Music Therapy Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Music Therapy interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Music Therapy is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Music Therapy is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Music Therapy against your medication
Add one medicationDrugs that interact with Music Therapy
0 medications have a known interaction with Music Therapy, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Music Therapy. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Music Therapy combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Music Therapy: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Music therapy is a non-drug, evidence-informed practice where trained therapists use music to support emotional, mental, and physical health. It is generally very safe and may help with stress, mood, pain, and quality of life, though it is best used alongside (not instead of) standard medical care.
- Part used
- Not applicable (a therapeutic practice, not a plant or substance)
- Common forms
- Active music-making, listening to recorded or live music, guided sessions with a trained music therapist, group or individual sessions
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and low mood
- Pain management
- Dementia and memory support
- Coping during medical procedures
- Rehabilitation after stroke or injury
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Music therapy is non-invasive and considered very safe for most people.
Insufficient reliable information available; however, there is no reason to suspect safety concerns when used appropriately.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; however, there is no reason to suspect safety concerns when used appropriately.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Music therapy is not an herb or supplement. It is a healthcare practice in which a trained, certified music therapist uses music to help people meet emotional, mental, social, or physical goals. Unlike simply listening to your favorite playlist, formal music therapy is delivered by a credentialed professional and tailored to each person's needs.
Music therapy can involve many activities, such as listening to live or recorded music, singing, playing instruments, writing songs, or moving to rhythm. Sessions may be one-on-one or in groups, and they are used in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, mental health programs, and hospice care.
People turn to music therapy as a gentle, drug-free way to ease stress, lift mood, manage pain, and improve overall quality of life. It is often combined with standard medical or psychological treatment rather than used on its own.
How it works
Because music therapy is a behavioral practice rather than a chemical, it does not have "active compounds" the way an herb does. Instead, researchers believe it works through several overlapping pathways in the brain and body.
Music can engage areas of the brain involved in emotion, reward, memory, and movement. Pleasant or familiar music may trigger the release of feel-good brain chemicals and help calm the body's stress response, which can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and feelings of tension.
Rhythm appears to help with timing and coordination, which is why rhythmic cues are studied in movement and speech rehabilitation. Music can also serve as a tool for distraction from pain, a way to express emotions, and a means of social connection. Many of these mechanisms are still being studied and are not fully understood.
Does Music Therapy work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
Possibly Effective Autism spectrum disorder
Music therapy seems to improve social behavior, and possibly other symptoms, in children with autism.
Possibly Effective Hypertension
Music interventions seem to modestly reduce blood pressure in adults with hypertension.
Possibly Effective Parkinson disease
Music therapy and music-based movement therapy seem to improve Parkinson disease symptoms.
Possibly Effective Postoperative pain
Music therapy seems to reduce postoperative pain in children and adults, although its effects in infants are unclear.
Possibly Effective Pre-procedural anxiety
Music therapy and music listening seem to reduce preoperative anxiety.
Possibly Effective Quality of life
Music therapy and music listening seem to improve quality of life in adults with or without underlying medical conditions.
Possibly Effective Schizophrenia
Music therapy seems to improve symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
Possibly Effective Stroke
Music therapy, especially rhythmic auditory stimulation, seems to improve recovery when used within 10 months of stroke.
