Based on WHO | Can I eat avocado while taking fluoxetine, or are there any interactions I should worry about?

Eating avocado is generally safe while taking fluoxetine (Prozac), and there is no known direct food–drug interaction between avocado and fluoxetine. ^[1] Standard guidance for fluoxetine focuses on interactions with certain medications and supplements (for example, MAO inhibitors, thioridazine, St. John’s wort, and tryptophan), not with typical foods like avocado. ^{[2] [3]}

Why avocado is often confused with “foods to avoid”

• Some antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) not SSRIs like fluoxetine require avoiding high‑tyramine foods to prevent dangerous spikes in blood pressure. ^[4] With MAOIs, overripe or fermented foods, including overripe avocados, may be cautioned due to higher tyramine. ^{[5] [6]}
• Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which does not carry tyramine‑food restrictions. ^[7] In other words, the MAOI diet does not apply to fluoxetine. ^{[4] [6]}

What to watch for with fluoxetine

• Medication interactions: Fluoxetine can interact with several drugs and supplements that raise serotonin (risking serotonin syndrome) or affect heart rhythm; examples include MAOIs, thioridazine, pimozide, certain migraine medicines, tramadol, and St. John’s wort. ^{[2] [8] [3]}
• Because fluoxetine and its active metabolite have a long half‑life, there are special washout periods when switching to or from certain drugs (for example, waiting at least 5 weeks before starting an MAOI or thioridazine after stopping fluoxetine). ^{[2] [8]}

Practical tips for eating avocado on fluoxetine

• Fresh, ripe (but not overripe) avocado as part of a normal diet is considered fine with fluoxetine. ^[1]
• If you ever switch from fluoxetine to an MAOI in the future, dietary rules change: avoid high‑tyramine items, especially fermented or overripe foods (including overripe avocados). ^{[4] [5]}
• If you notice any new symptoms after meals such as unusual headaches, palpitations, or flushing this would be uncommon with fluoxetine and avocado, but you can discuss it with your clinician to rule out other causes. ^[8]

Bottom line

• There is no evidence that avocado has a harmful interaction with fluoxetine, and typical avocado consumption does not require restriction. ^{[1] [2]}
• Be more cautious with drug and supplement interactions rather than foods when taking fluoxetine. ^{[3] [8]}

Would you like me to review any other foods, supplements, or medicines you’re taking to check for possible interactions?