Can I drink coffee with Concerta? (What are the effects of mixing coffee with concerta + more information)

Being an ADHD victim is not a rosy path, as sometimes you don’t even know what to expect. Can I drink coffee with concerta? Read on to find out.

It is not advisable to drink coffee with concerta, as it has adverse side effects. Living with ADHD has not been the easiest thing in my life, even after accepting myself for who I am. It takes much more than that, especially learning more about the condition and the dos and don’ts that come with it. If you are like or have family or loved ones in the same situation, this article is just what you need. In this article, I explain why coffee and concerta should not be mixed and the effects of doing so. Read on!

What are the effects of combining coffee and concerta?

Concerta is a drug used to treat Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity disorder. This drug functions by stimulating certain neurochemical transmitters in the patient’s brain. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing neurotransmission in the brain and lowering ADHD symptoms.

When mixed with coffee, this drug increases the neurochemical transmission above the recommended level in the patient brain. This causes side effects like tremors, nervousness, anxiety, nausea, lack of sleep, and increased irritability. This is because coffee also acts as a stimulant, so when added to concerta, it increases its initial performance.

How long after the concert can I take coffee?

Taking coffee after Concerta medication is not advisable as it leads to excess neurostimulation, which is unhealthy for the patient. Although coffee and concerta are strongly advised not to be used together, waiting until the drug is used up would not be harmful. The drug dissolves entirely in about 12– 15 hours, releasing it slowly in 5 half-lives. If you wish to take coffee, you can do so after this duration has elapsed.

How long before coffee can I take Concerta?

Taking coffee while also using concerta is not advisable, and doctors rule against it. However, if you feel a burning urge to consume coffee, taking it in moderation and within the correct intervals can be harmless. Caffeine has a half-life of about 3-6 hours; it can take more of these to leave the body, depending on its intensity. It can take 10-12 hours to completely get out of your body. Taking coffee 10 hours before your next concert dose is safe, as the two will have no interaction risk.

However, it is essential to note that the amount of coffee taken should be in moderation. It should not be a daily indulgence but only be done occasionally when the need arises. Also, instead of coffee, you can try getting alternatives like taking decaffeinated coffees, herbal teas, and green tea, which serve the same purpose as coffee.

What happens if I drink coffee with concerta?

Although Concerta and coffee do not react chemically, taking coffee with concerta affects the functioning of this drug. Concerta functions by increasing brain activity and stimulating dopamine and norepinephrine, enhancing the patient’s symptoms.

However, when coffee is taken with this drug, it also acts as a stimulant like the concerta, hence increasing the symptoms of the patient, as they are stimulated above the recommended level. Therefore, you should avoid any interaction between the two regarding ADHD treatment.

Due to its ‘high effect,’ concerta can be misused by people who do not have ADHD to get high. It will help if you keep the drugs out of reach of potential misusers.

FAQ Section

Will coffee counteract the effect of concerta?

Yes, taking coffee affects the performance of concerta medicine as coffee itself is a stimulant too.

Can I have decaf while taking Concerta?

Yes, you can have decaffeinated drinks while taking Concerta, as they do not tamper with the functioning of the medicine whatsoever.

Does Concerta have the same effect as caffeine?

Yes, it does because it is also a stimulant, but it functions better and successfully treats ADHD.