Does caffeine affect PMR? If so how?

[pomeranion]

I usually drink tea but recently started to crave a good strong cup of coffee. Does Chai black tea have caffeine? I don't want to upset my slow prednisolone taper by adding something that will alter it.

[Meggsy]

I drink coffee first thing in the morning and tea thereafter. I haven’t noticed that it has done me any harm in three and a half years. Tea and coffee both contain caffeine, though tea has less. I have never been inclined toward decaffeinated in either.

[pomeranion in reply to Meggsy]

I appreciate your input. I am going to experiment and indulge the craving. Will keep everyone posted.

[HeatherLo89 in reply to Meggsy]

Yes same here! Can't live without tea and coffee!😅

[Kendrew]

Hi pomeranian. Others with more knowledge will be along soon but I'm not aware of having ever read anything that specifically states that caffeine can significantly effect PMR or the action of pred on PMR. That being said, caffeine is a stimulant and if it's possible for it to stimulate (or over-stimulate) the adrenals before they're ready, then this could cause an issue I suppose. I'm down to 7mg and don't drink coffee. I always go for decaf tea but on the odd occasions when it's not available and I have a regular tea, the only problem I've experienced is the onset of mild palpitations afterwards. (Was the this an adrenal issue??)

[pomeranion in reply to Kendrew]

Interesting about possible adrenal issue. Sometimes I could really use some stimulation. I will proceed cautiously and don't overdue consumption. Thanks for the possible heads up.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Like anything else - everyone will be different. Some people say that they find coffee doesn't suit them, others don't have a problem. You have to try and see how it suits you - I can't think of any reason why it should affect the taper.

"Each cup (240 ml) of chai tea is expected to contain around 25 mg of caffeine. That's half the caffeine dose provided by the same quantity of black tea, and one-quarter that of the typical cup of coffee "

[pomeranion in reply to PMRpro]

I knew you would have some interesting facts about different teas. I have read with interest your previous posts about them. You are so knowledgeable and informative. I enjoy reading all your comments and suggestions. We are all very lucky to have you contribute. Please keep up the good work.👍

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to pomeranion]

Thank you - it is knowing where to look that is the skill

[ClarkB]

I have decaf coffee and don’t notice the difference. Sometimes the coffee shop ones seem weaker, but the same can go for other coffees too. At home I always have decaf tea too.

[pomeranion in reply to ClarkB]

I don't drive anymore so unable to get to the coffee shops. I use to enjoy a chai latte occasionally. I'm going to experiment with an occasional cup of coffee. I will keep you posted. Thank you.

[ClarkB in reply to pomeranion]

I haven’t found that it affects me, although caffeine did, keeping me awake and my legs felt’jumpy’. We are all different and can have different reactions! There are many coffee shops where I live and I can walk to the nearest, or a longer walk into town. I don’t need much of an excuse. I don’t find it difficult to buy a good decaf coffee.

[pomeranion in reply to ClarkB]

What do you think about decaf? I will probably try if I develop any adverse effects from the caffeine. I will post about any different reactions. I envy the abundance of shops near and far. Count your blessings just being able to walk there. I use a walker and have to count on family or friends for transportation. I will indulge at home and try some of the varied selections available. What a difference compared to just a few years ago. I think Starbucks has expanded the choices. I would love to taste the pumpkin spice. What would be yours?

[ClarkB in reply to pomeranion]

I always have decaf at home and if I’m out I tend not to because some places don’t make it strong enough. There’s no problem buying decaf in the shops. When I’m out I tend to go to independent coffee shops, otherwise to Costa. We don’t have a Starbucks as I live in a small country town with mainly independent cafes.I usually enjoy walking, but last December I fell on a piece of ice and badly fractured my shoulder. This summer I badly twisted my knee on a steep coastal path, which has affected how far I’m able to walk now unfortunately. I hurt my knee when I fractured my shoulder but didn’t realise it at the time!

[pomeranion in reply to ClarkB]

What a coincidence. Both of my shoulders are fractured from two different falls. I had very successful knee replacement years ago. I have had balance issues for years and have graduated from cane to walker. I can now report I had my groceries delivered this afternoon and enjoyed 2 cups of French Roast coffee with Pumpkin Spice creamer. I have osteoporosis and after 2 previous spinal surgeries and the fractures my Drs. want me to take Reclast. I need to do more research. While contemplating my future with PMR and future consequences of the pred dosage affecting my osteoporosis per my Drs. information. I will continue to explore small ordinary pleasures like coffee consumption. Thanks for your comments about your journey's. Always feel better after reading the interesting posts on this site.

[Nextoneplease]

Hi all, I have been a big coffee drinker all my life and I think recently my consumption has crept up in a pathetic attempt to counteract PMR tiredness 🙄 The only side effect I’ve noticed is increased palpitations - so I’m going to cut down to a couple of cups a day and see if that helps. It’s all a balancing act…..x

[pomeranion in reply to Nextoneplease]

I really could use some help with the fatigue too. I'll be aware of any adverse effects (palpitations ). The balancing act is a real challenge what with diet, exercise and insomnia inherent with PMR and RA. I appreciate the warning and suggestion on moderation.

0

[mgrogers99]

Caffeine does affect the adrenal glands.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[pomeranion in reply to mgrogers99]

Interesting information. Way over my head. Does caffeine consumption have a significant impact on prednisolone intake concerning PMR symptoms? Certainly don't want to alter response. I will monitor my symptoms. Especially insomnia and fatigue.

[mgrogers99 in reply to pomeranion]

In reading to find out about caffeine and prednisone, all I could find was the combination likely would worsen insomnia. Steroids cause insomnia so any caffeine can worsen it and keep you awake longer! The literature said it is safe to combine the two so if you can put up with the insomnia, it is okay!

[pomeranion in reply to mgrogers99]

Started 2 cups of French Roast coffee yesterday. Extra energy and not as fatigued, definite perks. I had no trouble falling asleep and got a good 6 hours. That is unusual as I only get 4-5 on a good night. I know this is preliminary finding and will continue to monitor any additional symptoms. Good news about caffeine and pred consumption not being a concern as far as mentioned.

[HeronNS]

I drink three mugs of regular English style hot tea, with milk, no sugar, every day. I seldom drink it later than about four in the afternoon, but even later doesn't usually affect my sleep. I had never heard that caffeine had any effect on pred. I suppose any change in your usual caffeine consumption would affect a person but I think if it was an issue with pred we'd know about it??? For me, coffee is a special treat, can count on fingers of one hand the number of cups I've drunk since beginning of pandemic.

[pomeranion]

I started drinking some coffee yesterday. No problem with sleeping but enjoyed extra energy and not as fatigued. Positive perk what with that PMR symptom. I will continue to monitor for any down sides of caffeine consumption. I also enjoy Chai and green tea.