zoloft and caffeine?

[littledog15]

Hi,
I am on 50mg of Zoloft and I can't have caffeine.  It is very tricky for me to avoid caffeine being that I'm not sure what has caffeine and what doesn't. Is there a list of common everyday foods and drinks that do not have caffeine in them?

[4Maddie44]

I drank caffeine drinks all the time I was on Zoloft, which was years, and it did not interfere with the effectiveness. Perhaps your doctor is being cautious, which is a good thing.  It is up to you of course.  

[nursegirl6572]

Caffeine doesn't interfere with the effectiveness of the Zoloft, however, advice to avoid it (or keep intake very minimal) is usually a good idea, as caffeine definitely can be a trigger for anxiety.

Do you normally drink a lot of beverages that contain caffeine?

[littledog15]

Hi everyone. I was just told that I shouldn't have caffeine with my antidepressant because it increases the risk of anxiety and could reverse my antidepressant.

[nursegirl6572]

I concur with the others, there is no specific contraindication with Zoloft and caffeine, besides the obvious recommendation to avoid it, or minimize intake because it can be a trigger for anxiety.

As far as finding out which drinks have caffeine in them, it will be listed under the ingredients.  Most sodas that are caffeine free are clearly marked as so.

[Paxiled]

Never heard  of this either, though some natural medicine practitioners will tell people with anxiety to avoid caffeine for obvious reasons.  But common foods containing caffeine are real tea (not most herbal teas), coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, guarana, kola nut, colas and some other sodas.  I'm sure if you google caffeine in foods you'll get a more complete answer.

[4Maddie44]

Who told you not to have caffeine with Zoloft? Never heard of that.  I was on Zoloft for years but first time I have heard this.  I did not avoid caffeine as never told to avoid it.  I was fine.

Perhaps you should check with a doctor or pharmacist about this.  Personally I have never heard about not having caffeine with Zoloft.

[CRSeaside]

Hi. If soda has caffeine it's on the label.
  For example some root beer has no caffeine. If it doesn't say on the label you're ok.
I've never had Zoloft. Does your Pdoc or the pharmacy say to avoid it?
  Your friend. Maxy