The most predictable and simple combination has actually been proven to work. A 2010 study published in the journal PlOS ONE found the anti-inflammatory ingredients of aspirin and other painkillers, reacted against the chemical compounds of ethanol, or pure alcohol. Ethanol is know to bring on headaches due to the chemical acetate. Cellini cautions, “coffee further dehydrates you and is acidic, but it will force adrenaline up which will give you a false energy boost.” It’s best to take precaution when it comes to drinking coffee and painkillers together.