Drug interactions
Buspirone + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Buspirone and Citalopram: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both agents increase serotonergic activity, so combined use may precipitate serotonin syndrome, though the combination is commonly used for augmentation. Risk is greatest at initiation or dose escalation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Citalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Buspirone belongs to Central Nervous System; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SSRI reuptake inhibition and buspirone 5-HT1A agonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for agitation, tremor, diarrhea, hyperthermia and clonus when starting or titrating; stop one drug if serotonin toxicity occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Buspirone
- Buspirone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Other interactions of Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buspirone with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buspirone and Citalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both agents increase serotonergic activity, so combined use may precipitate serotonin syndrome, though the combination is commonly used for augmentation. Risk is greatest at initiation or dose escalation.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Citalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for agitation, tremor, diarrhea, hyperthermia and clonus when starting or titrating; stop one drug if serotonin toxicity occurs.
What other medicines interact with Buspirone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buspirone with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Buspirone page.
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