Millions of Brits are urged to steer clear of one particular fruit for good reason. According to the latest stats from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), there are 8.7 million people in the UK taking antidepressants, as of 2023/24.
The data released in the NHSBSA’s annualMedicines Used in Mental Health summary, this is an increase of 2.1% compared to 2022/23. It is also estimated that 89 million antidepressant drug items were prescribed – an increase of 3.3% since 2022/23.
Antidepressants are medications designed to help manage clinical depression. In addition to this primary use, they can also be effective for various other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalised anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The medication is occasionally prescribed to individuals dealing with chronic pain.
The NHS says: “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.”
Antidepressants can help alleviate the symptoms of depression, but they often don’t tackle the underlying causes. That’s why they are commonly paired with therapy, especially for more serious cases of depression or other mental health issues.
Antidepressant side effects can be an issue at first, but they usually improve over time. Any side effects typically improve within a few weeks, but a few may persist. 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)
But, side effects can be exasperated by eating one type of fruit that can interfere with how well the medication works. Grapefruit and its juice have the potential to raise the levels of certain antidepressants in your system, which may result in harmful side effects.
It’s best to steer clear of grapefruit while on antidepressants unless your doctor tells you otherwise. The reason grapefruit interacts with antidepressants is that it blocks an enzyme called CYP3A4 – found in your small intestine and liver – which metabolises medications.
It also hinders the proper metabolism of the medication, allowing it to enter your bloodstream faster. This can result in elevated 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
Research has shown consuming grapefruit while taking sertraline may 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 reads: “Do not drink grapefruit juice while you’re taking this medicine. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of sertraline in your body and increase the risk of side effects.”
Although grapefruit offers several health advantages, if you’re on medication, the risks may be greater than the benefits. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new prescription, especially if you have any doubts or questions.
You might want to inquire whether your new medication has any interactions with certain foods or other drugs to ensure you’re not putting your health at risk. If there are interactions, be sure to ask if you should adjust your diet or how you take your other medications.