Janet Lee-SHWRT

There’s been a lot of good news lately about coffee’s health benefits, how it protects against cancer and other diseases, but America’s favorite wake-up drink can also keep some common medications from working properly.

That’s because the coffee you drink in the morning with some of your prescription drugs can either block their absorption or increase their effects.

With some of these drugs, the interaction is caused by caffeine; with others, its coffee’s other compounds that seem to be having an effect.

Studies show that drugs like antidepressants, thyroid medication and osteoporosis drugs can be affected by coffee. That’s important to know considering Americans on average drink three cups of coffee daily, most of it in the morning, says the National Coffee Association.

Drinking coffee can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications. Here are 10 medications you should avoid taking with coffee:

1. Thyroid Medication: Coffee can significantly reduce the absorption of thyroid medications like levothyroxine.
2. Cold or Allergy Medication: Stimulants in these medications, such as pseudoephedrine, can interact with caffeine, increasing restlessness and insomnia.
3. Diabetes Medication: Caffeine can affect blood sugar levels, potentially counteracting the effects of diabetes medications.
4. Alzheimer’s Medication: Certain Alzheimer’s medications can have their effectiveness reduced when taken with coffee.
5. Asthma Medication: Theophylline, used for asthma, can have increased side effects when combined with caffeine.
6. Osteoporosis Medication: Coffee can interfere with the absorption of medications like alendronate, used to treat osteoporosis.
7. Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, especially MAOIs, can interact negatively with caffeine.
8. Antipsychotic Medication: Coffee can reduce the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications like phenothiazines.
9. Anticoagulants: Caffeine can affect the metabolism of anticoagulant drugs, potentially altering their effectiveness.
10. Contraceptive Drugs: Birth control pills can prolong the effects of caffeine, leading to increased side effects.

It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider about potential interactions between coffee and any medications you are taking. Do you have any specific concerns about your medications and coffee?