For the majority of us, coffee is the essential everyday drink and for the most part, it is safe to consume at least in very discreet doses.
However, according to recent research, taking coffee with a certain prescription or over-the-counter medication can lead to some serious side effects.
These drugs are called contraindicated drugs; that means two compounds that should not be taken together. So before you whip up your routine latte, make sure you aren’t taking any of these drugs
1. Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a stimulant that is usually used to spike the nervous system and make it respond faster. It is used as an anti congestant, and as a bronchodilator for people with asthma or bronchitis, or any other associated breathing problem.
But besides that, it is also used as a common treatment for narcolepsy, low blood pressure, and menstrual problems. Taking this in tandem with caffeine will result in what is known as a hyperstimulus.
Since the effect that both have will reinforce each other, it could very quickly overwhelm the central nervous system and this can lead to heart attack, high blood pressure, or even a stroke!
A whole host of antibacterial drugs, most of which are available over the counter can also have an effect, or rather lack thereof, if consumed in conjunction with coffee.
In some individuals, consumption of coffee will lead to an increase in blood sugar and this momentary rise can counteract the effects of the antibacterial drug.
2. Theophylline
Theophylline is a compound that is taken by patients with emphysema, bronchitis, or asthma. Essentially, any disease that results in symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing is qualified to be on this list as the reason for the aforementioned symptoms comes from the same trigger.
There will usually be an intrusion of heavy mucus in the windpipe and the bronchioles and the trachea will be constricted.
What Theophylline does is that it relaxes and smoothes out the muscles so that the patient can receive immediate relief.
Now, if you are familiar with the effects of coffee, then you will know that it has a similar effect on the body called vasodilation, which essentially also means it opens up blood vessels and stimulates the relaxation of muscles.
These two drugs can complement each other and result in some serious damage to the patient. It could lead to low blood pressure or heart palpitations.
So, if you or a loved one suffers from asthma, make sure they aren’t consuming high amounts of caffeine.
Besides these, there are a whole host of contraceptives and antidepressants, in particular tricyclic antidepressants, that can lead to adverse symptoms if taken in tandem with coffee.
Just remember to consult a doctor before you consume anything, especially with caffeine!
Source: habitsandroutines.com
