SSRI and Caffeine

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Both caffeine and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) can be attributed with affecting the chemistry of the brain to produce emotional and physiological responses. Because caffeine is known to create anxious responses, it is recommended that individuals using any SSRI abstain from or limit their caffeine intake.

Action and Reaction

While SSRI controls the amount of serotonin that is received by the presynaptic cell, caffeine controls the amount of adenosine received by the brain's adenosine receptors. Because caffeine resembles adenosine, the caffeine is able to bind with the adenosine receptors. Having taken up the space that the adenosine would occupy, the caffeine interrupts the work that the adenosine would fulfill.

Adenosine is a necessary brain chemical that slows the activity of nerve cells. As the nerve cell activity slows down, the brain and the body become drowsy, and sleep is possible. When caffeine is introduced into the system, it mimics the adenosine in the brain, binds with the adenosine receptors, and causes a very different physiological response. Where the individual would have gained the opportunity to rest, he or she now finds himself/herself unable to rest or relax. The nerve cell activity that should have slowed down speeds up instead, mistaking the absence of adenosine as a signal that sleep is not necessary.

Furthermore, as the nerve cell activity increases, the pituitary gland responds as if a physiological emergency has occurred, releasing hormones to signal the adrenal glands to supply adrenaline. An increase in adrenaline leads, in many cases, to a stressed response and anxiety. Additionally, while adenosine would have caused blood vessels to dilate and allowed more oxygen to enter the bloodstream, caffeine causes quite an opposite effect. The blood vessels constrict to limit blood flow and blood pressure rises.

Combining Caffeine and SSRI

SSRI are commonly used to treat anxiety, stress disorders, and mild to moderate depressions. Blocking the reuptake of serotonin by the presynaptic cell/receptor, the SSRI leaves a surplus of serotonin in the system. The serotonin left in the system leave the user feeling more relaxed and happier in most cases. There are various types of ssri on the market, including: Fluexotine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), and Citalopram (Celexa). Because caffeine is a contributor to various levels of stress, its use along with an ssri is not recommended.

At the very least, taking caffeine along with the SSRI may increase the occurrence of stress and negate the positive effects of the SSRI. In some cases, SSRI can cause anxiety for their users. In such situations, use of caffeine with the SSRI can compound the anxiety to cause the user greater stress and discomfort. Fluvoxamine is an SSRI that comes with specific warnings against caffeine use. Some studies indicate that using caffeine alongside fluvoxamine may lead to caffeine intoxication. Read the labels carefully to make sure you understand all of the possible SSRI side effects.

Be sure that you thoroughly research your options and speak with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any type of SSRI drug treatment regimen. Not all SSRI's are the same so be sure and do your homework.