Increased Sensitivity to Caffeine
Users on Reddit report a variety of changes in their experience with caffeine while on GLP-1 medications, ranging from altered taste and reduced enjoyment to increased physiological sensitivity, such as panic attacks. Many have consequently reduced or eliminated their caffeine intake.
Experiences with Increased Sensitivity and Changed Perception of Caffeine:
One user stated, "since I started, all of my cups have been 'okay whatever'. "[1]
Another shared, "now coffee is no longer my sip of heaven every morning. "[2]
A particularly strong reaction was noted by a user who said, "I legit can't stand it, and even tea at this stage... it all tastes like dish water... "[3]
Similarly, someone on Ozempic and Mounjaro found that their "coffee tasted awful. "[4]
Another user reported, "Coffee is gross to me now and my creamer tastes like soap. "[5]
Reduced Desire and Consumption: As a result of these changes in taste and enjoyment, many users have decreased their caffeine consumption.
The original poster of one thread mentioned, "I find less inclined to drink it. I often don't finish a cup after I make it. "[1]
"my coffee consumption went way down," said one user. [6]
Another echoed this, stating, "My desire for coffee dropped actually. I don't drink as much coffee as I used to and some days I don't drink any at all. "[7]
Some users lost all interest: "I have zero interest in coffee now. I used to drink several cups a day! "[8]
One person noted, "I’m not drinking caffeine daily now. I was drinking a venti cold brew daily at least. "[9]
Another said, "I’ve been drinking way less coffee now too! I usually have one cup in the morning and I barely finish it now. "[10]
Increased Negative Physical Reactions (Sensitivity): Some users report more direct and severe negative physical responses to caffeine, indicating an increased sensitivity.
A user on Retatrutide (a GLP-1 agonist) shared a significant experience: "Caffeine caused me extreme panic attacks out of nowhere. So I had to stop completely. If I had 16 mg I would have a panic attack. But throughout the time I got to where I could consume some caffeine again but I was very sensitive. "[11]
Another user, when detailing side effects and adjustments, lamented, "No caffeine(😭). "[12]
One individual taking tirzepatide described feeling "'revved up', a little shaky" for 2-3 days after each shot, a sensation that could potentially be exacerbated by caffeine, though caffeine was not directly implicated by the user. [13]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
One user advises to "avoid caffeine" as part of a broader strategy to prevent common GLP-1 side effects like nausea. [14]
Users who experienced severe reactions like panic attacks found it necessary to stop caffeine. [11, 12]
Switching to Alternatives: Some users attempt to find other beverages when coffee becomes unpalatable.
One user mentioned, "Generally I'll just swap over to tea for a few weeks". [15]
Another found that they "Started drinking tea in between and that was fine. "[16] However, it's worth noting that not everyone finds tea to be a good substitute, as one user stated even tea tasted like "dish water. "[3]
Waiting for Adaptation: Several users offer a more passive approach, suggesting that the aversion or sensitivity to caffeine might diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
"it does seem to get better over time luckily," one user commented. [17]
Another advised to "hang in there—it does get a little bit better over time. "[4]
For one user, the return to enjoying coffee took a significant amount of time: "Yep tastes the same. It was probably a year ish.
Experiences with Increased Sensitivity and Changed Perception of Caffeine:
- Altered Taste and Enjoyment: A significant number of users find that coffee, a primary source of caffeine, no longer tastes appealing or provides the same satisfaction it once did.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Avoidance or Reduction of Caffeine: The most common and direct approach reported by users is to reduce or completely stop caffeine intake.