Based on PubMed | Is it true that you should avoid eating shrimp while taking sertraline?

You do not need to avoid eating shrimp while taking sertraline. Most people can continue their normal diet on sertraline, and standard seafood including shrimp does not have a known direct interaction with this medication. ^{[1] [2]}

What official guidance says

• Patient information for sertraline advises that you can “continue your normal diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise,” which means there are no routine food restrictions. Shrimp and other typical foods are generally fine. ^{[1] [2]}

Common food concerns with antidepressants

• Dietary restrictions mainly apply to monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a different class of antidepressants that can react with high‑tyramine foods and certain fermented products. Sertraline is an SSRI, not an MAOI, so those tyramine rules don’t apply to sertraline. ^{[3] [4]}
• Rare but serious reactions like serotonin syndrome occur from drug‑drug interactions (for example, combining an SSRI like sertraline with an MAOI or certain serotonergic agents), not from eating shrimp. Shrimp does not trigger serotonin syndrome. ^{[5] [6]}

Practical tips for taking sertraline

• Taking sertraline with food can help reduce stomach upset for some people. If you notice nausea, a small meal or snack may make it easier on your stomach. ^{[1] [7]}
• One notable exception in diet is grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can raise sertraline blood levels in some individuals. It may be sensible to limit or avoid grapefruit products while on sertraline. ^[8]

When to be cautious with seafood

• Allergies: If you have a shellfish allergy, avoid shrimp for that reason not because of sertraline. Sertraline does not protect against or cause shellfish allergy.
• Foodborne illness: Improperly stored fish can cause “scombroid” (histamine) poisoning, leading to flushing, headache, and palpitations. This is unrelated to sertraline, but it’s always wise to eat properly handled seafood.

Bottom line

• There is no evidence‑based reason to avoid shrimp while taking sertraline, and official guidance indicates you can maintain a normal diet unless your doctor advises otherwise. Focus instead on avoiding known medication interactions (like MAOIs, certain supplements, or grapefruit), and practice standard food safety. ^{[1] [2] [9] [10] [8]}

Would you like help reviewing your full medication list for any interactions with sertraline?