For those with certain medical conditions, it can be difficult to know if they can consume certain foods and beverages without risk. One beverage that has many people wondering is coffee. People being treated with Xarelto may be wondering if drinking caffeinated coffee is allowed. The short answer is that it depends on the individual patient and their doctor’s advice.
Coffee can interact with certain medication and Xarelto is no exception. Xarelto, or rivaroxaban as it is also known, is an anticoagulant prescribed for the prevention of blood clots. It also carries a black box warning for increased risk of spinal and epidural blood clots in certain cases.
Before drinking caffeinated coffee, those taking Xarelto should speak with their doctor to assess if it is safe in their individual case. While the drug is generally safe, there is potential for increased risk of bleeding if it is taken with certain foods and drinks and coffee is one of them. Adverse effects can range from minor bruising, to serious gastrointestinal and brain bleeding.
The potential interaction between coffee and Xarelto has to do with the way the drug works. Xarelto interferes with the body’s natural process of clotting and coffee can also interfere with this process. According to experts, such as Dr. David C. Brown of Beaumont Hospitals, the combination of Xarelto and coffee can significantly increase the risk of bleeding.
Dr. Brown suggests that the best way to minimize risk is to limit caffeine intake, or avoid it completely in patients taking Xarelto. He recommends that patients “be particularly aware of caffeine in other sources like energy drinks, chocolate, and certain over-the-counter and prescription medications”.
It is important to note that the decision to drink coffee while on Xarelto is a risk/benefit assessment that must be made between the patient and their doctor. Patients taking Xarelto should speak to their doctor before consuming any foods and beverages that could interact with the drug.
Coffee Addiction and the Health Risks
Coffee has become an essential part of many peoples’ daily routine, and it can be difficult for some to give up. However, going cold turkey on coffee can lead to mild withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue. If a patient decides to or is told to give up coffee, it is advised to gradually reduce the consumption rather than quitting suddenly.
Coffee can have adverse effects on our bodies whether we are taking Xarelto or not. Drinking too much can lead to disrupted sleep, irritability, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Too much caffeine can also cause digestive problems and elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with increased stress.
If someone decides to drink coffee while on Xarelto, they should be aware that it can amplify the risk of bleeding. Dr. Brown suggests limiting coffee consumption to one to two cups per day and avoiding it within six to eight hours of taking the medication. He also mentioned that the amount of caffeine in coffee can differ greatly so it is important to be aware of what we are consuming.
How Coffee Can be Healthy
Despite the potential adverse effects, there are some benefits of coffee consumption such as increased focus and energy. Studies have also connected drinking coffee to a lower risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson’s. According to the American Heart Association, men and women who drink one to five cups of coffee a day can reduce their risk of stroke.
Coffee is also an excellent source of antioxidants, which are important for maintaining health. Studies have found that coffee can reduce inflammation and have anti-aging effects on our cells. Additionally, coffee can also boost metabolism and help with weight loss, provided it is taken in moderation.
For lovers of coffee, the key is moderation. If a person taking Xarelto wants to enjoy their daily dose of caffeine, they should do so in moderation and consult their doctor first.
Coffee Alternatives
If a person’s doctor advises them against their daily coffee intake, there are alternatives. Decaffeinated coffee is a great option, as it still has all the flavor and aroma of regular coffee, but without the risk. There are also many herbal teas and flavored coffees, such as Chai Tea, that can provide a delightful alternative.
If someone wants more of an energy boost without drinking coffee, they can look into green tea. Green tea contains a little bit of caffeine but not as much as coffee and has a range of healthy antioxidants. There are also a variety of caffeine-free alternatives such as herbal teas, sparkling water with flavors, and fresh vegetable or fruit juices.
If a person takes Xarelto, their doctor will likely advise against drinking caffeine. However, if enough caffeine is consumed in moderation, there is the potential for health benefits. As with any changes to diet, speaking with a doctor is the best thing to do.
Side Effects of Quitting Coffee
For regular coffee drinkers, giving up their daily dose can be difficult. People who try to quit cold turkey may experience side effects such as headaches, irritability, or fatigue. These effects can be managed and reduced by gradually reducing their coffee intake over the course of a few weeks.
Some people may opt to switch to decaffeinated coffee, but should stay aware of the fact that it still contains some caffeine. According to the American Addiction Centers, the average cup of decaffeinated coffee still has between 2 – 12 mg of caffeine, which is still enough to give someone a jolt of energy and make them anxious or restless.
The best thing coffee drinkers can do is to slowly reduce their coffee consumption by swapping out regular coffee for decaffeinated, having fewer cups per day, or having it at times of day when it won’t interfere with their Xarelto treatment. This gradual transition can make giving up coffee a lot easier.
Coffee and Mental Health
For those struggling with mental health issues, coffee can be a necessary crutch. According to Psychology Today, people with depression or anxiety are three times more likely to drink coffee than those who are not. This is because drinking coffee can make people feel more alert and give them a burst of energy. However, it is important to note that coffee cannot cure mental health issues and may even exacerbate them in certain cases.
If someone needs to take Xarelto and is struggling with mental health issues, they should talk to their doctor about the potential side effects of quitting coffee. For some, the risks of the drug may outweigh the potential of giving up their daily cup of Joe. In these cases, their doctor will likely advise them to limit their consumption and drink decaffeinated or herbal drinks instead.
Managing mental health is important and sometimes coffee consumption can help, but moderation is key. For those taking Xarelto and struggling with mental health, they should talk to their doctor first to assess the risk of drinking caffeinated coffee.
Managing Caffeine Consumption
Whether someone drinks coffee every day or only occasionally, it is important to be aware of the risk of adulteration with Xarelto. Drinking coffee in moderation can be beneficial, but too much can increase the risk of bleeding. Those taking Xarelto should speak with their doctor to assess the risks before making any changes to their coffee consumption.
If a person decides to take coffee while on Xarelto, they should keep it moderate and avoid any other sources of caffeine, such as energy drinks and over the counter medication. They should also avoid having coffee within six to eight hours of taking their medication. This can help to reduce the risk of adverse effects.
For those who need to avoid coffee completely, there are several alternatives. Decaffeinated coffee, herbal teas, green tea, and sparkling water with flavorings are all good options for those wanting to kick their caffeine habit. With a bit of creativity, it’s possible to find a range of alternatives that still taste good.
