It is comforting to believe that medicine provides instant relief, allowing you to feel better immediately after taking it. However, if you are using medicine to feel better, it is because you are feeling unwell. In some cases, rest is necessary for recovery, but at other times, you may desire quick relief to carry on with your day. After all, there are many activities you would like to do. In such moments, you may rely more on your morning coffee to help you feel more energetic.
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It is important to acknowledge that not all medicines work instantly, and most people understand that immediate relief is not always achievable.
Many pain relievers, allergy medications, and even common supplements can take time to produce effects, which can be frustrating, especially when you are already feeling unwell. This is why many people often wonder if there are ways to make their medicines work faster, such as taking them with food, on an empty stomach, or with water.
Since coffee is often a part of morning routines, it's natural to wonder if this daily drink could have additional benefits.
You may also observe that your medicine seems to work more effectively after your latte or espresso, making you question whether this is due to something more significant than coincidence.
Here's some encouraging news: According to three doctors we spoke with, in some cases, taking medicine with coffee can actually enhance its effectiveness.
Taking this medication with coffee is helpful.
Dr. Fawad Mian, a neurologist and founder of Ascend Regenerative, explains that taking ibuprofen with coffee can improve its pain-relieving effects.
"Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a chemical related to pain and fatigue, and it also constricts blood vessels in the head. Ibuprofen works by blocking prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and inflammation. When taken together, they can be more effective in reducing pain," he adds, noting that his patients who suffer from migraines often take ibuprofen and coffee when they experience headaches.
Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, a family physician, agrees.
"Research shows that around 100 milligrams of caffeine combined with ibuprofen can be more effective for pain management than ibuprofen alone," she explains, noting that this amount is roughly equivalent to the caffeine found in a cup of coffee. Scientific studies also indicate that people who take ibuprofen with 100 milligrams of caffeine experience a 50% greater reduction in pain compared to those taking ibuprofen on its own. Dr. Mieses Malchuk explains that caffeine may help ibuprofen block pain signals in the brain and could make the medication work faster.
Dr. Sarah Bobker, a clinical associate professor in the NYU Grossman School of Medicine's Division of Headway Medicine, says that it's not only coffee that can have this effect.
Any caffeinated drink, such as tea, can work similarly, although coffee contains more caffeine than tea, so its impact may be less pronounced. She also points out that many pain relievers already contain caffeine, so taking these medications may provide a similar benefit.
Does food influence how effective ibuprofen is?
All three doctors say there are no specific foods that make ibuprofen more or less effective. However, they do recommend avoiding taking it after a large meal. "Food doesn't specifically reduce the effectiveness of ibuprofen, but it can slow its absorption. After a big meal, your stomach takes longer to digest everything, which can delay the effects of ibuprofen," Dr. Bobker explains. Dr. Mian adds that fatty meals can make ibuprofen take longer to reach its peak levels, meaning you might feel the full effect later.
That said, ibuprofen can be hard on the stomach, especially if taken regularly.
Taking it with food can help reduce these effects.
The one drink you should avoid taking ibuprofen with is alcohol.
"Taking ibuprofen with alcohol significantly increases the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract," Dr. Mieses Malchuk explains, mentioning common signs of a GI bleed, such as vomiting blood, black, tarry stools, or maroon-colored blood from the rectum. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
If you find yourself regularly taking ibuprofen, Dr. Mieses Malchuk recommends consulting your healthcare provider to check if there might be a more serious underlying issue.
While occasional use of ibuprofen is acceptable, it shouldn't become a regular habit.
Sometimes, the body simply needs rest, and pushing through symptoms can make things worse. However, when you are dealing with headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, or mild joint pain that is stopping you from functioning, taking ibuprofen with coffee might be the key to feeling better more quickly.
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