Drug interactions
Buspirone + Saquinavir
Severity: Moderate
Buspirone and Saquinavir: 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
Saquinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise buspirone levels, particularly when boosted with ritonavir. This can lead to excess sedation, dizziness and nausea.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Saquinavir 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.
Why it happens
Saquinavir inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of buspirone.
What to do
Begin with a low buspirone dose and titrate carefully. Monitor for sedation and serotonergic symptoms, especially with ritonavir-boosted regimens.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buspirone with Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buspirone and Saquinavir 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. Saquinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise buspirone levels, particularly when boosted with ritonavir. This can lead to excess sedation, dizziness and nausea.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Begin with a low buspirone dose and titrate carefully. Monitor for sedation and serotonergic symptoms, especially with ritonavir-boosted regimens.
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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