Based on PubMed | Can I take fluoxetine with honey (for example in tea), or does honey affect its absorption, effectiveness, or side effects?

You can take fluoxetine with honey, such as in tea. There is no established interaction between honey and fluoxetine, and fluoxetine may be taken with or without food. ^[1] Fluoxetine’s key listed food and supplement concerns involve certain herbal products like St. John’s wort or tryptophan, not common sweeteners like honey. ^{[2] [3]}

What we know about absorption

• Fluoxetine is well absorbed by mouth and shows similar absorption whether taken with food or on an empty stomach. ^[4] This means adding honey to a drink does not appear to change how fluoxetine gets into your body in a meaningful way. ^[4]
• Standard guidance allows taking fluoxetine capsules, tablets, or liquid with or without food, which includes beverages like tea. This flexibility supports taking your dose in a way that fits your routine, including with honey-sweetened drinks. ^[1]

Interactions to actually watch for

• Clinically important interactions with fluoxetine are primarily with certain medicines and supplements that affect serotonin (for example, MAO inhibitors, some migraine medicines, tramadol), and with herbal products such as St. John’s wort or tryptophan. Honey is not on these interaction lists. ^{[5] [3] [2]}
• Alcohol use is generally discouraged while on fluoxetine, as it may increase side effects like drowsiness and impair judgment. This is separate from honey and applies regardless of sweeteners. ^[6]

Practical tips for tea and honey 🍯

• It’s reasonable to take fluoxetine at the same time each day with a consistent routine, such as morning tea with honey. Consistency can help with adherence and stable expectations for effects. ^[1]
• Extremely hot drinks are fine; fluoxetine is already absorbed in the body after swallowing, and the temperature of the beverage doesn’t alter the drug itself in a clinically relevant way. The tea’s heat won’t “destroy” fluoxetine or honey’s sugars in a way that changes the medicine’s effect. ^[4]
• If you have diabetes or monitor blood sugar, remember that honey contains sugars and can raise glucose; some people on fluoxetine may notice changes in blood sugar control and should keep an eye on readings. This is about honey’s sugar content and your individual metabolism, not a direct drug–honey interaction. ^[6]

When to be cautious

• If you’re using herbal blends in tea, check if they include St. John’s wort or other serotonergic herbs; avoid these unless your clinician says otherwise. The herb, not the honey, is the concern. ^{[2] [3]}
• If you notice new or worsening side effects (for example, nausea, stomach upset) and you only get them when taking fluoxetine with your tea and honey, you could try taking the dose with plain water or at a different time to see if symptoms improve. Nausea is a known fluoxetine side effect for some people regardless of what it’s taken with. ^{[7] [8]}

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Quick summary table

Topic	Does honey matter with fluoxetine?	Notes
Absorption	No known effect	Fluoxetine absorption is similar fed vs fasted. [4]
Effectiveness	No known effect	Can be taken with or without food/drink. [1]
Side effects	No known direct effect	Monitor usual fluoxetine side effects; honey’s sugars may affect glucose in some people. [6]
Interactions	None known	Avoid St. John’s wort and tryptophan; honey isn’t listed. [2] [3]

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Bottom line

Based on available guidance and pharmacology, taking fluoxetine with honey (including in tea) is generally acceptable and not expected to change its absorption, effectiveness, or side effects. ^{[1] [4]} The main interaction cautions focus on certain medicines and herbal supplements, not honey. ^{[2] [5]} If you have diabetes or are watching sugars, consider honey’s carbohydrate content and monitor your readings. ^[6]