Caffeine and psychiatric medication interactions: a review

J Okla State Med Assoc. 2005 Aug;98(8):380-4.

Abstract

Caffeine can cause or worsen psychiatric symptoms but also has the potential to interact with many psychiatric medications. This article provides a literature review regarding interactions between caffeine and psychiatric medications. Caffeine is metabolized by the CYP1A2 enzyme and also acts as a competitive inhibitor of this enzyme. Thus, caffeine can interact with a wide range of psychiatric medications, including antidepressant agents, antipsychotic agents, antimanic agents, antianxiety agents, and sedative agents. These interactions may lead to caffeine-related or medication-related side effects that may complicate psychiatric treatment. By recognizing this potential, along with educating the patient, and utilizing a tapering approach, prevention of caffeine interactions is achievable.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / pharmacology
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Antimanic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antimanic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacology
  • Caffeine / adverse effects*
  • Caffeine / pharmacology
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / adverse effects
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacology
  • Medical History Taking
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antimanic Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Caffeine