Sertraline is an antidepressant medication commonly used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain, which helps to improve mood. If you are taking sertraline, it is important to be aware of certain foods and beverages that may interact with the medication and hence, should be avoided.
Highlights:
- Sertraline is an antidepressant that belongs to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) class of medications. It is used to treat the major depressive disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
- When taking sertraline, it is important to avoid foods that are high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, air-dried meats as these can interact with sertraline and cause serious side effects.
- Other foods to avoid when taking sertraline include alcoholic beverages and large amounts of caffeine.
In this blog, we will discuss five foods to avoid when taking sertraline.
Sertraline is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It is commonly prescribed to individuals 18 years of age or older and works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
Avoid these 5 Foods and Beverages:
When taking sertraline, it is important to avoid certain foods and beverages as they may cause an increased risk of side effects
1. Alcohol
Try to avoid foods that contain alcohol, as alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
- Alcohol can also increase the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.
- It is important to speak to a psychiatrist before consuming any type of alcohol while taking sertraline. Be aware of any foods that have a high alcohol content, such as beer, wine, and liquor.
To ensure that the medication is working properly, it is best to avoid alcohol when taking sertraline.
2. Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeine can interfere with the effectiveness of sertraline. So, it is best to avoid it completely.
- It can cause jitteriness, nervousness, and insomnia, which can aggravate any existing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
- Therefore, it is best to choose non-caffeinated drinks such as herbal teas, fruit juices, and water instead.
3. Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are foods that should be avoided when taking sertraline.
- Sertraline is a type of antidepressant medication and is metabolized in the body by enzymes in the CYP3A4 pathway, which is inhibited by compounds found in grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- Therefore, consuming these foods can increase the levels of sertraline in the body, potentially leading to adverse effects such as an increased risk of side effects.
It is important to speak to your psychiatrist if you are taking sertraline and have questions about the safety of consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
4. High-Tyramine Foods
High-tyramine foods can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. High-tyramine foods include:
- Aged cheeses
- Cured meats
- Soy sauce
- Sauerkraut
- Some types of beer and wine
It is best to avoid or limit the consumption of these foods when taking Sertraline or other medications that affect serotonin levels.
Also Read: Sertraline Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, Price
5. Certain Herbs and Supplements
It is important to be aware of certain herbs and supplements that may interact with sertraline.
Herbs and supplements that should be avoided include:
- St. John’s wort
- Kava
- Valerian
- High doses of vitamin E
These herbs and supplements can reduce the effectiveness of sertraline and increase the likelihood of side effects.
Conclusion
By keeping an eye out for certain foods, you can help ensure that you are taking sertraline safely and effectively. Alcohol, caffeinated beverages, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, high-tyramine foods, and certain herbs and supplements should all be avoided when taking sertraline, as their interactions with the medication can have potentially dangerous consequences. To make sure you are making the right dietary choices, it’s best to consult with your doctor.
FAQs:
1. Can we eat chocolate with sertraline?
It is recommended to avoid chocolate while taking sertraline as it causes itchiness.
2. Does sertraline affect memory?
Sertraline can cause permanent memory problems and can ruin careers and friendships, especially if taken irregularly, even in minimal doses. It is recommended to consult with doctor before using sertraline.