Jun 12, 2025
How your morning coffee can affect common medicines
Siddhartha JanaCold & flu medicines
Combining coffee with cold meds like pseudoephedrine can amplify side effects—jitters, fast heart rate, and insomnia. It may also raise blood sugar.
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Thyroid medication timing
Coffee reduces levothyroxine absorption by up to 50%. Wait at least 30–60 minutes after taking thyroid meds before drinking coffee to avoid fatigue, weight gain, and other hypothyroid symptoms.
Source: Canva
Antidepressants & coffee
Caffeine may interfere with SSRIs and TCAs by reducing absorption or delaying drug breakdown. It can amplify side effects or reduce effectiveness, especially with clozapine.
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Painkiller absorption
Caffeine can help painkillers like aspirin work faster but may increase the risk of stomach issues like irritation or bleeding, especially if you are consuming multiple sources of caffeine.
Source: Canva
Heart medications impact
Coffee can raise heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the effectiveness of heart drugs. Those with arrhythmia or hypertension should monitor symptoms or consider switching to decaf.
Source: Canva
ADHD & asthma drugs
Caffeine combined with stimulants like amphetamines or theophylline can increase side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, or palpitations due to additive stimulant effects.
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Bisphosphonate caution
Medications for osteoporosis like calendronate are best taken on an empty stomach. Coffee soon after these medications may reduce their absorption, affecting bone strength over time.
Source: Canva
Know your limits
Everyone reacts differently to caffeine. Pay attention to side effects like restlessness or insomnia and talk to your doctor if you are unsure about interactions with your meds.
Source: Canva
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