12 Medications You Should Never Mix With Coffee

Coffee, a staple in daily routines, contains caffeine that can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of certain medications. If you're taking prescription medications, it may be wise to adjust when you consume coffee or other caffeinated drinks.

1. Anticoagulants  Blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin) and heparin help prevent blood clots. Caffeine can increase the concentration of these medications in the bloodstream, raising the risk of bleeding.

2. Antidepressants  Coffee may alter how your body absorbs antidepressants, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing their impact. Medications like amitriptyline, Luvox (fluvoxamine), and Prozac (fluoxetine) are sensitive to caffeine interactions.

3. Antipsychotics  Medications such as Abilify (aripiprazole) and Haldol (haloperidol) may be less effective with coffee consumption. To be on the safe side, spread out your coffee intake when taking these drugs.

4. Asthma Medications  Bronchodilators, which help ease breathing, may have intensified side effects like restlessness and a racing heart when combined with caffeine. It's best to avoid coffee when using these medications.

5. Blood Pressure Medication  Drugs like Inderal (propranolol) work to lower heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine can interfere with their absorption, diminishing their effectiveness.

6. Cholinesterase Inhibitors  Caffeine affects medications for Alzheimer's disease, such as Aricept (donepezil), by reducing their effectiveness due to decreased delivery to the brain.

7. Cold and Allergy Medications  Coffee combined with medications containing pseudoephedrine, like Sudafed, can amplify stimulant effects, causing restlessness and insomnia.

8. Diabetes Medication  Caffeine can disrupt glucose control, impacting those with diabetes by raising blood sugar and insulin levels, complicating management efforts.

9. Methotrexate  Used in chemotherapy, methotrexate absorption can be affected by caffeine, leading to altered drug levels in the bloodstream.

10. Osteoporosis Medication  Drugs like Boniva (ibandronate) can have absorption issues when taken with caffeine, reducing their bone-strengthening efficacy.

11. Quinolone Antibiotics  Antibiotics like Cipro (ciprofloxacin) can enhance caffeine's effects, elevating the risk of restlessness and heart palpitations.

12. Thyroid Medications  Synthroid (levothyroxine) effectiveness is compromised when mixed with coffee, as caffeine decreases its absorption by half.

Speaking With a Healthcare Provider

If you are taking any of these medications, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider about your caffeine intake. They might suggest timing your coffee consumption differently or avoiding it while taking these drugs. Pharmacists can also provide valuable insights into potential interactions with your prescribed medications.