Chocolate Side Effects and Warnings

Safety Issues

As a widely consumed food, chocolate is assumed to have a high safety factor. However, because of its caffeine and theobromine content, it would be expected to have potential side effects similar to those of coffee and black tea , namely: heartburn, gastritis, insomnia, anxiety, and heart arrhythmias (benign palpitations or more serious disturbances of heart rhythm.) ¹ All drug interactions that can occur with caffeine would be expected to occur with chocolate as well.

Most chocolate products are high in calories, and therefore could lead to weight gain.

Interactions You Should Know About

If you are taking:

• MAO inhibitors : The caffeine in chocolate could cause dangerous drug interactions.
• Stimulant drugs such as Ritalin: The stimulant effects of chocolate might be amplified.
• Drugs to prevent heart arrhythmias or treat insomnia, heartburn, ulcers, or anxiety: Chocolate might interfere with their action.