Latest news with #SSRI
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Coffee warning: Just one cup could trigger alarming effects for millions on common medication
A pharmacist has warned that drinking coffee can be harmful for thousands of people who take common medications. This includes those on thyroid medication, SSRI antidepressants, drugs for ADHD and even over-the-counter decongestants for cold and flu. The energy-boosting drink can also make life-saving heart medication less effective, increasing the risk of a deadly irregular heartbeat, according to pharmacy expert at Kingston University, Dipa Kamda. While in other cases, caffeine can interact with prescription drugs, causing a range of debilitating symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, fast heart rate, raised blood drowsiness, confusion, and even stomach bleeding. 'While your morning brew might feel harmless, it can interact with certain medicines in ways that reduce their effectiveness, or increase the risk of side-effects,' warned Dipa Kamda, writing for The Conversation. 'From common cold tablets to antidepressants, caffeine's impact on the body goes far beyond a quick energy boost. 'Coffee may be part of your daily routine, but it's also a potent chemical compound that can influence how your body processes medicine.' Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up activity in your brain and nervous system, she explained. Popular cold and flu medicines, like Sudafed, contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine, which also has stimulant properties. If you combine this with the caffeine in coffee, the effects can be amplified, causing jitters, restlessness, headaches, fast heart rate and insomnia. Combining caffeine with pseudoephedrine can also raise blood sugar and body temperature, particularly important for people with diabetes, studies have found. With many cold medications already containing added caffeine, drinking coffee can increase the risks further. The risk also applies to those taking stimulant medications to treat ADHD, like amphetamines, or asthma drugs such as theophylline, which has stimulant properties. The pharmacist warned: 'Using them together may increase the risk of side-effects such as a rapid heartbeat and sleep disruption.' There is also added caffeine in some branded over-the-counter painkillers, such as those containing paracetamol or aspirin. Drinking coffee can speed up how quickly the drugs are absorbed and while this helps them work faster, it can be dangerous. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant found in dozens of cold and flu medicines on the shelves 'It could raise the risk of side effects like stomach irritation, or bleeding,' said Ms Kamda. '[Although] no serious cases have been reported, caution is still advised. Drinking coffee while taking some types of medicines to control irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or blood pressure is known to make them less effective. However, Ms Kamda added those with heart conditions don't have to stop drinking coffee entirely, but may want to 'consider limiting intake or switching to decaf'. If you drink coffee immediately before or after taking thyroid medication like levothyroxine, studies have found absorption of the drug can fall by up to 50 per cent. This can cause symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain and constipation, to return 'even if you're taking your medicine correctly,' she explained. It is recommended those taking the medication should wait 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking coffee. However, this is most common with tablet forms of levothyroxine, and less likely with liquid forms, Ms Kamda pointed out. This timing rule also applies to a class of medications used to treat osteoporosis and other bone conditions called bisphosphonates, including alendronate and risedronate. It can also make the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, selective serotonin inhibitors, for example sertraline and citalopram, less effective, lab studies have found. And drinking coffee with the older and less commonly used tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such amitriptyline or imipramine, can tirgger side effects. The pharmacist, with 17 years experience, explained: 'TCAs are broken down by the liver enzyme CYP1A2, which also metabolises caffeine. 'The competition between the two can slow drug breakdown, increasing side-effects, or delay caffeine clearance, making you feel jittery or wired longer than usual.' The problematic ingredient in coffee, caffeine, can also be found in a cup of tea, a can of Coca Cola, and even in green tea. The pharmacist added: 'Everyone metabolises caffeine differently. Some people feel fine after three cups, while others get side-effects after just one. 'Pay attention to how your body responds and talk to your pharmacist or GP if anything feels off. 'If you're ever unsure whether your medicine and your coffee are a good match, ask your pharmacist or doctor. 'A short conversation might save you weeks of side-effects or reduced treatment effectiveness, and help you enjoy your brew with peace of mind.'
