Caffeine can interfere with the work of antidepressants

The main reason is a substance called adenosine. It is a molecule that helps the brain to calm down and recover. Studies have shown that it is adenosine that triggers the process of improving mood and reduces symptoms of depression under the influence of ketamine and ECT. If you block it, the effect of the treatment disappears.

And caffeine, the main component of coffee, tea, and energy drinks, blocks adenosine receptors. Because of this, coffee can interfere with medications. “Patients often come to procedures after drinking their morning coffee, and do not even suspect that it can reduce the effectiveness of therapy,” the authors of the study note.

Interestingly, in the long run, caffeine, on the contrary, can be useful. Regular moderate coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of depression. Scientists suggest that caffeine helps maintain a stable mood, but during active treatment it can interfere with brain function and weaken the therapeutic effect.

In addition, the researchers found that the antidepressant effect occurs not only when taking ketamine or ECT. Therapy with short—term hypoxia, a controlled decrease in oxygen levels, works in a similar way. This method also activates adenosine, but it is safer and may be suitable for mass use.

Now experts want to find out exactly how coffee affects different treatments for depression and whether it is worth temporarily giving up caffeine before therapy sessions.