Nefazodone interferes with how the body processes buspirone, which increases the amount of the drug.
This may cause side effects, such as light-headedness, weakness, drowsiness, and dizziness.
If you’ve been prescribed nefazodone, your provider may advise taking a lower dose of buspirone.
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MAOIs should never be taken within 14 days of stopping buspirone, or vice versa.
This means at least 14 days must pass between taking these drugs.
Examples of other drugs that increase serotonin include:
4.
However, they can interact with buspirone.
CNS depressants include alcohol, as well as certain medications, such as those to treat insomnia and anxiety.
Alcohol should be avoided while taking buspirone.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockersare commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions.
If taking both, watch for an increase in buspirone-related side effects.
Anti-Seizure Drugs
Certainantiepileptic drugsmay interact with buspirone.
These drugs are enzyme inducers, meaning they increase the metabolic activity of certain enzymes.
Enzyme inducers speed up the removal of certain drugs (such as buspirone) from the body.
Doing so could make buspirone work less effectively.
Examples include:
7.
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections, can interact with buspirone in different ways.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a lower dose of buspirone in this case.
Antifungals
Antifungal medicationsare prescribed to treat certain types of yeast, or fungal, infections.
Some antifungal medications can slow down the removal of buspirone from the body.
This could lead to increased and more serious side effects of buspirone.
If the combination cannot be avoided, close monitoring and a lower buspirone dose may be required.
Examples of antifungal drugs that can interact with buspirone are:
9.
This can lead to higher levels of the drug in the body and increased side effects.
It’s recommended to avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking buspirone.
Ritonavir can increase levels of buspirone in the body.
You might need a dosage adjustment if both of these medications are prescribed.
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory conditions.
Dexamethasone can speed up the removal of buspirone from the body, possibly decreasing buspirone’s antianxiety effects.
Taking these medications together may require dosage adjustments.
Haloperidol
Combining the antipsychotic haloperidol with buspirone could result in higher levels of haloperidol in the body.
Side effects, such as increased drowsiness and heart rhythm problems, may occur.
Close monitoring or dosage adjustments may be necessary if taking these medications at the same time.
Summary
Buspirone is a medication commonly used for anxiety.
Many drugs may interact with buspirone in different ways.
The list above does not include every possible interaction that can happen.
UpToDate.Serotonin syndrome (serotonin toxicity)
DailyMed.Buspirone.
Merck Manual.Drugs That Can Cause Serotonin Syndrome.
National Cancer Institute.CNS depressant.
American Heart Association.Types of blood pressure medications.
1998;64(6):655-660. doi:10.1016/S0009-9236(98)90056-X
