Sertraline warning as Brits on common medication told 'avoid this drink'

Brits taking a common medication have been urged to avoid a specific drink due to potential risks. According to experts, this combination can interact “dangerously”.

Sertraline is an antidepressant medicine used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. While it is not known exactly how many people take sertraline, in 2024 24,428,772 items of sertraline were dispensed in England alone, making it one of the most commonly prescribed medications.

It is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's thought to work by increasing the level of serotonin (a chemical in the brain that controls mood), making you feel calmer and happier.

For this reason, it can be used to treat mental health conditions such as:

• Depression
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder

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But like any medication, it does come with some warnings. On its website, the NHS warns people who take sertraline against consuming grapefruit juice.

“Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking sertraline,” the health body said. Experts at Harvard Health, explained that this is not the only medication to be affected by the drink.

They said: “The bad news is that grapefruit juice can interact with dozens of medications, sometimes dangerously. Doctors are not sure which of the hundreds of chemicals in grapefruit are responsible.

“The leading candidate is furanocoumarin. It is also found in Seville (sour) oranges and tangelos; although these fruits have not been studied in detail, the guidelines for grapefruit should apply to them as well.”

They added: “Grapefruit's culprit chemical does not interact directly with your pills. Instead, it binds to an enzyme in your intestinal tract known as CYP3A4, which reduces the absorption of certain medications. When grapefruit juice blocks the enzyme, it's easier for the medication to pass from your gut to your bloodstream.

“Blood levels will rise faster and higher than normal, and in some cases the abnormally high levels can be dangerous.” On top of this, the NHS warned that people taking sertraline should not drink alcohol.

It said: “It's also best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline because it can stop the medicine working properly.”

Some medicines, herbal remedies and supplements, also do not mix well with sertraline. This includes some types of:

• Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and apixaban
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as moclobemide and selegiline
• The herbal supplement St John's wort

The NHS said: “Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.”