Can I take Lercanidipine and Sertraline together?

Why this happens

Both drugs can lower blood pressure (lercanidipine is a blood pressure medication, and sertraline can sometimes cause low blood pressure as a side effect). Additionally, both drugs are processed by the same enzyme in the liver (CYP3A4), which means they may compete for processing, potentially leading to higher levels of lercanidipine in the body.

What you should do

You can usually take these medicines together, but you should monitor your blood pressure regularly. Be careful when rising from a sitting or lying position. If you feel very dizzy, experience a racing heartbeat, or have persistent headaches, speak to your doctor, as they may need to adjust your lercanidipine dose.

Important precautions

Depression and anxiety disorders

You may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or the urge to self-harm when first starting sertraline or changing the dose. This is more common in young adults under 25. Contact your doctor or go to hospital immediately if you notice any changes in your mood or behaviour.

Bleeding risk (NSAID use)

Avoid taking anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen without medical advice. Taking these with sertraline significantly increases your risk of serious stomach bleeding.

Severe liver or kidney disease

Lercanidipine is not recommended if you have severe liver or kidney problems. Ensure your doctor is aware of your condition before starting treatment.

Low sodium levels (hyponatremia)

Sertraline can cause a serious drop in blood sodium levels, especially in older patients or those taking diuretics. Seek medical help if you experience extreme confusion, weakness, or unsteady gait.

Serotonin Syndrome

Do not take sertraline with other medicines that increase serotonin (such as St John’s Wort or certain painkillers like tramadol), as this can cause a life-threatening reaction involving high fever, agitation, and muscle rigidity.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking these medicines. For lercanidipine, alcohol can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect, making you feel dizzy or faint. For sertraline, alcohol can increase drowsiness and affect your coordination. Combining alcohol with paracetamol (often found in cold remedies) also increases the risk of liver damage.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

You must not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking lercanidipine. Grapefruit can significantly increase the amount of the medicine in your blood, making side effects like dizziness, headaches, and a fast heartbeat much more likely.

You should avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking sertraline. Grapefruit can increase the level of sertraline in your blood, which may increase the risk of side effects.

Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)

Sertraline can sometimes make you feel restless or anxious when you first start taking it. High amounts of caffeine can make these feelings worse. It is sensible to limit your caffeine intake if you feel jittery.

High-fat meals

Lercanidipine should be taken at least 15 minutes before a meal. Taking it with or immediately after a high-fat meal can significantly increase the amount of medicine absorbed by your body, which may lead to more side effects.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.