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Pharmacist warns of dangers of mixing hay fever pills with common medication
As the weather gets warmer, a pharmacist has issued a warning that people may be putting their health at risk by combing hay fever tablets with certain every day medicines A pharmacist has issued a warning that people may be unknowingly risking their health by combining hay fever tablets with everyday medications. Peter Thnoia, SuperIntendent Pharmacist at PillTime, is encouraging people to double-check medication ingredients as sales of allergy remedies surge with the arrival of warmer weather. He warns those taking sleeping tablets or tranquillisers, such as diazepam or zopiclone, that they face an increased risk of developing breathing difficulties when these drugs are combined with certain allergy treatments. "Hay fever is hitting the country hard, but taking these sedating-style tablets is a no-go if you're already taking medication to help you get to sleep", warns Peter. "Not only will they both combine to sedate you, but it can impact breathing, and make you short of breath. It can also lead to dizziness and in extreme cases people could even fall unconscious." The concern revolves around first-generation antihistamines – the older type of hay fever medication commonly sold under brand names such as Piriton and Benadryl. However, Peter suggests that safer alternatives are available. Non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine are widely accessible and generally safe to take alongside sleep aids or tranquillisers. "These are becoming increasingly common on shelves and are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier, so shouldn't cause the same sedative effects", he adds. Peter also warns that it's not just sleeping tablets that can create a harmful combination. Certain antidepressants, when mixed with drowsy hay fever tablets, can lead to sedation issues – and in the most severe cases can cause heart rhythm problems if taken over an extended period of time. He explains: "Tricyclic antidepressants – or TCAs, as they're known – are like sleeping tablets in that they're a powerful sedative, so anyone who takes them and then takes a drowsy hay fever tablet runs the risk of developing serious side effects. "Both medications are anticholinergic too, so taking both means people could start to see other issues, like dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation." Even SSRIs, the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants - such as sertraline - may carry similar risks, particularly when combined with older-generation antihistamines." Peter added: "SSRIs are some of the most common antidepressants prescribed, so many people are surprised to see that they can react badly when combined with everyday tablets to tackle allergies. "Each drug under the SSRI umbrella will have a sliding scale of side effects when it comes to drowsiness, but each one will have sedative properties, which is why it's recommended that you go for a non-drowsy medication when suffering from hay fever." Peter also warns against mixing one particular substance with antihistamines that isn't a medicine but can have a dangerously similar effect. He said: " Alcohol significantly amplifies the sedative effect of first-generation hay fever tablets, which can result in severe impairment and lead to unconsciousness or serious accidents. "Even non-drowsy antihistamines can occasionally react with alcohol, depending on individual sensitivity, so it's best to avoid alcohol altogether if you're thinking of allergy medication."
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Widely used antidepressant could help the immune system fight cancer
A drug already taken by more than 8million people in the UK could help the immune system fight cancer and shrink tumours, a study finds. The widely used antidepressant - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs- is used to increase the availability of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, emotion and sleep. But scientists have also discovered the drug can enhance the ability of T cells, a type of white blood cell, to fight cancer and suppress tumour growth across a range of cancer types. The study published in the journal Cell by researchers at UCLA in California, looked at both mouse and human tumour models responsible for melanoma, breast, prostate, colon and bladder cancer. 'It turns out SSRIs don't just make our brains happier; they also make our T cells happier - even while they're fighting tumours,' said Dr Lili Yang, senior author of the new study and a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA. 'These drugs have been widely and safely used to treat depression for decades, so repurposing them for cancer would be a lot easier than developing an entirely new therapy.' While serotonin is best known for the role it plays in the brain, it also plays a role in digestion, metabolism and immune activity. Dr Yang and her team first began investigating serotonin's role in fighting cancer after noticing that immune cells isolated from tumours had higher levels of serotonin-regulating molecules. At first, they focused on MAO-A, an enzyme that breaks down serotonin and other neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine. In 2021, they reported that T cells produce MAO-A when they recognise tumours, which makes it harder for them to fight cancer. They found that treating mice with melanoma and colon cancer using MAO inhibitors, also called MAOIs - the first class of antidepressant drugs to be invented - helped T cells attack tumours more effectively. But because MAOIs can cause side-effects and interactions with certain foods, they decided to try a different serotonin-regulating molecule: SERT. 