Can I take Magnesium and Sertraline together?

You can take magnesium and sertraline together. However, if you are taking magnesium for anxiety and sleep, it is best to discuss this with your doctor to ensure your sertraline dose is correctly managed.

How they work

Magnesium does not significantly affect how the body absorbs, breaks down, or removes sertraline. Additionally, the two substances work on different systems in the body and do not interfere with each other's effects.

What you should do

When taking magnesium and sertraline you should:

• Take them at different times in the day.

• Watch for stomach upset.

• Avoid high-dose magnesium if you have kidney issues.

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your supplements.

• See a pharmacist if you notice unusual side effects such as extreme drowsiness or an upset stomach.

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.

Serotonin Syndrome

Sertraline can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, especially if taken with other medicines that affect serotonin (such as triptans, tramadol, or St John's Wort). Seek urgent medical help if you experience agitation, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, or severe muscle stiffness.

Bleeding disorders

Sertraline can increase your risk of serious bleeding, especially if you are also taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood-thinning medications like warfarin.

Kidney disease

If you have significant kidney problems, your body cannot clear magnesium properly. This can lead to a dangerous build-up in your blood that affects your heart and breathing.

Low sodium levels (Hyponatraemia)

Sertraline can cause a serious drop in blood sodium levels, particularly in the elderly. Seek medical help if you experience sudden confusion, fits, or extreme weakness.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of the medicine, making you feel more sleepy, dizzy, or uncoordinated. It can also worsen the symptoms of depression or anxiety that the medicine is treating.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol when taking magnesium. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which can increase the amount of magnesium your body loses through urine, potentially making the supplement less effective. Additionally, chronic alcohol use can lead to magnesium deficiency.

Grapefruit juice

Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice. Grapefruit contains compounds that can increase the levels of sertraline in your blood, which may increase the risk of side effects.

Dairy products and high-calcium foods

Try to avoid taking magnesium supplements at the exact same time as large amounts of dairy (like a large glass of milk) or calcium supplements. Calcium and magnesium can compete for absorption in the body, meaning you may not get the full benefit of the dose. It is best to space them out by at least 2 hours.

Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy drinks)

Sertraline can sometimes make you feel restless or anxious, particularly when you first start taking it. Caffeine can worsen these feelings. If you feel jittery, it is best to limit your caffeine intake.

It is best to limit caffeine intake around the time you take magnesium. Like alcohol, caffeine has a mild diuretic effect and can increase the excretion of magnesium through the kidneys.

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.