Based on WHO | Can I eat eggs while taking sertraline, or is there any interaction or safety concern?

You can safely eat eggs while taking sertraline (Zoloft). There is no known direct interaction between eggs and sertraline, and standard guidance indicates you may continue your usual diet unless your clinician advises otherwise. ^[1] Medications that require strict food restrictions for safety are a different class called MAOIs; sertraline is an SSRI and does not require a tyramine‑restricted diet. ^{[1] [2]}

Key Takeaway

• Eggs are safe with sertraline. There is no evidence that eggs change sertraline’s effect or safety. ^[1]
• No special diet is needed with sertraline. Official guidance states you can maintain your normal diet unless told otherwise by your doctor. ^[1]
• Food restrictions apply to MAOIs, not SSRIs like sertraline. Tyramine‑rich foods (e.g., aged cheeses, cured meats) are restricted with MAOIs to avoid dangerous blood pressure spikes; this does not apply to sertraline. ^{[2] [3]}

Why Eggs Are Not a Concern

• Sertraline does not have a known pharmacologic interaction with egg nutrients such as protein, fat, or cholesterol, and its absorption and metabolism are not reported to be affected by eggs. ^{[4] [5]}
• General dietary cautions commonly discussed with antidepressants focus on MAOIs and tyramine, not SSRIs. ^{[2] [3]}

Practical Tips for Taking Sertraline

• With or without food: You may take sertraline with food if you experience stomach upset; this can make it easier on your stomach. ^{[1] [6]}
• Alcohol caution: It’s generally recommended to ask your clinician about alcohol use while on sertraline, as alcohol can add to drowsiness or other side effects. ^[7]
• Watch other supplements/drugs: Some nonprescription products and herbs not foods like eggs can interact (for example, St. John’s wort or tryptophan supplements). Discuss any supplements with your clinician. ^[8]

When Food Restrictions Do Apply

• MAOIs vs. SSRIs: High‑tyramine foods must be limited or avoided if you take MAOIs because they can cause sudden, dangerous increases in blood pressure; this guidance does not apply to sertraline. ^{[2] [3]}
• If you were ever switched to an MAOI in the future, your care team would give you a clear list of foods to avoid. ^[9]

Summary Table

• Medication class: SSRI (sertraline) → Food restrictions: None; normal diet is usually fine. ^[1]
• Medication class: MAOI (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine) → Food restrictions: Avoid high‑tyramine foods (aged cheeses, cured/fermented meats, some draft beers). ^{[2] [10]}

Bottom Line

• Eggs do not interact with sertraline, and you can continue eating them as part of your regular diet. ^[1]
• Dietary restrictions around tyramine apply to MAOIs, not to sertraline. ^{[2] [3]}