If you’re taking the common medication, you are advised to steer clear of one type of fruit
Millions of Brits should avoid one particular fruit for an important reason. Recent figures from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) show that 8.7 million people across the UK were taking antidepressants in 2023/24.
The data, published in the NHSBSA’s annual Medicines Used in Mental Health summary, represents a 2.1% rise compared to 2022/23. Additionally, an estimated 89 million antidepressant drug items were prescribed – a 3.3% increase since 2022/23.
Antidepressants are medicines used to treat clinical depression. Beyond this main purpose, they can also prove effective for several other conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalised anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The medication is sometimes prescribed to people experiencing chronic pain. The NHS explains: “It’s not known exactly how antidepressants work. It’s thought they work by increasing levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and noradrenaline, are linked to mood and emotion.”
Whilst antidepressants can help ease depression symptoms, they frequently don’t address the root causes. This is why they are typically combined with therapy, particularly for severe depression or other mental health conditions, reports Bristol Live.
Antidepressant side effects can initially be a problem, but they usually improve over time. Most side effects typically get better within a few weeks, but some may linger.
Common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can include:
- feeling agitated, shaky or anxious
- feeling and being sick
- indigestion and stomach aches
- diarrhoea or constipation
- loss of appetite
- dizziness
- not sleeping well (insomnia), or feeling very sleepy
- headaches
- loss of libido (reduced sex drive)
- difficulties achieving orgasm during sex or masturbation
- difficulties obtaining or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Common side effects of Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can include:
- dry mouth
- slight blurring of vision
- constipation
- problems passing urine
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- weight gain
- excessive sweating (especially at night)
- heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia), such as noticeable palpitations or a fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
However, one type of fruit can exacerbate these side effects and interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Grapefruit and its juice can increase the levels of certain antidepressants in your system, potentially leading to harmful side effects.
It’s advisable to avoid grapefruit while on antidepressants unless your doctor advises otherwise. The reason grapefruit interacts with antidepressants is that it inhibits an enzyme called CYP3A4 – found in your small intestine and liver – which metabolises medications.
It also impedes the proper metabolism of the medication, allowing it to enter your bloodstream more quickly. This can result in increased medication levels in your blood, which may pose risks.
Antidepressants that interact with grapefruit include:.
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
- Amitriptyline, and Clomipramine
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Buspirone (Buspar)
- Quetiapine
- Lurasidone
Studies have shown that consuming grapefruit while taking sertraline can result in elevated levels of sertraline in the bloodstream, as grapefruit inhibits the enzymes required for its metabolism. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness or drowsiness.
The interaction can occur rapidly and may persist for several days. A statement on the NHS website says: “Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking sertraline. It’s also best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline because it can stop the medicine working properly.”
Whilst grapefruit boasts numerous health benefits, those taking medication may find the dangers outweigh the advantages. It’s wise to speak with your GP or pharmacist before beginning any new prescription, particularly if you have concerns or queries.
You may wish to ask whether your new medication interacts with particular foods or other medicines to make certain you’re not jeopardising your wellbeing. If interactions exist, make sure to enquire about whether you need to modify your diet or alter how you take your other medications.