Popular GLP-1 medications approved for weight loss, diabetes, and heart disease may have untapped potential to reduce the risks of substance abuse disorders, psychosis, infections, some kinds of cancer and dementia, a sweeping new study suggests.

Certain medications may spike blood sugar and increase your risk for diabetes complications. Here’s what to know before taking a new med when managing diabetes.

Approximately 15.5 million Americans have been or currently are on injectable diabetes or weight-loss medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, including the popular name brands Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. As obesity rates rise, eligibility expands and curiosity about these medications grows, more people are exploring their potential benefits.

10 Medications to Never Take with Coffee: Protect Your Health and Wellness Coffee is a beloved beverage for millions of people worldwide. Whether it is the morning pick-me-up, an afternoon energy boost, or a cozy evening ritual, coffee plays a central role in many daily routines. Its rich aroma and energizing caffeine content help us start the day and stay alert, but despite its benefits, coffee is not always a perfect companion—especially when it comes to certain medications. Coffee can interfere with drug absorption, enhance side effects, or negate the medication’s effectiveness entirely. Here is a detailed list of 10 medications you should never take with coffee and why. 1. Antidepressants (MAO Inhibitors) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine, are a class of antidepressants used to treat conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. However, these medications can have serious interactions with foods and drinks that contain tyramine—a compound found in coffee. Tyramine can raise blood pressure, and when it is combined with MAOIs, it can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure known as a hypertensive crisis. This can lead to severe complications like heart attacks or strokes. To stay safe, people on MAO inhibitors should avoid coffee and other tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese and cured meats. 2. Thyroid Medications Thyroid medications like levothyroxine are prescribed for individuals with hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to regulate the body's metabolism. While levothyroxine helps restore normal thyroid function, coffee can hinder its absorption. Studies have shown that drinking coffee within 30 minutes of taking levothyroxine can reduce the medication's absorption by up to 55%. This can result in erratic thyroid levels, making it difficult to manage the condition. To ensure your thyroid medication works effectively, it is recommended to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking it before drinking coffee. 3. Antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin) Ciprofloxacin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, but it can have some unpleasant side effects when combined with coffee. The caffeine in coffee can interact with ciprofloxacin, causing an increased stimulant effect, which can make you feel jittery, anxious, and experience a racing heart. Additionally, ciprofloxacin slows down the breakdown of caffeine in the body, making the effects of caffeine last much longer than usual. This can exacerbate side effects like insomnia and restlessness. To minimize these risks, avoid coffee when taking ciprofloxacin or separate your doses by several hours. 4. Antihistamines Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and cetirizine, are often used to treat allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. While they can be effective for allergy relief, these medications can cause drowsiness. Mixing coffee with antihistamines can produce conflicting effects. While coffee may reduce the drowsiness caused by antihistamines, it can also lead to overstimulation, leaving you feeling anxious or jittery instead of calm. Furthermore, some antihistamines can slow down the body’s ability to metabolize caffeine, prolonging its stimulating effects. For the best results, try to avoid drinking coffee close to the time you take your antihistamine. 5. Blood Pressure Medications Blood pressure medications, especially beta-blockers like metoprolol and propranolol, are prescribed to help control high blood pressure. However, coffee can interfere with these medications by counteracting their effects. The caffeine in coffee can increase blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels and stimulating the heart, which directly opposes the action of beta-blockers. This can make it harder to manage your blood pressure effectively, potentially leading to increased cardiovascular risks. If you are on blood pressure medications, it is best to limit your coffee intake or avoid it altogether to ensure your medications work as intended. 6. Bronchodilators (Theophylline) Theophylline is a bronchodilator used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and opening the airways. However, both theophylline and caffeine are stimulants, and taking them together can lead to overstimulation. This combination can cause unpleasant side effects such as nervousness, rapid heart rate, and insomnia. Additionally, coffee can increase the levels of theophylline in the bloodstream, heightening the risk of toxicity. Symptoms of theophylline toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and seizures. To prevent these risks, it is essential to separate your theophylline dose from coffee consumption. 7. Sedatives and Sleeping Pills Sedatives and sleeping pills, including medications like benzodiazepines (such as diazepam) and zolpidem, are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. These medications work by calming the central nervous system and promoting relaxation or sleep. However, coffee, a natural stimulant, can counteract the sedative effects of these drugs, making it more difficult to achieve the desired calming or sleep-inducing effects. Drinking coffee while on sedatives may also increase the risk of side effects such as confusion and dizziness. For those who rely on these medications, it is best to avoid coffee for several hours before and after taking them. 8. Osteoporosis Medications Osteoporosis medications, such as bisphosphonates (for example, alendronate and risedronate), help slow bone loss and strengthen bones in individuals with osteoporosis. However, taking these medications with coffee can reduce their absorption and effectiveness. Coffee is acidic, and its acidity can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb bisphosphonates, which may result in decreased bone density over time. For the best results, it is recommended to take these medications with water and to avoid drinking coffee for at least 30 minutes to an hour afterward to ensure proper absorption. 9. Pain Relievers (Aspirin and NSAIDs) Pain relievers like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are commonly used to treat headaches, muscle pain, and inflammation. However, combining these medications with coffee can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn, ulcers, and stomach bleeding. Coffee’s acidity can exacerbate the stomach-irritating properties of aspirin and NSAIDs, leading to discomfort or more serious complications. To protect your stomach, it is best to avoid coffee when taking these pain relievers or to consume it sparingly. 10. Diabetes Medications Diabetes medications, such as metformin and insulin, help regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. However, coffee can interfere with how the body processes glucose, making it more challenging to maintain stable blood sugar levels. The caffeine in coffee can cause blood sugar levels to spike or drop, which can counteract the effects of diabetes medications. In some cases, caffeine may even reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin, making it harder to manage blood sugar effectively. If you have diabetes and are on medication, it is important to monitor your coffee intake and consult with your healthcare provider to determine what is safe for you. Final Thoughts While coffee is a staple for many people, it is important to remember that it does not always mix well with certain medications. From reducing drug absorption to amplifying side effects, the combination of coffee and medications can lead to unwanted complications. If you are taking any of the medications mentioned above, it is worth adjusting your coffee habits to ensure that your treatment is as effective and safe as possible. Always consult with your healthcare provider about potential interactions between coffee and your medications. By being mindful of these interactions, you can continue to enjoy your coffee without jeopardizing your health.

By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D. Certain glucose-lowering drugs were linked to fewer moderate or severe COPD exacerbations in adults with type 2 diabetes Study: Glucose-Lowering Medications and Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations in Patients With Type 2 Diabete...