According to stats from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), there are 8.7 million people in the UK taking antidepressants, as of 2023/24
Millions of Brits are told to avoid one specific fruit for important health reasons. Recent figures from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) reveal that 8.7 million people across the UK are currently taking antidepressants, based on 2023/24 data.
The information published in the NHSBSA’s annual Medicines Used in Mental Health report showed a rise of 2.1% from the previous year 2022/23. It’s also calculated that 89 million antidepressant prescriptions were issued – marking a 3.3% jump since 2022/23.
Antidepressants are drugs created to treat clinical depression. Beyond this main purpose, they can also prove beneficial for numerous other ailments including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalised anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reports Bristol Live.
The treatment is sometimes given to people suffering from persistent pain. The NHS explains: “It’s not known exactly how antidepressants work. It’s thought they work by increasing levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and noradrenaline, are linked to mood and emotion.”
Antidepressants can ease depression symptoms, though they frequently don’t address the root causes. This is why they’re typically combined with counselling, particularly for severe depression cases or other mental health conditions. Antidepressant side effects can initially be problematic, but they generally improve over time.
Most side effects typically get better within a few weeks, though some may linger. Common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can include:
- feeling agitated, shaky or anxious
- feeling and being sick
- indigestion and stomach aches
- diarrhoea or constipation
- loss of appetite
- dizziness
- not sleeping well (insomnia), or feeling very sleepy
- headaches
- loss of libido (reduced sex drive)
- difficulties achieving orgasm during sex or masturbation
- difficulties obtaining or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Common side effects of Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can include:
- dry mouth
- slight blurring of vision
- constipation
- problems passing urine
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- weight gain
- excessive sweating (especially at night)
- heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia), such as noticeable palpitations or a fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
However, one type of fruit can exacerbate these side effects and interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Grapefruit and its juice can increase the levels of certain antidepressants in your system, potentially leading to harmful side effects.
It’s advisable to avoid grapefruit while on antidepressants unless your doctor advises otherwise. The interaction between grapefruit and antidepressants occurs because grapefruit blocks an enzyme called CYP3A4 – found in your small intestine and liver – which metabolises medications.
It also impedes the proper metabolism of the medication, allowing it to enter your bloodstream more quickly. This can result in increased medication levels in your blood, which could pose risks.
Antidepressants that interact with grapefruit include:
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
- Amitriptyline, and Clomipramine
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Buspirone (Buspar)
- Quetiapine
- Lurasidone
Studies have shown that consuming grapefruit while taking sertraline can lead to elevated levels of sertraline in the bloodstream, as grapefruit inhibits the enzymes required for its metabolism. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness or drowsiness.
The interaction can occur quickly and may last for several days. A statement on the NHS website reads: “Do not drink grapefruit juice while you’re taking this medicine. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of sertraline in your body and increase the risk of side effects.”
Whilst grapefruit provides numerous health benefits, for those taking medication, the dangers could outweigh the advantages. It’s advisable to speak with your GP or chemist before beginning any new prescription, particularly if you have concerns or queries.
You may wish to ask whether your new medication clashes with particular foods or other medicines to make sure you’re not jeopardising your wellbeing. Should there be interactions, make certain to enquire if you need to modify your diet or how you take your other treatments.
