Drug interactions
Buspirone + Cocaine
Severity: Moderate
Buspirone and Cocaine: 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
Systemic cocaine blocks reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine and, with buspirone, might increase serotonergic toxicity. Topical use for local anesthesia gives low systemic exposure, but misuse or large doses raise the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Cocaine 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; Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity from monoamine reuptake inhibition by cocaine and 5-HT1A agonism by buspirone.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, tachycardia, hyperthermia and other signs of serotonin syndrome. Counsel patients against recreational cocaine use.
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 Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Bisoprolol + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buspirone with Cocaine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buspirone and Cocaine 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. Systemic cocaine blocks reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine and, with buspirone, might increase serotonergic toxicity. Topical use for local anesthesia gives low systemic exposure, but misuse or large doses raise the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Cocaine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for agitation, tremor, tachycardia, hyperthermia and other signs of serotonin syndrome. Counsel patients against recreational cocaine use.
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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