'Unlike MAO-A, which breaks down multiple neurotransmitters, SERT has one job - to transport serotonin,' explained Dr Bo Li, first author of the study and a senior research scientist in the Yang lab. 'SERT made for an especially attractive target because the drugs that act on it - SSRIs - are widely used with minimal side effects,' Dr Li said. The researchers tested SSRIs in mouse and human tumour models representing melanoma, breast, prostate, colon and bladder cancer and found they reduced tumour size by more than half. The antidepressant also made cancer-fighting T cells, known as killer T cells, more efficient. The team also tested the antidepressant alongside existing cancer therapies which work by suppressing immune cell activity to allow T cells to attack T cells more effectively. The combination reduced tumour size in all the treated mice. However, to confirm these findings the team will need to investigate whether real-world cancer patients taking SSRIs have better outcomes.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Phase 2a data for BPL-003 ‘encouraging' for Atai Life Sciences, says Jefferies
Jefferies analyst Andrew Tsai notes that Beckley Psytech shared positive Phase 2a data on BPL-003 in combination with SSRI antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression that the firm calls 'encouraging.' The drug's profile seems to be consistent across multiple studies, incrementally de-risking the key Phase 2b TRD study in mid-2025, the analyst tells investors. Although the BPL-003 program is controlled by Beckley Psytech, Atai Life Sciences (ATAI) currently holds about a 34% stake in Beckley that can be increased to 45%-plus for about $60M, adds the analyst, who has a Buy rating and $5 price target on Atai shares. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks straight to you inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See Insiders' Hot Stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on ATAI: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Home Depot backs outlook as U.S. sales ticked up: Morning Buzz Atai Life Sciences announces data from Part 2 of Phase 2a study of BPL-003 ATAI Life Sciences: Positioned for Leadership in Scalable Psychedelic Psychiatry with Strong Financial Foundation and Promising Clinical Milestones ATAI Life Sciences: Strong Buy Rating Backed by Promising Trials and Robust Financial Health ATAI Life Sciences: Buy Rating Backed by Promising Pipeline and Strong Cash Position Amid Upcoming Catalysts
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bebe Rexha answers Azealia Banks' Met Gala diss with a painful confession: 'Maybe now you'll think twice'
Bebe Rexha met Azealia Banks' trademark toxicity with vulnerability, and a revelation about her health, after the "212" rapper shaded her appearance at the 2025 Met Gala. The Grammy-nominated "I'm Good" singer, who walked the steps of the Met in a custom Christian Siriano gown, said in a since-deleted tweet shared Monday that she lives with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and suffered a pregnancy loss. About an hour before Rexha's confession, Banks (who was not present at the Met Gala) commented on a photo of the singer at the fashion event, writing: "Sis gives me — hormonal birth control implant or something. It's giving implanon/nuvaring she needs removed or depo shot that needs to stop happening." The "Chase It" singer-songwriter, who has previously spoken out against body-shaming trolls, said in her post that she was over comments about her appearance. She said that she suffered with infertility, adding, "I got pregnant, and it didn't work out." She did not reveal when the pregnancy occured. Read more: At the Met Gala, women performed the dandy at its best — twisted, contorted and pumped "I've been carrying that pain in silence," she continued. "I never owed anyone that truth, but maybe now you'll think twice before commenting on ... anyone's body." Rexha bolstered her response to Banks with a second tweet on Tuesday, channeling the rapper's reputation for antagonistic social media posts. In the past, Banks has feuded with numerous musicians including Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Iggy Azalea, Rihanna and Doechii, among several others. The "In the Name of Love" singer encouraged Banks to seek professional help, including therapy and medication used to treat depression and anxiety. "Lexapro worked great for me," she wrote in the tweet. "Something that helps with the deep rooted sadness and chaos you keep projecting. Healing looks good on everyone. Try it." Hours after Rexha's tweet, Banks seemingly dug her heels in and claimed there was a link between the singer's use of Lexapro and her failed pregnancy. "I def had a miscarriage on SSRI's, too," Banks wrote before encouraging her latest social media adversary to "get off the SSRI's period." Read more: Bebe Rexha considers skipping VMAs over weight scrutiny: 'Not really loving myself' Monday's event marked Rexha's Met Gala debut. She was among the scores of entertainers, artists and entrepreneurs to fashionably descend on the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Notable Met Gala guests also included Doechii, Janelle Monáe, Zendaya, Diana Ross and Rihanna, who unveiled her third pregnancy. The event was co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and Anna Wintour. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was an honorary co-chair but did not attend due to an injury. This year, the first Monday of May celebrated the Costume Institute's upcoming exhibition, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' The exhibit will be on view at the Met from May 10 to Oct. 26. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
