The Hidden Impact of Coffee on Medications

Millions of people enjoy coffee for its energizing effects and rich flavor. However, coffee can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or causing adverse effects. Knowing about these interactions is essential to ensure medications work as intended.

How Coffee Affects the Body

Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that affects the central nervous system by boosting alertness, mood, and cognitive function. However, caffeine also impacts how the body metabolizes certain drugs, potentially speeding up or slowing down their absorption.

Risks of Combining Coffee with Medications

Mixing coffee with certain medications may reduce drug effectiveness or increase side effects, sometimes with serious consequences. Here are some common medications that can interact with coffee:

Antidepressants: Especially with MAOIs, caffeine can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, which may be risky for those with cardiovascular concerns.

Antipsychotics: Caffeine can speed up the metabolism of these drugs, reducing their therapeutic effects.

Blood Thinners: Caffeine may enhance blood-thinning effects, raising the risk of bleeding.

Thyroid Medications: Coffee can interfere with thyroid medication absorption. Waiting 30–60 minutes after taking the medication before drinking coffee is recommended.

Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, like ciprofloxacin, may cause jitteriness or insomnia when combined with caffeine and may lose effectiveness.