Depression and anxiety are two common psychiatric problems that are often treated with medications, including a class of drugs known as SSRIs. There is no evidence that SSRIs interact with caffeine. However, caffeine can result in increased anxiety and restlessness, which are psychiatric symptoms that can cause people to take SSRIs.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood in the brain; a lack of serotonin is associated with depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase the levels of serotonin in the brain and are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. These drugs are unique because they only affect serotonin and not other chemicals in the brain.
Caffeine
Caffeine is found in many different substances, including coffee, tea and soda. When you consume caffeine, it is rapidly absorbed by your digestive tract and is then passed into the brain. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system and can result in a feeling of increased energy. Caffeine only stays in the body for hours and is then excreted in the urine.
Side Effects and Caffeine
One of the potential side effects of taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is that they can cause agitation, nervousness and restlessness. Because caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, caffeine can also cause these same side effects. Although not everyone that consumes caffeine or SSRIs will develop these symptoms, taking the two compounds together increases your risk of developing these problems, which can cause significant discomfort.
Interactions
According to Drugs.com, there is no documented interaction between Lexapro, a commonly used SSRI, and caffeine. However, you should still talk to your doctor before taking SSRIs and caffeine. Drinking caffeine can also worsen some of the symptoms of anxiety and depression and can make it seem like SSRIs and other medications that you are taking are not working.
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