Drug interactions
Buspirone + Milnacipran
Severity: Moderate
Buspirone and Milnacipran: 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
Milnacipran inhibits serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake, and with buspirone the combination may increase serotonergic activity and the risk of serotonin syndrome. Cases are uncommon but the effect can be serious if it occurs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Milnacipran 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; Milnacipran belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects of buspirone 5-HT1A agonism and milnacipran reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Titrate slowly and monitor for neuromuscular excitability, autonomic instability and mental status change. Discontinue one or both drugs if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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 Milnacipran
- Isocarboxazid + Milnacipran Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Milnacipran Contraindicated
- Milnacipran + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Milnacipran + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Milnacipran + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Milnacipran + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buspirone with Milnacipran?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buspirone and Milnacipran 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. Milnacipran inhibits serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake, and with buspirone the combination may increase serotonergic activity and the risk of serotonin syndrome. Cases are uncommon but the effect can be serious if it occurs.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Milnacipran?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate slowly and monitor for neuromuscular excitability, autonomic instability and mental status change. Discontinue one or both drugs if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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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