I've honestly never heard about the avoid citrus rule. I personally have never had any issues with eating oranges (before or after beginning medication) and it's not something my neuroligst ever mentioned as far as I can remember. The only citrus I avoid as a rule is bllod orange as I heard blood orange and grapefruit can mess with the metabolism of your medication so I just avoid to be on the safe side.

For vita C, yes. It’s an enzym in the actual fruit that prevents meds from being absorbed properly. So essentially, any medication which should be maintained at a therapeutic level, including antibiotics, depression meds, seizure, heart and anything else should be highly considered.

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member, yes. Taking vitamin C tablets or multi-vitamin tablets with C in them, should not provide the same effect as citrus. A solid diet with bell peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, peas, tomatoes, papaya, watermelon, mango, cantaloupe and kiwi provides vitamin C as well. For those with stomach problems, the yellow tomatoes and yellow peppers seem a little easier on it. We're all a little different. May God be with you 😊

Mentioned Users

A MyEpile...

The label on my carbamazepine says no grapefruit or grapefruit juice..

I don’t do much dairy or carbs but gotta have my protein (meat, fish, nuts, seeds) to maintain slow and steady glucose. My sugar gets out of wack too easily.