Caffeine may ease cyclosporine’s mood side effects in transplant patients
A new study suggests caffeine may help reduce mood disturbances caused by cyclosporine, a common immunosuppressant drug. Researchers found that even low doses of caffeine eased anxiety in mice, while higher amounts improved depressive symptoms linked to the medication.
Cyclosporine is widely prescribed to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. However, its use often leads to neurotoxic side effects, including anxiety and depression, which can severely affect quality of life.
The study, published in Physiology & Behavior, was led by researchers Mohaddeseh Ebrahimi-Ghiri and Sakineh Alijanpour. Their findings show that caffeine can reverse these mood-related side effects in mice treated with cyclosporine. Low caffeine doses reduced anxiety-like behaviour, while higher doses were needed to combat depressive symptoms. The team believes caffeine may work by influencing nitric oxide signalling in the brain, counteracting cyclosporine’s psychological impact. If confirmed in humans, caffeine could offer a simple, non-pharmaceutical way to improve well-being for patients on immunosuppressive therapy.
The results highlight caffeine’s potential as a supplement for those experiencing mood disorders from cyclosporine. Further research is needed to determine whether similar effects occur in human patients. For now, the study provides a promising lead for managing the drug’s psychological side effects.
