Buspirone

Also indexed as: BuSpar®

Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders and less commonly to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Safetychecker Summary for Buspirone
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

Avoid Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.

Kava

Depletion or interference

None known

Side effect reduction/prevention

None known

Supportive interaction

None known

Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability

None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Herbs

Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava is an herb used to treat anxiety disorder. Although no direct interactions have been reported, buspirone should not be used together with kava unless with medical supervision.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Food reduces metabolism of buspirone, increasing serum buspirone levels.1 Buspirone should be taken at the same time each day, always with food or always without food.

Alcohol
Buspirone may cause drowsiness and dizziness.2 Alcohol may compound these effects and increase the risk of accidental injury. To prevent problems, people taking buspirone should avoid alcohol.

References:

1. Gammans RE, Mayol RF, LaBudde JA. Metabolism and disposition of buspirone. Am J Med 1986;80:41–51.

2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antianxiety Agents, Miscellaneous Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1990, 262–c.