BuSpar Drug Interactions

When monoamine oxidase inhibitors, verapamil, or certain antibiotics or antifungals are taken together with BuSpar, drug interactions may occur. These interactions can affect the levels of medication in your blood and increase your risk of side effects, such as weakness, dangerously high blood pressure, and drowsiness. To reduce your risk of developing BuSpar interactions, tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking.

BuSpar Drug Interactions: An Overview

 BuSpar® (buspirone hydrochloride) can potentially interact with a number of other medications, especially those that affect the brain. Some of the medicines that may lead to BuSpar drug interactions include:
 
  • Alcohol
 
  • Certain antibiotics or antifungals, such as:
o Erythromycin (Ery-Tab®)
o Isoniazid (Nydrazid®)
o Itraconazole (Sporanox®)
o Ketoconazole (Nizoral®)
o Telithromycin (Ketek®)
  • Certain seizure medications, such as:
o Carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro™, Tegretol®, Tegretol XR®)
o Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx®)
o Phenobarbital (Luminal®)
o Pentobarbital (Nembutal®)
 
 
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as:
 
  • Rifamycin antibiotics, including rifabutin (Mycobutin®), rifampin (Rifadin®), and rifapentine (Priftin®)
 
Grapefruit juice can also interact with BuSpar. Studies have shown that it can increase the level of BuSpar in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. It is best to avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking BuSpar.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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