Buspirone with Desvenlafaxine Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Buspirone
- BuSpar®
- Buspirone
Brand Names Associated with Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine
- Pristiq®
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Mar 06, 2024
Interaction Effect
Increased risk of serotonin syndrome (hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, myoclonus, mental status changes)
Interaction Summary
Desvenlafaxine is a serotonergic drug; concomitant use with another agent that affects the serotonergic neurotransmitter system may result in an increased risk of serotonin syndrome and should be approached with extreme caution. Serotonin syndrome may be life-threatening. Symptoms may include mental status changes (eg, agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (eg, tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (eg, hyperreflexia, incoordination), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). If coadministration is required, monitor closely for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, especially during treatment initiation and dose increases of either drug. If serotonin syndrome develops, discontinue both agents and initiate supportive symptomatic therapy[1].
Severity
Major
Onset
Unspecified
Evidence
Theoretical
How To Manage Interaction
Use extreme caution with coadministration of desvenlafaxine and another serotonergic drug, such as an SSRI, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or tricyclic antidepressant, as this may result in additive serotonergic effects and may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. If coadministration is required, careful monitoring is recommended, especially during treatment initiation and dose increases. Immediate discontinuation of both agents and supportive symptomatic treatment is warranted if serotonin syndrome develops[1].
Mechanism Of Interaction
Additive serotonergic effects
References
1 ) Product Information: PRISTIQ(R) oral extended-release tablets, desvenlafaxine oral extended-release tablets. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc (per FDA), Philadelphia, PA, 2023.
Buspirone Overview
-
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders or in the short-term treatment of symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone is in a class of medications called anxiolytics. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.
Desvenlafaxine Overview
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Desvenlafaxine is used to treat depression. Desvenlafaxine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.
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Definitions
Severity Categories
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Onset
Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.
Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.
Evidence
Level of documentation of the interaction.
Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.
Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.
How To Manage The Interaction
Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.
It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.
Mechanism Of Interaction
The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:
The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used.
Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.
The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.