Sertraline, an antidepressant used to treat depression and various other mental health conditions, is one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the UK
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
03:05, 30 Sep 2025
The NHS issued a warning about drinking a specific drink if you take sertraline(Image: Getty)
People taking a widely prescribed medication have been urged to avoid a specific drink owing to serious health concerns. Medical professionals have warned that this pairing could interact “dangerously”.
Sertraline, an antidepressant used to treat depression and numerous other mental health ailments, ranks among the most commonly prescribed drugs in England. During 2024 alone, more than 24 million sertraline prescriptions were issued.
The medication belongs to a group known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), thought to work by increasing serotonin concentrations in the brain, thus improving mood and promoting feelings of tranquillity and wellbeing.
As a result, it’s prescribed for managing mental health conditions including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder. Nevertheless, like all pharmaceutical treatments, sertraline carries specific warnings.
Grapefruit juice can interact with dozens of medications including sertraline(Image: Getty)
The NHS states on its website that people taking sertraline should steer clear of grapefruit juice. “Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking sertraline,” the health service cautions.
Harvard Health specialists have highlighted that this is not the sole medication impacted by the fruit drink. They explained: “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 went on to explain: “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.
In 2024 24,428,772 items of sertraline were dispensed in England alone(Image: Getty)
“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.”
Furthermore, the NHS warned that people taking sertraline should steer clear of alcohol consumption. The health service explained: “It’s also best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline because it can stop the medicine working properly.”
Various medications, herbal remedies and supplements also react adversely with sertraline. These encompass specific categories of:
Blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin and apixabanAnti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofenDepression treatments called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as moclobemide and selegilineThe natural remedy St John’s wort
The NHS recommended: “Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.”