Warning over taking 5 medications with coffee that can make them 'less effective'
The popular hot drink could be making side effects more likely
Most of us can barely function without a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Being one of the most drunk bevvies in the world, it offers a burst of energy to help start the day.
Coffee is known for its high levels of caffeine but is still safe to consume in moderation. A significant number of people consume coffee daily, as per a survey by Statista. It's estimated that at least two thirds of all Brits, 63 percent identify as regular coffee drinkers.
However, people who take certain medications may want to be more cautious about when they drink their brew as it could be negatively impacting their intended effects while possibly increasing more unintended impacts.
The offender is caffeine, a stimulant that not only provides that much-needed energy boost but also stays in your system for a considerable amount of time. This can cause your favourite cuppa to work against you if you're on antidepressants or heart medication, for instance.
Caffeine primarily stimulates the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness and focus. It can also impact your cardiovascular system, potentially elevating your heart rate and blood pressure, and it acts as a diuretic, increasing urination.
Naturally present in plants like coffee beans and tea leaves, caffeine can also be added to other products such as energy drinks and certain fizzy drinks. Even cocoa beans contain caffeine, though the quantity varies depending on the type of chocolate produced from these beans.
Certain medical conditions can make individuals particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine. For example, those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that caffeine triggers symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps or diarrhoea, reports the Express.
Which medications can caffeine interfere with?
The impact of caffeine on the body goes beyond merely providing an energy boost, and it could potentially interfere with certain medications. According to a report by The Conversation, caffeine may pose a challenge for at least five different types of medicines.
These include:
Cold and flu medicines: Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant found in cold and flu remedies, is also a stimulant like caffeine. When taken together, the effects can be amplified, potentially leading to jitters or restlessness, headaches, a fast heart rate and insomnia.
Thyroid medication: Levothyroxine, the standard treatment for an underactive thyroid, is highly sensitive to timing, and your morning coffee can get in the way. Studies show that drinking coffee too soon after taking levothyroxine can reduce its absorption by up to 50%..
Antidepressants/Antipsychotics: Lab studies suggest caffeine can bind to certain medications widely used to treat depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions in the stomach, reducing absorption and potentially making them less effective.
Painkillers: Some over-the-counter painkillers may include added caffeine. Drinking coffee can speed up how quickly these drugs are absorbed by accelerating how fast the stomach empties. While this may help painkillers work faster, it could also raise the risk of side effects.
Heart medication: Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate, typically lasting three to four hours after consumption. For people taking blood pressure medication or drugs that control irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), this may counteract the intended effects of the medication.
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Does this mean I have to give up coffee?
Not necessarily. If you're regularly taking medication, it doesn't mean you have to completely cut out coffee from your diet.
It simply means adjusting when and how you consume it to minimise any potential side effects.
In some cases, such as with levothyroxine or bisphosphonates, individuals should wait up to an hour after taking their medication before enjoying a cup of coffee or breakfast. If you're on antidepressants, antipsychotics or blood pressure medicines, it's best to discuss your caffeine intake with your GP.
Alternatively, you could switch to a decaffeinated version of your usual brew. There are plenty of options available in supermarkets, which could help you avoid some of the side effects without disrupting your routine.
Experts at ZOE state that decaf coffee contains 97% less caffeine than regular coffee, leaving only about 7 milligrams of caffeine per cup. This is a significant reduction compared to a regular cup of coffee, which has 70–140 mg of caffeine.
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