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Are there any interactions with BuSpar?

BuSpar (generic name buspirone hydrochloride) is a prescription drug most commonly used to relieve anxiety. Scientists believe BuSpar works by reducing levels of a chemical called serotonin.

BuSpar may interact with several medications. Avoid alcohol and use caution when taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness. Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice. Do not take BuSpar with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as tranylcypromine (brand name Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl), since the combination may increase blood pressure. Erythromycin (Ery-tab), itraconazole (Sporanox), and nefazodone (Serzone) may cause BuSpar to build up in the body and increase the likelihood of side effects. Adding BuSpar to haloperidol (Haldol) therapy may increase the chance of haloperidol side effects. BuSpar may also interact with trazodone (Desyrel). Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any of these medications together with BuSpar.

Sources:
BuSpar Product Information, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 2006.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Psychiatry, 1st Edition. W. B. Saunders Company, 1997.
Textbook of Psychopharmacology, Second Edition. American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 1998.

This answer prepared 5/15/2001.
This information updated 1/30/2007.