rivastigmine, which support brain function. However, caffeine may reduce their efficacy by obstructing drug delivery and tightening the blood-brain barrier. Coffee should be consumed a few hours after taking Alzheimer’s medication, if you or a loved one is taking it.
5. Asthma Medications
Theophylline and aminophylline are examples of bronchodilators that open up the airways; however, caffeine may exacerbate their adverse effects, which include headache, irritability, and upset stomach. Coffee may also reduce the amount of drugs that your body absorbs. It’s best to have your coffee at a different time of day if you’re taking asthma medication.
6. Osteoporosis Medications
Risedronate and ibandronate are examples of bisphosphonates that aid in bone strength. However, you could cut their efficacy in half if you wash them down with coffee. Take these medications first thing in the morning with a full glass of water, and don’t do anything else for at least half an hour.
7. Antidepressants
Coffee can interfere with the way your body processes antidepressants like amitriptyline, escitalopram, and fluvoxamine. In certain instances, it may intensify adverse effects like palpitations or insomnia. If you’ve just taken your medication, wait a bit before reaching for that mug, especially if caffeine makes you jittery.
8. Antipsychotic Medications
Drugs like olanzapine, haloperidol, and clozapine are essential for treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Caffeine, however, may lessen the body’s absorption of these medications. Avoid taking these medications with coffee for optimal effects, and always carefully follow your doctor’s instructions.
9. Blood Pressure Medications
Coffee may decrease the absorption of drugs like propranolol or verapamil, which could temporarily raise your blood pressure and negate the effects of the medication you’re taking to treat high blood pressure. To help your medications take effect, try drinking your coffee later in the morning.
10. Melatonin
Caffeine may be detrimental to your sleep if you take melatonin supplements. Coffee can cause your natural sleep cycle to be delayed and inhibit the sleep-inducing effects of melatonin. If you depend on melatonin for sleep, it’s best to avoid coffee in the afternoon or evening.
What You Can Do Instead?
- Wait It Out: Generally speaking, you should avoid drinking coffee for at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking your medication, or the other way around.
- Stick to Water: Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, take your medications with plain water.
- Speak with Your Provider: If you have any questions concerning drug interactions, always ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
- Watch for Symptoms: Coffee may be the cause of any new symptoms you experience, such as jitteriness, trouble sleeping, or a decrease in the effectiveness of your medication.
Millions of people love coffee, but it’s not always safe for use with medications. Caffeine can affect how well your body reacts to treatments, including thyroid medications and sleep aids. The good news? You might just need to change the timing, but you don’t have to completely give up coffee. You can make wise decisions for both your health and your caffeine fix by having a brief conversation with your healthcare provider.
