Food & NutritionFoods to Avoid
Foods to avoid while taking medication

Foods to avoid while taking medication

 · 5 min read

It can be daunting to take a new prescription for the first time. There are often a few essential lifestyle habits to watch and foods to avoid to make taking a new drug as easy as possible.

  • It is essential to understand the foods to avoid before starting a new medication
  • Every medication is different and needs a specific diet or routine
  • Avoiding certain foods can make the transition to a new drug more comfortable
  • A doctor or healthcare provider can provide any information you may need about a new medication

Foods to avoid while taking medication: FAQs

  • Can a pharmacist advise about medication and food?

    Yes, most pharmacists will have the knowledge and experience needed to help understand a new medication prescription.

    This includes drug interactions and foods to avoid while taking medication. It is also essential to discuss any potential drug interactions with a doctor before starting a new medication, as this can be dangerous.

  • Should medication be taken with food?

    There are various examples of medication that you should take with food. Some medicines require food in the stomach to absorb them, and eating food alongside medication can help reduce side effects like stomach pains.

  • What are the right questions to ask a doctor when taking a new medication?

    There are a few questions to ask a doctor before taking a new medication. Primarily, you should ensure you understand the correct dosage, timing and frequency of the medicine and what to expect in terms of side effects.

    It is also essential to ask if there are any foods to avoid and any common habits you should no longer include in your routine.

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When you start to take a new medication, it is essential to understand what you can do to make your experience of this drug as comfortable as possible. This includes the food and drink items you might need to avoid.

Some food groups can prevent certain medicines from being absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, some nutrients, such as calcium or iron, reduce absorption and reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

There may also be potentially dangerous drug interactions to consider.

When starting a new 

prescription, your doctor or another healthcare professional will offer specific advice about dosage, dose timings, and diet plans.

However, it can also be helpful to understand the foods, lifestyle habits and other drugs to avoid for yourself so that your medication can do its job and you can maintain a good quality of life.

Foods to avoid while taking mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is a common antidepressant prescribed to treat mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. For the most part, lifestyle or food choices do not affect mirtazapine.

However, it is essential to avoid alcohol as this can worsen the side effects of this medication. In addition, one of the main side effects of mirtazapine is drowsiness, so it is vital to avoid any foods or drinks that exacerbate this feeling.

There are also certain medicines to avoid while taking mirtazapine, such as tramadol or morphine. These drugs can cause drowsiness, and other antidepressants can also be dangerous when taken alongside mirtazapine.

It is also essential to avoid St. John's Wort, as this common herbal remedy can increase serotonin levels in the blood. Mirtazapine also releases more serotonin in the body, and in some cases, this can lead to serotonin syndrome. This is a rare but serious side effect of this drug.

Learn more about what you may need to avoid when taking mirtazapine.

Foods to avoid while taking metformin

Metformin treats type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and PCOS. The main food group to avoid while taking this medication is sugar. Metformin plays an essential role in blood sugar control, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in the body for those with diabetes.

Doctors prescribe this medication if diet and exercise cannot effectively manage blood sugar levels. As such, it is important to avoid sugary foods such as cakes, sweets, juice, ice cream, and fizzy drinks. This helps metformin do its job.

Many patients experience sickness and stomach aches while taking metformin. Avoid these side effects by taking metformin with food.

It is also important to reduce alcohol intake or cut it out completely because alcohol can raise blood sugar levels.

Before taking this drug, speak to a doctor about any current prescriptions. Steroid tablets, contraception, and blood pressure medication can all affect metformin or create a dangerous interaction.

Find out more about the foods you may need to avoid while taking metformin.

Foods to avoid while taking Ozempic

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a common diabetes medication that reduces blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of heart attacks or kidney problems for those with type 2 diabetes.

There are no specific foods and drinks to avoid while taking this medication. Still, it is important to consider lifestyle habits and food choices.

You may want to avoid heavy foods such as carbohydrates or reduce your diet while taking this drug. Ozempic curbs appetite, which encourages weight loss and the feeling of fullness for longer. Sticking to a firm diet plan will help you feel more comfortable while taking this medication.

Avoid other diabetes drugs and insulin, as these drugs can increase the likelihood of hypoglycemia, and it is crucial to keep blood sugar in a healthy range. Other possible drug interactions include tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers such as atenolol.

Learn more about the foods to avoid while taking Ozempic.

Foods to avoid while taking apixaban

Apixaban is an essential medication for those at high risk of strokes or deep vein thrombosis. It is a common drug, but it is crucial to understand your lifestyle habits so that you stay safe and comfortable while taking apixaban.

One of the main side effects of apixaban is the risk of bleeding. You might experience more bleeding than usual, such as bleeding gums and heavy periods. It is crucial you avoid activities that could cause an injury, such as bruising or cuts. 

Avoid St. John's Wort, as this worsens the side effects of this medication. Heavy drinking can also increase the impact of apixaban in your body, leading to more bleeding.

Some doctors also suggest it is a good idea to avoid foods high in vitamin K, such as cranberry juice and broccoli. This is because apixaban thins the blood and dissolves blood clots, and vitamin K can thicken the blood. This means this medication cannot do its job as effectively when combined with certain foods.

Find out more about the foods to avoid while taking apixaban.

Eleanor Jones
Eleanor Jones
Eleanor joined Health Times in 2022 and is an experienced health and lifestyle writer.
The content on healthtimes.co.uk is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construedas professional medical advice or guidance. Should you need professional medical advice or guidance, you should consult with such a professional in their relevant field. Likewise, you should always seek professional medical advice before starting a diet, exercise regime or course of medication, or introducing or eliminating specific elements from your lifestyle. We strive to write accurate, genuine and helpful content, and all views and opinions expressed within this article are specifically the views of the author.