xmo Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 I've always wondered, but never bothered to ask until now, but just out of curiosity, does anyone know why they say not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on certain (so many it seems) meds? I mean, I don't personally care for grapefruit/grapefruit juice, I was just wondering. It just seems so damn random (though certainly there is a legitimate reason behind it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerberus Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 (edited) From Drugs.com:Grapefruit juice decreases the activity of the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes that are responsible for breaking down many drugs and toxins. Grapefruit contains compounds known as furanocoumarins that block the CYP3A4 enzymes. When grapefruit juice is consumed, the enzyme’s ability to break down the drug for elimination is decreased. Blood levels of the drug may rise, resulting in the risk for new or worsened side effects. In addition to increased side effects, the actual level of the medication present in your system can be elevated above your normal dosage level because it isn't breaking down as quickly as intended between doses.I stare wistfully at lovely, big grapefruits at the grocery, and then walk away with a heavy sigh. Edited October 2, 2015 by Cerberus 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velvet Elvis Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 It really depends on the med. If you're not on anything metabolized by the suspect liver enzymes, you're fine. That's how I understand it anyway. They just say not to eat grapefruit to be safe. I drink a can of grapefruit juice every now and then, particularly when have the flu or a cold, and it doesn't seem to make any difference.There are a lot of things that can interact with meds in this same way that you don't get warned about. Any cold or cough medicine with DXM in it would be a big one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xmo Posted October 2, 2015 Author Share Posted October 2, 2015 Cool, thanks for the replies! Yeah, I just figured some worsened side effects but was not exactly sure. Now it makes more sense.Drugs.com. Totally slipped my mind; didn't even think to look there. Good lookin' out.Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dzo Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Yea I think they do that for legal mumbo jumbo bullshit reasons on most meds now.Kind of like they tell you not to put plastic bags over your heads. . . . . . it is all lawyer speak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbit37 Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Lol dzo.Once a year or so I break down and buy a grapefruit. I'll only eat half at a time, for breakfast (I take my meds at night). I don't know if I'm being stupid, but it's so delicious, and I've never noticed any problems. Not that I'm necessarily advocating it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifequake Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 I am like you, Rabbit. A few times I year, I'll buy one and enjoy half for breakfast. They've got beautiful coloring, and are weirdly bitter-- how can I resist? heh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 The only med I know of that grapefruit increases levels of is Abilify. I am sure there are more, but with my meds i do know it increases my abilify level. I actually tested it (I didn't tell pdoc until after I did the experiment ... I know bad idea, but I wasn't all in my right mind then) ... had 1-2 grapefruits every day for awhile (don't remember specific number of days, but it was more than a few weeks) and started getting symptoms that I'd never had before ... it was hard to walk, my legs were really stiff, other stuff I can't remember, but enough to know my levels had to be high. So I went down on the dose fast for a couple days, and finally felt better after 5-6 days. (I would have told pdoc if I couldn't get rid of the side effects though). If I had eaten only one grapefruit though, I don't think I would have had a problem. http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/antipsychotics-for-the-treatment-of-bipolar-disorderTalk to your doctor or pharmacist about drinking grapefruit juice while taking an antipsychotic medicine. Grapefruit juice can increase the level of these medicines in your blood. Having too much medicine in your blood increases the chances of having serious side effects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerberus Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Effexor is another one that doesn't play nice with grapefruit. Alas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiaB Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Seroquel is another culprit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinterRosie Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Now I want citrus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fluffypinkbunny Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Same with Latuda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveyoursanity Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Good thing I really hate grapefruit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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