When NOT to Drink Coffee

There are certain medications and supplements that don’t blend well with caffeine. It’s best you go cold turkey when taking them.

Certain Antibiotics

There are antibacterial medications that interfere with the proper breakdown of caffeine. The effect is that caffeine’s stay in your system is lengthened. This then amplifies any possible undesirable effect on your body. The antibiotics to avoid are Norfloxacin (Noroxin) and Ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

Ephedra (Ma-huang)

Ephedra is one proof that not because it’s herbal, it’s safe. As a matter of fact, this herbal dietary supplement is already banned by the Food and Drug Administration. Problem is, the ban does not include herbal teas that contain this component.

Ephedra has been proven to increase risks to stroke, heart attack, seizures and death. Now you can imagine what is going to happen if you have it mixed with your favorite cup of joe.

Theophylline (Theo-24, Uniphyl and others)

This medication is a bronchodilator. That is, it relaxes surrounding muscles, opening up bronchial airways in the process. These are caffeine-like effects. Drinking your usual java with this drug increases Theophylline into unhealthy levels. The effect is that you might experience vomiting, nausea and heart palpitations.

News about the health benefits of coffee are sprouting from everywhere. And many of them are well-founded. But you do have to make exceptions every now and then. Those mentioned above are definitely good reasons for you to go cold turkey.