Can you drink coffee while taking Effexor? (3+ findings)
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
This article will discuss whether or not you can drink coffee while taking Effexor, the side effects of drinking too much coffee while taking Effexor, and recommendations for coffee consumption while on Effexor.
Can you drink coffee while taking Effexor?
Yes, you can drink coffee while taking Effexor. However, you should watch how much caffeine you’re taking.
Caffeine and Effexor can interact with one another and possibly increase the likelihood of adverse effects such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and elevated HR (Heart Rate).
Effexor is the brand name of the medication venlafaxine, it belongs to a class of drugs known as SNRIs (Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), which function by raising the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain. (1)
It has been demonstrated that caffeine raises serotonin concentrations in your body system. Consequently, combining them in excess concentrations can raise your body’s serotonin levels, which can result in serotonin syndrome (a life-threatening condition).
Caffeine and Effexor should be taken at different times of day to reduce the likelihood of drug interactions and the possibility of adverse effects.
What are the side effects of drinking coffee while taking Effexor?
There are several side effects that can result from drinking too much coffee or make existing side effects of Effexor worse, some of which include:
- Dizziness.
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
- Nausea.
- Constipation.
- Sweating.
Gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal pain can result as a side effect from using Effexor, this side effect can be exaggerated when Effexor is taken in excessive amounts with caffeine.
Serious side effects
These side effects can result from excessive doses of Effexor, and it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention immediately if you encounter any of these symptoms, some of which include:
- Unexplained body weight changes. such as sudden weight gain or loss.
- Bleeding from any of your body parts such as bleeding gums, blood-contained urine, or coughing blood.
- Euphoria or excessive happiness and restlessness (inability to sit or stand still).
- Blurred vision or any vision problems.
- SOB (shortness of breath) and fast HR (heart rate).
- Suicidal thoughts. (2)
How much coffee should be consumed while taking Effexor?
It is advised to consume no more than 200 to 300 mg of coffee per day, which is around two to three cups of coffee.
Caffeine should not be used too soon before bed because it can disrupt your sleep pattern.
You should be aware that caffeine can elevate your BP (blood pressure). Since Effexor can also increase your BP, it is recommended to not take caffeine or drink coffee while taking Effexor. (3)
Consult your healthcare provider about any possible interactions that Effexor may have with other medications, such as caffeine. According to your health requirements and objectives, they can assist you in choosing the best course of action.
Does coffee affect Effexor’s absorption and metabolism?
Coffee or caffeine may have an impact on Effexor absorption and metabolism. Caffeine can slow down the absorption of Effexor, thereby the medication may take a longer time to start working.
Additionally, caffeine may alter Effexor’s metabolism, which could alter how the body uses the medication. This may result in increased Effexor’s concentration in the bloodstream or accelerate Effexor’s excretion from your body.
In other words, coffee can cause Effexor’s effects to be less expected. That’s why it is advised to limit your coffee intake while taking Effexor. (3)
Conclusion
According to my knowledge and research, you can have coffee with Effexor. However, you should only have two to three cups of coffee per day at most. When using Effexor, you should exercise caution and contact your healthcare provider if any negative side effects arise.
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References
1.-
Effexor XR Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD [Internet]. www.webmd.com. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4896/effexor-xr-oral/details
2.-
NHS. Side effects of venlafaxine [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/venlafaxine/side-effects-of-venlafaxine/
3.-
Green PJ, Kirby R, Suls J. The effects of caffeine on blood pressure and heart rate: A review. Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine [Internet]. 1996 [cited 2019 Mar 31];18(3):201–16. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24203773
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