Overview
- Clinical pharmacist Kiran Jones of Oxford Online Pharmacy urges people on certain prescriptions to check ingredient labels and seek professional advice before Halloween treats.
- Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors used for depression, anxiety and Parkinson’s, potentially causing hypertension, headaches, anxiety and insomnia.
- Caffeine in chocolate or coffee‑flavoured sweets can intensify stimulant medications like Adderall, blunt the calming effects of SSRIs, and counteract beta‑blockers by raising heart rate and blood pressure.
- Glycyrrhizin in liquorice can deplete potassium and increase sodium retention, raising blood pressure, undermining blood‑pressure therapies and worsening heart rhythm problems.
- Synthetic food colourings in brightly coloured sweets, including products like M&M’s and Skittles, can promote histamine release that reduces antihistamine effectiveness and may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.