My FNP didn't say anything to me about a grapefruit connection, but hopefully others on this board will know more about it. I am posting because I happen to take Buspirone, which is an anti anxiety medicine and my FNP said there was no problem taking the Nal while on Buspar. But, with Buspar you are not supposed to have grapefruit products because it affects the way the medicine works. If I remember correctly it makes the medication work stronger. My husband was on a medication before where he also was told not to have grapefruit because it would alter the way the medicine worked. His doctor did say that if he had grapefruit, to have it every day in the same amounts. But my husband just chose not to have any at all. I do the same now that I am on Buspar - just stay away from grapefruit. As far as Nal and other drugs, my FNP didn't mention other drugs other than the obvious ones - opiates (am I saying that right?) to stay away from. She also told me to stay away from herbs although I don't know that she knew specifically which ones were important. I think she just wanted me to be on the safe side. I wonder if there is a website that you can put the two medications you are on and it tells you if there is any negative interaction? What about calling the pharmacy where you get your xanax and asking? I wasn't sure if you got your Nal from a pharmacy or online.

Here is a comprehensive list of the drugs that grapefruit juice effects. Naltrexone isn't on it:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FS088

I would avoid grapefruit juice and xanax. Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which is the same family that Valium (diazepam) is in. From the link that RR graciously listed http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FS088 , you can see that Valium is on the list of drugs that interact with grapefruit. Buspar is also.

I asked my shrink if there is a Naltrexone/Valium interference. He said no. I'd assume the same non-interaction with Xanax, since it's the same family.

I take 40mg/day Paxil, Valium (10mg/day), Buspar (60mg/day), Naltraxone (50mg/day) and drink alcohol, which I am not supposed to do, thus the Naltrexone treatment. But I stay away from grapefruit like the plague.

BTW, please do NOT drink alcohol and use anxiolytics, one day you'll wake up dead.

bob3d,

Let me emphasize at the outset that I'm not a medical person. However, I'm confused by your statement above. I was under the impression that both Valium and Buspar are classed as anxiolytics. So, in the light of your last sentence, are you perhaps playing Russian Roulette by drinking alcohol?

V.

Quite correct. I remember my wife's grandmother being allowed to smoke when she was in the hospital for terminal lung cancer (many years ago). Quite an addiction, huh?

I am in a similar situation, addicted to Valium and unable to stop drinking. And if you've read some of my posts, I have tried everything, including the torture of Aversion Therapy, to stop. It is a life or death matter with me. Not because of my liver, which is amazingly healthy, but because of my mental illness has me addicted to drugs that do not mix well with alcohol. Every day is a day of Russian Roulette. I don't want anybody going through what I have to. My wife once had to wake me every time I passed out for a whole night after 96 oz of beer and 60mg of Valium (I would stop breathing when I passed out). I really don't want to put her through that again. BTW, my will is up-to-date and my wife and others know what my funeral arrangement wishes are. It may sound as if I am taking this lightly by the last statement. I most definitely am not. I must stop drinking. The Sinclair method is my last hope. To put those reading this somewhat at ease, I am down to 10mg of Valium per day and apparently can't drink more than 72 oz of beer as of today. So, I am in a safer place now, but still trying to "get out of the woods" as it were.

Bob

Bob,

I am very moved by the frankness of your reply. Unfortunately, I am pushed for time right now so expect another post from me later today.

Take care!

V.