Drug interactions
Buspirone + Dextromethorphan
Severity: Moderate
Buspirone and Dextromethorphan: 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 drugs have serotonergic activity, so combined use may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Reports are limited and the risk appears low at usual doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Dextromethorphan 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; Dextromethorphan belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects (buspirone 5-HT1A agonism, dextromethorphan serotonin reuptake inhibition).
What to do
Avoid high doses of dextromethorphan and monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity such as tremor, clonus and agitation. Stop the combination if these occur.
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 Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Buspirone
- Buspirone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buspirone with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buspirone and Dextromethorphan 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 drugs have serotonergic activity, so combined use may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Reports are limited and the risk appears low at usual doses.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid high doses of dextromethorphan and monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity such as tremor, clonus and agitation. Stop the combination if these occur.
What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan page.
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