Why should I avoid grapefruit when taking sertraline?

Grapefruit and its juice contain chemicals that inhibit enzymes needed to break down sertraline, leading to higher levels in your body and an increased risk of side effects.

What are common side effects of sertraline?

Common side effects of sertraline include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, sleep problems, sexual issues, and weight gain.

Can grapefruit affect other medications besides sertraline?

Yes, grapefruit can cause similar side effects with other antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine, and is also not encouraged for those taking statins for cholesterol.

Home / Health / Grapefruit: The Hidden Danger for Antidepressant Users

Grapefruit: The Hidden Danger for Antidepressant Users

26 Jan

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Summary

Grapefruit juice can dangerously increase sertraline levels in the body.
Enzymes that break down sertraline are inhibited by chemicals in grapefruit.
Common sertraline side effects include headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Grapefruit: The Hidden Danger for Antidepressant Users

Sertraline, a widely prescribed antidepressant in the UK, is taken by millions for conditions like depression and anxiety. In England alone, over 24 million items were dispensed in 2024, highlighting its common use alongside medications like fluoxetine and citalopram.

Health experts are issuing a critical warning regarding the consumption of grapefruit and its juice by individuals taking sertraline. The fruit contains specific chemicals that disrupt the enzymes responsible for metabolizing the medication. This disruption can lead to significantly higher concentrations of sertraline in the body, thereby amplifying the likelihood and severity of adverse effects.

This interaction can occur rapidly, and due to the body's need to produce new enzymes, simply spacing out consumption of grapefruit and sertraline is not an effective strategy. Health professionals strongly advise complete avoidance of grapefruit while undergoing sertraline treatment. Common side effects of sertraline, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and sleep disturbances, can be exacerbated by this interaction.