Grapefruit Juice And Methadone Interactions

Updated on December 29, 2021

Grapefruit inhibits an enzyme that is involved in the body’s process of metabolizing methadone. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the effects of methadone and therefore interfere with a person’s treatment.

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Methadone is a medication for opioid use disorder that can interact with a variety of drugs and other substances, including grapefruit juice.

Understanding the potential risks and effects of this interaction may be important if you or a loved one is taking methadone or plans on taking methadone.

Learn more about negative drug interactions with methadone

How Grapefruit Juice Interacts With Methadone

Grapefruit are a known inhibitor of an enzyme called cytochrome P450 (CYP) 34A, which plays a major role in the metabolism of methadone in the liver.

Regularly drinking grapefruit juice, or eating grapefruit, could increase the levels of methadone in a person’s blood and thereby enhance the effects of methadone.

Is Drinking Grapefruit Juice While On Methadone Dangerous?

Is this dangerous? Not necessarily. But it can be. All in all, it’s generally advised that those who are taking methadone avoid drinking grapefruit juice when possible.

Primary risks of this include:

  • respiratory depression
  • sedation
  • opioid toxicity

Drinking grapefruit juice while on methadone could disrupt a person’s methadone treatment. It can also complicate the process of identifying a correct dose of methadone for stabilization.

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What To Do If You’ve Had Grapefruit Juice While On Methadone

If you’ve consumed grapefruit juice while taking methadone, don’t panic. This is generally not dangerous, but it should be avoided when possible.

If you regularly consume grapefruit juice, your doctor may monitor you for potential side effects, including effects on the respiratory system and symptoms of withdrawal.

Call Today For More Information About Methadone

Methadone is a leading treatment for opioid addiction that can be safe and effective when taken as directed. Avoiding grapefruit juice while taking methadone is recommended.

Do you have questions about methadone treatment? Call us today to learn more and to find methadone treatment options for yourself or a loved one near you.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

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