Can Grapefruit Juice Stop Your Medications Working?

You might have heard that grapefruit juice can cause complications if taken with certain types of medications.  Unfortunately, the rumor is true and you have to be very careful about taking some meds when you also ingest grapefruit and other citrus fruits.  Some of them can cause some serious medical problems, so it is always a good idea to talk with your doctor about the medications you are taking and ask if there are any interactions.

Even if you don’t take the medication and the grapefruit juice at the same time, it can still cause problems.  The very acidic chemicals in grapefruits in particular can cause interference with enzymes in the digestive system.  These enzymes help to break down the medications.  Without the proper breakdown and delivery of the meds, they will build up in your body.  In fact, they can build up until they are at dangerous levels.

What are some of the medications that can have bad interactions with grapefruit juice though?  Certain anti-anxiety meds, seizure meds, antihistamines, and antidepressants, as well as statins, have problems working when you ingest grapefruit juice.

While you might enjoy the taste of grapefruit juice and other citrus fruits, make sure that you use caution whenever you add any types of medicine to your system.  If you have any concerns about the medications that you are taking, make sure that you talk with your healthcare provider right away.  The pharmacist at your local drugstore can also offer information about certain interactions between drugs and food.