caffiene

[ThisYearsGirl]

I take evening primrose oil, a herb, to help with my period cramps. On the label, it reads, "For best results, do not take with caffienated or alcoholic beverages." I just took an Excederine, which contains caffiene. Should I wait before taking the primrose oil?

[Broomstick]

Yes

[cher3]

Caffeine can actually make your cramps worse. It has effects on smooth muscle (I think), which is why it is also a laxative.

The caffeine in Exedrine is there to make it more effective on headaches, so you might be better off with a different pain reliever.

[ThisYearsGirl]

Originally posted by cher3
Caffeine can actually make your cramps worse. It has effects on smooth muscle (I think), which is why it is also a laxative.

The caffeine in Exedrine is there to make it more effective on headaches, so you might be better off with a different pain reliever.

I don't take it while getting my cramps--about a week and a half before my period, I start. They work, too, if any other ladies have this problem.

[Mockingbird]

Originally posted by cher3
Caffeine can actually make your cramps worse. It has effects on smooth muscle (I think), which is why it is also a laxative.

The caffeine in Exedrine is there to make it more effective on headaches, so you might be better off with a different pain reliever.

Caffeine is not a laxative it is a dieuretic. The reason it is in PMS formulas is two fold:

1) It makes the asprin, et al work faster.

2) It is a dieuretic and makes you urinate, thus losing some of the water retention

[Equality 7-2521]

Fact: Evening Primrose Oil has anti-coagulating properties.

WAG: Taking it with caffeine or alcohol may exacerbate a GI bleed or other bleeding disorders. I would be more concerned about the aspirin in Exedrine.

[capybara]

I believe that caffiene is a diuretic AND a laxative. Perhaps you have experienced that morning, post-coffee "regularity" (I rely on it, in fact).

[toadspittle]

From personal experience, I concur. Caffeine does have laxative effects.

[handy]

Why not take Ifobrufen instead of aspirin?

[ThisYearsGirl]

Originally posted by handy
Why not take Ifobrufen instead of aspirin?

I took the aspirin for a headache.

[JillGat]

It's caffeine and ibuprofen. In case anyone wants to do any searches, it's good to know how to spell em.