Foods to Avoid While Taking Strattera: Grapefruit, Fatty Meals, Caffeine, Alcohol

Understanding Strattera

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, teens, and adults. Unlike stimulant medications for ADHD like Adderall or Ritalin, Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that works by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain.

How Strattera Works

By regulating norepinephrine, Strattera can help improve focus, concentration, organization, staying on task, controlling impulses, and managing hyperactivity and distractibility. It takes around 1-2 weeks for Strattera to start working effectively as it needs to build up in the body over time.

While Strattera can be an effective ADHD treatment option, some people do experience mild side effects especially when first starting. Being aware of any interactions with foods, drinks, supplements, or medications can help maximize the benefits of Strattera.

Foods to Avoid While Taking Strattera

There are some key foods, beverages, herbs and other substances that should be limited or avoided altogether when taking Strattera:

Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains compounds that interfere with enzymes needed to metabolize certain medications, including Strattera. Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice can allow too much Strattera to accumulate in your body, increasing the risk of overdose and severe side effects.

High Fat Meals

Taking Strattera with high fat meals allows more of the drug to be absorbed into your bloodstream than intended. High fat meals can include fast food, fried foods, whole milk dairy, fatty cuts of meat, pastries, and deep fried foods. Opt for low or moderate fat meals when dosing Strattera.

Caffeine

While caffeine doesn't directly interact with Strattera, both substances stimulate the central nervous system. Too much caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks or chocolate could potentially worsen feelings of anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping or nervousness when combined with Strattera treatment.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol together with Strattera is not recommended. Alcohol has sedating effects on the brain and body that counteract and dampen the intended effects of Strattera for ADHD management. At higher amounts, alcohol also further increases norepinephrine similarly to Strattera - which could result in concerning cardiovascular side effects if combined.

St. John's Wort

The popular herbal supplement St. John's Wort is commonly used to treat depression and mood disorders. However, taking it together with Strattera can lead to a dangerous rise in norepinephrine activity in the brain. Avoid combining this supplement with Strattera.

MAO Inhibitor Drugs

Using Strattera alongside monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline or selegiline can also cause excessive norepinephrine accumulation. MAOIs should not be taken with Strattera - a 2-week washout period between medications is recommended.

Foods That Can Be Enjoyed

While some food and drink interactions need to be avoided, many healthy whole foods can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet while taking Strattera:

Fruits and Vegetables

All fresh fruits and vegetables are encouraged as part of an ADHD-friendly diet rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Focus on produce low in sugar like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, bell peppers, cucumbers and carrots.

Lean Protein

Lean healthy proteins provide sustained energy and mental focus. Great options include white meat poultry, wild caught fish, beans, lentils, Greek yogurt, eggs, nuts, seeds and low-fat cottage cheese.

Whole Grains

Complex carbohydrates from whole grains help support stable blood sugar levels to manage ADHD symptoms. Choose minimally processed grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, farro and 100% whole wheat bread.

Healthy Fats

Moderate amounts of healthy fats aid brain function and concentration. Sources like olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, nut butters, chia seeds and fatty fish provide essential omega-3 fatty acids to balance Stratteras effects.

Staying Healthy on Strattera

Avoiding known food triggers while taking advantage of brain-boosting whole foods can help you stay healthy, prevent unwanted side effects and experience optimal benefits from Strattera. Pay attention to how you feel with certain foods and beverages to determine your own personal intolerances as well.

Your doctor can also provide guidance on managing your diet and nutrition to complement this medications effects.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.