When taking sertraline, it is important to avoid certain foods to prevent interactions and side effects. Key foods and drinks to avoid include:
- Alcohol: Can worsen drowsiness, impair judgment, and increase side effects.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Interfere with the metabolism of sertraline, leading to increased blood levels and higher risk of side effects.
- Caffeine: Excessive caffeine can increase nervousness and insomnia, aggravating sertraline's side effects.
- Highly processed foods: These can negatively impact mood and may counteract the benefits of the medication.
- Tyramine-rich foods: Foods like cured meats, aged cheeses, fermented foods (kimchi), and excessive chocolate may interact with sertraline and possibly raise blood pressure or risk adverse effects.
- Herbal supplements, especially St. John's Wort: Can dangerously interact with sertraline.
It is generally advised to consult a healthcare provider before making any dietary changes while on sertraline, as individual responses may vary.
