Grapefruit Juice with PM - Don't make my mistake...

[hezeronek]

Hey guys! I just learned a hard lesson the wrong way. I've been feeling a whole lot worse over the last month or so, and my PM doc has put me on 10 mg Norcos 4-5 times a day along with a muscle relaxer. I started this a couple days ago and am finally get some relief from my nagging pain. However, yesterday I got a craving for some fruit juice. So, I guzzled a glass of grapefruit juice from the fridge.

Unbeknown to me, apparently grapefruit juice can react with pain medication! And believe you me, it was awful! Less than five minutes after drinking it, I was hurling my guts out! It lasted all friggin' night. And the nausea is still here this morning, although not as bad. The pills alone never do this to me! I was suspicious so I googled "grapefruit juice and norco" and found an article on the internet about it. Once glass is enough to make you miserable for more than 24 hours! Here's the link:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=14760

So for those of you, who like me, who fancy an occasional glass of GFJ... If you're on any narcs at all... DON'T DO IT! TRUST ME... IT AIN'T WORTH IT! I've worked in healthcare for most of my adult life and never came across this little tidbit of information, until now. I realize it may be common knowledge to some of you folk, but I just want to help keep all you poor grapefruit loving souls out there from making my mistake! THIS MISERY DOESN'T LOVE COMPANY!

[AJ]

... that sounds nasty, which muscle relaxer are you on? I like grapefruit but stick to porridge only for breakfast which seems to help meds work well.
Thanks for the tip off.

[Harrison]

Interesting observation! I've read about the different effects of grapefruit juice and extracts (GSE) through the years. GSE is used in homeopathic remedies, cleaners and even "Veggie Wash." It is also potent in the body as you mentioned by personal experience.

Whatever the case, the grapefruit is a beneficial fruit with interesting qualities. Here's an excerpt from an old article I have:

Inhibitors of phase I detoxification

Many substances inhibit cytochrome P450. This situation can cause substantial problems as it makes toxins potentially more damaging because they remain in the body longer before detoxification.

For example, grapefruit juice decreases the rate of elimination of drugs from the blood and has been found to substantially alter their clinical activity and toxicity. Eight ounces of grapefruit juice contains enough of the flavonoid naringenin to decrease cytochrome P450 activity by a remarkable 30%.

AJ, what the hell is porridge?!

[hezeronek]

Originally Posted by AJ

... that sounds nasty, which muscle relaxer are you on? I like grapefruit but stick to porridge only for breakfast which seems to help meds work well.
Thanks for the tip off.

LOL... You're welcome. And I'm even still a bit nauseated. LOL.

I'm on Norco and Soma 350mg. What is porridge? Is that like oatmeal? I'd be interested in anything that helps my meds work better!

Harrison, that's interesting about grapefruits. I've always fancied it as a fruit with many health benefits. Unfortunately in my case it was a bit of a nemesis. LOL. It's so strange how interactive it is!

[AJ]

Just checking as I am on gabapentin (neurontin in US i think) and wanted to avoid any problems as I have a very sensitive stomach after years of NSAID use.

Porridge is like oatmeal but is prepared really quickly in the microwave and mixed with water so is very low calorie but low GI. Think it will be called instant Porridge oats or scottish oats or rolled oats in US (my mum in Canada gets it for me when I visit). I feel very sick in the morning but tablets aggravate my stomach so its the only thing I can stomach.

For info - norco = hydrocodone, soma = carisoprodol