What Happens If You Eat Grapefruit While Taking Methadone?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Exposure to substances like grapefruit juice, that inhibit these isoenzymes may result

in increased blood levels of methadone

, and thus may manifest clinically as unexpected opioid toxicity.

Can you drink grapefruit juice while on methadone?

Grapefruit juice

can increase the blood levels and effects of methadone

. If you regularly consume grapefruits or grapefruit juice, you should be monitored for side effects and/or changes in methadone levels.

Does grapefruit juice intensify the effects of methadone?

Various studies demonstrate that through CYP3A4 inhibition, grapefruit juice increases serum levels of opioids, such as methadone, though

no clinically significant effects have been reported

. Conclusions: Grapefruit juice inhibits the metabolism of methadone, raising its serum levels.

What should you not take with methadone?

  • Cimetidine. Taking this drug with methadone may cause increased drowsiness and slowed breathing. …
  • Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin. …
  • Antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole. …
  • HIV drugs, such as ritonavir or indinavir.

Does grapefruit juice reduce drug absorption?

Grapefruit juice

can block the action of intestinal CYP3A4

, so instead of being metabolized, more of the drug enters the blood and stays in the body longer. The result: too much drug in your body.

Do you gain weight on methadone?

Even though the methadone drink is not “fattening” like sweets and fatty foods,

methadone can slow your metabolism and cause water retention

, which can lead to weight gain.

What are the bad side effects of methadone?

  • Cimetidine. Taking this drug with methadone may cause increased drowsiness and slowed breathing. …
  • Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin. …
  • Antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole. …
  • HIV drugs, such as ritonavir or indinavir.

How long can you take methadone?

For methadone maintenance,

12 months is considered the minimum

, and some opioid-addicted individuals continue to benefit from methadone maintenance for many years.

What can you take for anxiety while on methadone?

  • Alprazolam (Xanax

    ®

    )
  • Diazepam (Valium

    ®

    )
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin

    ®

    )
  • Lorazepam (Ativan

    ®

    )
  • Chlordiazepoxide (Librium

    ®

    )
  • Oxazepam (Serax

    ®

    )

Can you take traMADol while on methadone?

Using methadone together with traMADol can

lead to serious side effects

including seizures, respiratory distress, coma, and even death. Combined use can also increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect.

What meds should not be taken with grapefruit?

Examples of common medications that interact with grapefruit juice include certain

statin cholesterol

drugs such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin, simvastatin (Zocor), felodipine (Plendil) and other calcium channel blockers, clarithromycin (Biaxin), and loratadine (Claritin).

How does grapefruit juice affect P450?

Grapefruit juice

inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme

of the cytochrome P450 system in the intestinal mucosa, increasing the bioavailability of drugs with a high first pass metabolism. Therapeutic doses of the affected drugs may produce serious adverse reactions.

How much grapefruit juice causes a drug interaction?


One whole grapefruit or 200 mL of grapefruit juice

is sufficient to cause clinically relevant increased systemic drug concentration and subsequent adverse effects.

Does methadone make your teeth fall out?

A lack of saliva can make teeth more prone to the production of plaque, a major cause of gum (periodontal) disease and tooth decay. Methadone increases cravings for sugary carbonated beverages and food, which can also damage teeth and gums.

Methadone has high acid content

, causing erosion of tooth enamel.

How often should you take methadone?

When methadone is used to relieve pain, it may be taken

every 8 to 12 hours

. If you take methadone as part of a treatment program, your doctor will prescribe the dosing schedule that is best for you.

Does methadone cause you to retain fluid?

This patient is compared to three others reported in the literature who also developed fluid retention shortly after being placed on methadone. We conclude that methadone induced

edema can occur not only immediately

, but also after years of uncomplicated treatment.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.