Drug interactions
Buspirone + Tramadol
Severity: Moderate
Buspirone and Tramadol: 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
Tramadol inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and buspirone is a serotonin 1A agonist, so together they may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Tramadol also lowers the seizure threshold. Reports are limited but the mechanism is plausible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Tramadol 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; Tramadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity from tramadol reuptake inhibition and buspirone 5-HT1A agonism.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and fever, especially at initiation and dose increases. Stop the combination if serotonin toxicity develops.
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 Tramadol
- Isocarboxazid + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Tramadol 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 Tramadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buspirone and Tramadol 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. Tramadol inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and buspirone is a serotonin 1A agonist, so together they may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Tramadol also lowers the seizure threshold. Reports are limited but the mechanism is plausible.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Tramadol?
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 agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and fever, especially at initiation and dose increases. Stop the combination if serotonin toxicity develops.
What other medicines interact with Tramadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tramadol with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Tramadol page.
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