Drug interactions
Buspirone + Doxepin
Severity: Moderate
Buspirone and Doxepin: 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 have serotonergic effects, so combined use could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Doxepin has relatively modest serotonergic effect, so the risk is likely low, but additive sedation also occurs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Doxepin 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; Doxepin belongs to Dermatology.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from 5-HT1A agonism and reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity and sedation, especially during dose increases. Use the lowest effective doses.
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 Doxepin
- Doxepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buspirone with Doxepin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buspirone and Doxepin 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 have serotonergic effects, so combined use could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Doxepin has relatively modest serotonergic effect, so the risk is likely low, but additive sedation also occurs.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Doxepin?
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 signs of serotonin toxicity and sedation, especially during dose increases. Use the lowest effective doses.
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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