LINK: coffee time
Currently listening to: Just Keep Watching (From F1 The Movie)– Tate McRae
Goes like this, start with the track
Eyes on me, archin’ my back
Just like this (Yeah), here for the night (Oh-oh)
You ain’t buyin’ in? Just keep watchin’
Goes like this (Yeah), move from the back (Yeah)
Eyes on me (Yeah), how you like that? (Yeah)
Just like this, here for the night
You ain’t buyin’ in? Just keep watchin’
Most of the patients I talk to drink some form of caffeine—whether it’s coffee, energy drinks, soda, or tea. Nothing wrong with that, I’m definitely guilty of indulging in a cup (or two) of java every day. But the problem is when it’s taken with medications, that’s when it becomes an issue.
I take iron supplements, and I always make sure to take them first thing in the morning with a glass of water. Then I wait at least an hour or two before I have my first cup of coffee or eat anything dairy-based because calcium and caffeine can reduce iron absorption by 50 to 90%, deeming the supplement basically useless at this point. To get the most out of iron, it also helps to take it with Vitamin C (which boosts absorption), and alongside nutrients like B12 and folate that help your body actually use the iron to make red blood cells.
And iron isn’t the only thing caffeine interferes with. Here’s just a few that can cause interactions:
Antidepressants (SSRIs): Caffeine can mess with how your brain absorbs serotonin, possibly making the meds less effective.
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil): These help your blood vessels relax, but caffeine constricts them right back up—basically undoing the med’s job.
Osteoporosis meds: Caffeine interferes with calcium and vitamin D absorption, which are already key nutrients needed to help prevent fractures.
Dementia meds: Caffeine may constrict the blood-brain barrier, making it harder for these drugs to get where they need to go.
Thyroid meds, antipsychotics, diabetes meds: Yep, caffeine can derail a lot of them too. In the case of diabetes meds, throwing in sugar or milk with your coffee can spike your glucose and create unpredictable glucose swings.
On the flip side, sometimes caffeine potentiates medication effects, which isn’t always good either. For example, pairing caffeine with decongestants like Sudafed can turn you into a jittery mess with a racing heart.
Bottom line:
Try to take your meds with water and if you have any questions, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
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