A cup of coffee in the morning provides the alertness we need, along with overall health benefits such as reduced risk of neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Correspondingly are the advantages in the liver and kidneys, but also in the regulation of sugar and mental health.
Nevertheless, caffeine consumption needs caution, according to family doctor Dr. Faith Coleman when combined with different medications. Let's see which medicines should probably not be taken at the same time as our favorite coffee.
Thyroid medicines such as levothyroxine. Studies show that coffee can reduce the absorption of thyroid medication by more than 50%, reducing its effectiveness.
Medicines for diabetes mellitus. Mixing your coffee with sugar or milk can cause your blood sugar to rise, affecting the effectiveness of your diabetes medications. Evidence reveals that anything containing caffeine can also raise insulin and blood sugar levels.
Melatonin. Melatonin, used for sleep disorders, causes drowsiness, however when combined with coffee, the effects of both cancel out. This is a logical consequence since the action of caffeine is stimulating.
Medicines for osteoporosis. Treatments such as risedronate or ibandronate are often used to treat osteoporosis, but their effectiveness decreases when combined with coffee. It is recommended that you take these medications on an empty stomach.
Blood pressure medications. Drinking coffee at the same time as taking antihypertensive drugs such as felodipine, verapamil or propranolol can cause a reduced absorption of the drug by the body.
Antidepressants. Some drugs, such as fluvoxamine, amitriptyline, escitalopram and imipramine, may be metabolized differently if taken at the same time as coffee, especially in large amounts, as the amount of the drug absorbed by the body could be reduced. Studies show that fluvoxamine in particular has been found to enhance the common side effects of caffeine, causing symptoms such as insomnia and palpitations.
Alzheimer's disease treatment. Alzheimer's drugs such as donepezil and rivastigmine are affected by caffeine, as the blood-brain barrier constricts, reducing the amount of drug that reaches the brain. Consuming excessive amounts of coffee has been shown in research to reduce this protective effect.
Treatments for asthma. Bronchodilators such as aminophylline or theophylline work by relaxing the airways, but they come with side effects such as restlessness, stomach pain and irritability. Drinking coffee or other drinks with a high caffeine content can intensify the side effects, as well as the absorption of the drug.
Antipsychotics. Coffee can reduce the absorption of antipsychotic drugs such as phenothiazine, clozapine, haloperidol and olanzapine. It is preferable not to take them with caffeine, but wait a while before drinking your favorite cup of coffee.
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