Drug interactions
Buspirone + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Buspirone and Sertraline: 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
Sertraline combined with buspirone may increase serotonergic effects and rarely lead to serotonin syndrome. The combination is commonly used for augmentation and is generally tolerated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Sertraline 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; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects of sertraline reuptake inhibition and buspirone 5-HT1A agonism.
What to do
Titrate buspirone gradually and counsel the patient on symptoms of serotonin toxicity. Reduce or stop a drug if symptoms emerge.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buspirone with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buspirone and Sertraline 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. Sertraline combined with buspirone may increase serotonergic effects and rarely lead to serotonin syndrome. The combination is commonly used for augmentation and is generally tolerated.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Sertraline?
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 buspirone gradually and counsel the patient on symptoms of serotonin toxicity. Reduce or stop a drug if symptoms emerge.
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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