Can you drink coffee while taking gabapentin?

Even when sick, nobody loves to have their energy levels low. However, coffee is not always the best caffeine fix while sick, as it counteracts the effectiveness of certain drugs. So, can you drink coffee while taking gabapentin?

The answer to this question is yes and no. Generally, it is safe to have coffee with gabapentin if you are taking the drug for nerve pain. However, while taking it for seizures, you should not have caffeine. Additionally, some people might experience headaches and drowsiness when they consume coffee while on gabapentin.

When my best friend was given this drug to ease his nerve pains, he could feel drowsy and dizzy after taking it. He saw the quick fix was taking caffeine to boost his energy levels and alertness. However, this did not work well most of the time, as he ended up experiencing headaches. When I took him to see the doctor, he was first told to let go of the coffee and avoid other drinks and food that could worsen the side effects. Therefore, the question as to whether you can take coffee while on gabapentin is not definite and depends on individuals. Read on to find out more about this question.

Table of Contents

How does caffeine affect gabapentin?

Studies and clinical trials have established that caffeine decreases the effectiveness of gabapentin, especially when being taken for seizures. Additionally, even when taken for nerve pain, caffeine can worsen the side effects of this drug. The common side effects of this drug usually include headache, drowsiness, and dizziness. Therefore, when you consume high-caffeinated drinks, chances are high that the frequency of headaches will increase, and you will become dizzier. Therefore, while on gabapentin, it is best to cut off caffeine entirely or enjoy a low-caffeinated drink.

Can I take gabapentin with coffee?

Yes, you can drink coffee in moderation on gabapentin, primarily if you use the drug to treat nerve pains. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking these two together, as caffeine can worsen some side effects that come with gabapentin, like headaches and dizziness. Therefore, even if you have a green light from your medical provider to take coffee, you should be mindful of caffeine intake levels.

Generally, a healthy adult should consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily. If you are a heavy coffee drinker on gabapentin, you should consider substituting caffeine-rich drinks with decaf coffee to minimize the chances of caffeine interacting with gabapentin. Therefore, if you stay below the stipulated safe caffeine intake amounts, there shouldn’t be a problem.

How long before coffee can I take gabapentin?

There is no definite time that you should wait to take coffee after you have taken gabapentin. The main concern should be the caffeine levels in your coffee. If your coffee is decaf, then you can take it with gabapentin. Additionally, it is only safe to take coffee with gabapentin when using this drug for nerve pains and not seizures. This is because clinical trials have established that high doses of caffeine tend to counteract the effectiveness of gabapentin. Therefore, what to remember when taking coffee and gabapentin is that your caffeine levels should always stay low.

How long after coffee should I take gabapentin?

As mentioned above, there is no definite time that you should have gabapentin after you have taken coffee. The primary concern should be ensuring your caffeine levels are low to minimize the chances of caffeine interacting with your drug. This is because this interaction might cause headaches and dizziness. Additionally, if you are taking this drug for seizures, consult with your doctor, as it is not recommended to have coffee while having this drug for seizures.

Final thoughts

Having coffee with gabapentin is not always a good idea, mostly if your coffee has high caffeine levels. Caffeine counteracts the effectiveness of gabapentin, mostly if the drug is being taken for seizures. Additionally, it might worsen the side effects of this drug, such as headaches and dizziness. Therefore, while on this drug, you have to ensure that your caffeine intake is within the ‘safe’ levels and you have a green light from your doctor to consume caffeinated drinks.

FAQ Section

Can coffee counteract the effect of gabapentin?

Yes, coffee might decrease the effectiveness of gabapentin, especially when the medication is being taken for seizures. Clinical trials indicate that caffeine counteracts this drug’s effects, increasing the threshold for seizures.

Is drinking decaf coffee okay when taking gabapentin?

Generally, gabapentin is okay and should function well with moderate or low caffeine levels. However, you should only drink decaf coffee while on this drug if you have a green light from your doctor.