Based on FDA | Is it safe to eat shrimp while taking fluoxetine?

Yes eating shrimp is generally considered safe while taking fluoxetine (an SSRI). There is no known direct food–drug interaction between shrimp or other non‑fermented shellfish and fluoxetine, and standard guidance for fluoxetine does not list shellfish as a dietary restriction. ^{[1] [2]} However, it helps to be aware of a few related considerations, such as fermented seafood sauces, bleeding risk with certain combinations, and shellfish allergies. ^{[2] [3]}

What fluoxetine interacts with (and what it doesn’t)

• Fluoxetine has important interactions with certain medicines (for example, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, thioridazine, pimozide, and other serotonergic drugs), but routine foods are not restricted. ^{[1] [4]}
• Official guidance focuses on avoiding specific drug combinations that can cause heart rhythm problems or serotonin syndrome; foods like shrimp are not included in these precautions. ^{[4] [2]}
• Alcohol is often discouraged with fluoxetine, but this is unrelated to seafood. ^[2]

Watch-outs related to seafood meals

• Fermented seafood sauces (not the shrimp itself): Some sauces such as shrimp paste or fish sauce are fermented and are typically cautioned in people taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) because of tyramine not in those taking fluoxetine. ^{[5] [6]} If you are on fluoxetine alone, these tyramine cautions do not apply the same way. ^[1]
• Bleeding tendencies: SSRIs, including fluoxetine, can modestly increase bleeding risk by affecting platelets, especially when combined with NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen), aspirin, or anticoagulants. ^{[3] [2]} Seafood itself doesn’t significantly change this risk in normal dietary amounts, but large supplemental omega‑3 doses (prescription-strength fish oil) may prolong bleeding time slightly; this is mainly relevant if combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. ^{[7] [8]} Eating shrimp as part of a typical diet is not known to meaningfully increase bleeding risk with an SSRI. ^[3]
• Shellfish allergy: If you have any shellfish allergy, shrimp should be avoided regardless of fluoxetine use, since even small amounts can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. ^{[9] [10]}

Practical tips for eating shrimp on fluoxetine

• Enjoy shrimp cooked and fresh, as you normally would, if you have no shellfish allergy. There is no standard requirement to limit or avoid shrimp with fluoxetine. ^{[1] [2]}
• If your dish uses fermented shrimp paste or fish sauce, that is generally a concern for people taking MAOIs, not fluoxetine; still, if you are ever switched to or combined with an MAOI, you would need to limit high‑tyramine fermented foods. ^{[6] [11]}
• If you also take aspirin, NSAIDs, anticoagulants, or antiplatelet agents, be mindful of signs of easy bruising or stomach bleeding, and discuss your total bleeding risk with your clinician; normal shrimp consumption does not typically alter this, but your overall medication mix matters. ^{[3] [2]}

Bottom line

• Shrimp is not contraindicated with fluoxetine, and there is no established direct interaction. ^{[1] [2]}
• The main cautions with fluoxetine involve specific medications and, secondarily, an increased bleeding tendency when combined with NSAIDs or blood thinners not with eating seafood like shrimp. ^{[4] [3]}
• Avoid shrimp only if you have a shellfish allergy or if your clinician has given you individualized dietary advice for another reason. ^[9]