A member asked:

If grapefruit oil,extract,mist,or spray is applied topically on the body, inhaled, or accidentally ingested, will it interact with ssri antidepressant?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Yes: Grapefruit products contain natural chemicals that inhibit a liver enzyme (cytochrome 450 3A4) which metabolizes a number of drugs including many SSRIs, especially citalopram and sertraline. Thus, if grapefruit products are absorbed through ingestion or skin, they can increase the blood concentration of the SSRIs.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Ralph Morgan Lewis answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Food-drug interaxn?: Ingested grapefruit juice is know to interact with SSRIs; so the combo should B avoided. Apparently grapefruit essential oil's interactions (&/or phototoxicity) depend on how it is obtained (cold-pressed, etc). Unless there is significant absorption of the oil/mist/spray, there shouldn't be a significant rxn. Interaction from ingestion would depend on the amount ingested.

Answered 6/12/2014

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