BuSpar Interactions: Drugs, Foods and Drinks to Avoid

Every year, millions of Americans struggle with anxiety, making it the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults, and its prevalence has increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a 13-point increase.

As anxiety continues to grow, maintaining the effectiveness of medications like BuSpar (buspirone) is crucial for public health. Understanding BuSpar interactions is essential for healthcare providers and patients to keep themselves safe and anxiety-free.

Read on to learn more about key buspirone interactions and learn how to take your anxiety medication safely.

Table Of Contents:

• BuSpar Overview
• BuSpar Interactions: Drugs to Avoid
• BuSpar Interactions: Drinks to Avoid
• BuSpar Food Interactions
• When to Seek a Doctor
• BuSpar Interactions − Key Takeaways
• People Also Ask

BuSpar Overview

While we refer to “BusPar” in some sections of this article, it’s important to know that this specific brand is no longer on the market.

Buspirone is a prescription-only non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic approved by the FDA for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and specific short-term symptoms of anxiety. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone helps in managing anxiety without the high risk of dependence.

Although the action of buspirone mechanisms is still unclear, experts believe it works through interactions with dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. You can find buspirone as a tablet, and your doctor will typically prescribe doses between 15mg and 60mg daily, depending on your condition.

BuSpar Interactions: Drugs to Avoid

BuSpar’s effectiveness and safety can be significantly impacted by its interactions with other medications. Awareness of these BuSpar drug interactions is crucial in reducing the risk of adverse effects and enhancing its therapeutic benefits.

When combining Buspar with other medications, be cautious with the following drugs:

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs, such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline, are a type of antidepressant for the treatment of panic disorder, social phobia, and depression with atypical features. It is also used in patients with Parkinson’s disease and with multiple system atrophy.

They work by inhibiting the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. When combined with buspirone, the body experiences an excess of serotonin, resulting in a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. In the most severe cases, this may cause fast heart rate, sweating, and delirium seizures.

If you are changing MAOIs to start a new antidepressant, buspirone treatment, let pass 14 days before initiating to prevent any drug interaction.

Other Types Antidepressants

Other types of antidepressants also interact with buspirone due to their ability to increase serotonin, norepinephrine, or both in the synapse of the brain. Similar to MAOIs, when used together, the risk of serotonin syndrome increases.

These antidepressants include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft).
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta).
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline.
• Norepinephrine/dopamine-reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) like amfebutamone (Wellbutrin).

Can You Take Zoloft And Buspar Together?

No, you should avoid taking BuSpar and Zoloft together.

Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that can interact with buspirone, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention and monitor symptoms like fever, fast heart rate, or tremors.

This same principle applies to Wellbutrin and BuSpar together.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), are prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic disorders, seizure disorders, insomnia, and other medical conditions. Benzodiazepines help these conditions through their sedative effects.

Although lesser, buspirone also causes sedation. Buspirone can prolong diazepam-induced sedation, leading to excessive drowsiness and potentially impaired motor skills. Over-sedation increases the risk of respiratory depression and aspiration. BuSpar and Xanax together are a no-go combination.

Antihypertensive Agents

Patients may experience dizziness after taking buspirone, probably due to orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up, sitting, or lying down). Clonidine and methyldopa are medications used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

When used together, they can have additive effects on lowering blood pressure. Also, Clonidine may elevate the anxiolytic effect of Buspirone.

Rifampin

Rifampin is an antibiotic for treating active and latent tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. Since the liver rapidly metabolizes Rifampin, it induces liver enzymes that metabolize buspirone, leading to reduced levels of buspirone in the blood and reduced therapeutic effects.

If you need to take Rifampin, your healthcare provider may need to adjust the buspirone dosage to compensate.

Erythromycin

Erythromycin is another antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including neonatal conjunctivitis and chlamydia. Since the liver metabolizes most of the erythromycin, it can inhibit the enzymes that metabolize buspirone, leading to higher levels of buspirone in the blood and a higher risk of buSpar side effects.

If you need to use this antibiotic, your healthcare provider must consider the risk-benefit profile before prescribing it.

Diltiazem and Verapamil

Calcium channel blockers, like Diltiazem and Verapamil, treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, including atrial arrhythmia, hypertension, or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Taken together, it can increase plasma levels of buspirone, increasing its side effects.

If you are taking buSpar, you won’t probably have to stop calcium channel blockers altogether, but your provider will adjust dosages as necessary.

Buspirone and Adderall

Adderall is an amphetamine medication used in the management and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

Adderall stimulates the central nervous system, which can counteract the anxiolytic effects of buspirone and potentially exacerbate anxiety symptoms. BuSpar and Adderall may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects and the risk of serotonin syndrome.

BuSpar Interactions: Drinks to Avoid

Certain beverages can interact with the medication, potentially leading to adverse effects or affecting its efficacy. Here are drinks to consider avoiding or consuming with caution:

Buspirone Interactions with Alcohol

Both alcohol and buspirone have sedative effects on the central nervous system. When combined, these effects can be intensified, leading to excessive drowsiness, impaired motor skills, and increased risk of central nervous system depression.

Avoid alcohol while taking buspirone. If you are going out, choose alcohol alternatives to keep yourself safe.

Buspirone Interactions with Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice contains compounds that inhibit the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes responsible for metabolizing buspirone. This inhibition can result in higher levels of buspirone in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of buspirone side effects sexually and systemic.

Try to limit your grapefruit juice consumption while taking buspirone. If you want a glass of grapefruit juice, discuss it with your healthcare provider first.

Buspirone Interactions with Coffee

Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep and cause anxiety if you drink too much. While you don’t need to cut off coffee completely, you may want to limit caffeine intake to avoid exacerbating your current anxiety symptoms and counteract the anxiolytic effects of buspirone.

BuSpar Food Interactions

Buspirone does not significantly interact with food except for grapefruit juice. However, it’s always good to maintain a healthy diet to manage anxiety.

Nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins help regulate mood and stress. For example, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish have been shown to reduce anxiety, while foods high in antioxidants can combat oxidative stress linked to anxiety.

When to Seek a Doctor

If you are taking Buspirone and experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention promptly:

• If you experience severe or persistent side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or nervousness.
• Signs of serotonin syndrome include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, and excessive sweating.
• If you develop signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or swelling.
• If you do not notice any improvement in your anxiety symptoms after several weeks of treatment.
• If you experience significant changes in mood, behavior, thoughts of self-harm, or depression.

BuSpar Interactions − Key Takeaways

To manage your anxiety effectively while using BuSpar, consider these interactions. Combining BuSpar with certain medications, alcohol, or caffeine can lead to increased side effects or reduced efficacy.

Keep an open communication with your healthcare provider. Inform them of all medications, supplements, and dietary habits to avoid adverse interactions. Adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle can enhance the benefits of your anxiety treatment.

If you experience severe side effects, allergic reactions, or significant changes in your mental health, seek medical advice promptly.

People Also Ask

What should I not mix with buspirone?

Avoid mixing buspirone with alcohol, grapefruit juice, MAOIs, and certain antidepressants to prevent increased side effects or reduced efficacy. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining medications.

Can you take buSpar and Xanax together?

Buspirone and Xanax together may increase sedation and impair motor skills. Over-sedation increases the risk of respiratory depression and aspiration.

Can you take buSpar and Zoloft together?

The combination of Zoloft and buspirone may cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition with symptoms of fast heart rate, sweating, and delirium seizures in the most severe cases. Proceed with caution.

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