The NHS has issued a warning against consuming grapefruit or its juice for the millions of people taking the antidepressant sertraline. Sertraline, one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the UK, with over 24 million items dispensed in England in 2024, is used to treat depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The fruit can interfere with the medication by inhibiting enzymes that break down sertraline, leading to higher levels of the drug in the bloodstream. This increases the risk of side effects, which may include nausea, insomnia, and more serious conditions such as serotonin syndrome, characterised by fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, and confusion.
According to the NHS, the interaction occurs quickly and cannot be avoided by spacing out consumption of grapefruit and the medication. Patients are advised to avoid grapefruit entirely while taking sertraline. Those who have already consumed grapefruit should contact their doctor or pharmacist and monitor for symptoms.
The warning extends beyond sertraline; grapefruit can also interact with other antidepressants such as fluoxetine and paroxetine, as well as statins used for cholesterol management. The NHS advises patients to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new prescription if they have concerns.
