Foods That Interact with Common Meds

• Aged cheeses (parmesan, blue cheese) - avoid I you’re taking MAO inhibitors (antidepressants like Nardil).

Why? These cheeses contain tyramine (also found in soy products and wines); combining them with an MAOI can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure levels.

• Alcohol - avoid if you’re taking antidepressants, anti anxiety meds (like Xanax), diabetes medications (like Glucophage), cold/flu meds, OTC or Rx pain relievers, beta-blockers (like Inderal) and sleeping pills (like LunestaAmbien).

Why? You may become very drowsy, feel dizzy, or increase your risk of liver damage and stomach bleeding. Diabetics may experience a low-blood sugar attack (hypoglycemia).

• Coffee and other caffeinated drinks - avoid if you’re taking asthma medicatins (like Theo-Dur or Theo-24), antibiotics (like Cipro), anti anxiety drugs (like Xanax), OTC r rescription decongestants.

Why? You may experience itters, a rapid heartbeat, and/or palpitations. Note: Some decongestants already contain caffeine; add a cup of coffee and you may getting too much.

• Dairy products - avoid if you’re taking antibiotics (like Cipro, Levaquin and tetracycline).

Why? Dairy fods can interfere with their absorption, making them less effective.

• Grapefruit juice - avoid if you’re taking cholesterol-lowering meds (statins like Zocor or Lipitor); blood thinners; blood pressure meds (calcium channel blockers like Plendil); tranquilizers; antidepressants (like Zoloft).

Why? Grapefruit juice can interfere with an enzyme in the body that helps metabolize these drugs, causing more of them to stay in your bloodstream longer and increasing their side effects.

• Green leafy vegetables - avoid if you’re taking blood thinners (like Coumadin).

Why? They contain vitamin K, which helps blood clot. Eating them consistently is OK because your blood thinner dose is customized, but don’t abruptly start eating a lot more or less of them.

Salt substitute than contain potassium - avoid if you’re taking certain blood pressure medications (like spironolactone, Diovan or Altace).

Why? These drugs can cause the body to retain extra potassium; getting extra in your diet can lead to dangerously high levels that can cause heart arrhythmias.