Is Caffeine (energy supplements) Safe with Caffeine?
Free · No account · based on published sources including NIH ODS, FDA drug labels, and peer-reviewed literature
Do not use caffeine-containing supplements while taking MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline). This combination can be life-threatening. Consult your psychiatrist before consuming any stimulant.
Why this interaction occurs
MAOIs inhibit monoamine oxidase, preventing breakdown of catecholamines. Caffeine-induced catecholamine release leads to dangerous accumulation of norepinephrine and dopamine, precipitating hypertensive crisis with risk of stroke or death.
Evidence
Evidence level: strong.
Data source
PubMed: PMID 41685663
Reported safety data
The FDA’s adverse event reporting system (FAERS) has received 24,547 reports mentioning Caffeine. This reflects reported cases involving the medication in general — not confirmed causation, and not specific to the Caffeine + supplement combination on this page.
FAERS reports are voluntary and cannot prove that a drug caused an event. Do not use report counts to assess the safety of this specific drug-supplement pair.
Frequently asked questions
Related interactions
All Caffeine (energy supplements) interactions → · All Caffeine interactions →
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Educational only — not medical advice.
Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.