Also studied for 46 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Age-related cognitive decline
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for age-related cognitive decline.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alcohol use disorder
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for alcohol use disorder.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Ankylosing spondylitis
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for ankylosing spondylitis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Anorexia nervosa
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for anorexia nervosa. <b>Details</b>: Preliminary clinical research shows that post-meal music therapy modestly reduces anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa when compared to not receiving music therapy. However, it is unclear if this will result in long-term benefits.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for improving symptoms of asthma in children.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for eczema, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for ADHD.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Bipolar disorder
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for bipolar disorder, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Bulimia nervosa
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for bulimia nervosa, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Burns
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for burn pain in adults or children; the available research is conflicting.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer-related fatigue
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for cancer-related fatigue.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer-related pain
Some research suggests that music therapy modestly reduces chronic pain associated with cancer. However, due to the heterogeneity and generally poor quality of available research, it is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for cancer-related pain.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial in patients with CVD.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for CINV.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
It is unclear if music listening is beneficial for COPD.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cognitive function
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for improving cognitive function, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cystic fibrosis
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for cystic fibrosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dementia
Music therapy seems to improve mood and quality of life in patients with dementia. However, it's not clear if it reduces aggression or improves cognition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Epilepsy
It is unclear if music listening reduces the incidence of seizures in children or young adults with epilepsy.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Infant development
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for infant development.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Kidney failure
It is unclear if music listening reduces pain associated with hemodialysis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Labor pain
It is unclear if listening to music reduces labor pain.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Lactation
It is unclear if music listening is beneficial for improving breast milk production. <b>Details</b>: Preliminary clinical research shows that music therapy involving passive music listening alone or with active listening for 1-14 sessions modestly improves breast milk production when compared to a control group given only standard training.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Methamphetamine use disorder
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for methamphetamine use disorder.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Motion sickness
It is unclear if music listening is beneficial for motion sickness.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Multiple sclerosis (MS)
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for MS.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscle cramps
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for muscle cramps, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this use.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscle strength
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for muscle strength, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this use.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Neurodermatitis
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for neurodermatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this use.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoarthritis
It is unclear if music listening is beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Perioperative anxiety
It is unclear if music listening is beneficial for reducing anxiety during cesarian delivery.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
It is unclear if music listening is beneficial for reducing PONV.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative recovery
It is unclear if music listening is beneficial for improving postoperative recovery.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative sleep disturbance
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for reducing postoperative sleep disturbance.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postpartum depression
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for reducing postpartum depression.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pruritus
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for pruritus, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this use.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psoriasis
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psychological well-being
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for improving psychological well-being.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Radiation-induced fatigue
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for reducing fatigue during radiation treatment.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Spinal cord injury
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for spinal cord injury, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this use.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stress
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for stress.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Substance use disorder
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for substance use disorder.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tension headache
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for tension headaches.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tinnitus
Although there has been interest in using music therapy for tinnitus, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of music therapy for this use.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
It is unclear if music therapy is beneficial for patients with a TBI.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
Music therapy is non-invasive and very low risk for most people. There are no pills to swallow and no known toxic effects.
A few sensible precautions apply. Loud music or headphones at high volume can affect hearing, so volume should be kept comfortable, especially for children and people with hearing sensitivity. Music can also stir up strong emotions or difficult memories; a trained therapist can help guide these reactions safely.
People with epilepsy or certain sound sensitivities, and those recovering from severe psychological trauma, should work with a qualified professional. Music therapy is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and is often used to promote relaxation in these stages. As always, it should support—not replace—care from your doctor for any medical or mental health condition.
Side effects
Serious side effects from music therapy are rare. The most common issues are mild, such as emotional upset if a song brings up painful memories, temporary fatigue, or feeling overstimulated by loud or fast music.
For people sensitive to sound, music could trigger discomfort, anxiety, or, very rarely, seizures in those with music-triggered (musicogenic) epilepsy. Listening at high volumes for long periods can contribute to hearing damage. Working with a trained music therapist helps keep these risks low.
Dosing
There is no standardized "dose" for music therapy, since it is a practice rather than a product. Session length, frequency, and type are usually chosen by a certified music therapist based on your goals and needs.
In studies and clinical settings, sessions often last roughly 20 to 60 minutes and may be done once or several times a week, but this varies widely. If you are seeking formal music therapy, look for a board-certified or credentialed music therapist, and ask your doctor or pharmacist for a referral. Casual listening to calming music on your own is also a safe, simple way to relax.
Music Therapy & Pregnancy
Music Therapy & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 2 references that drive our Music Therapy monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Düzgün MV, Özer Z. The effects of music intervention on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Adv Nurs 2020;76(12):3307-3316.
- Bibb J, Castle D, Newton R. The role of music therapy in reducing post meal related anxiety for patients with anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord. 2015;3:50. PubMed
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Music Therapy: Common Questions
What is Music Therapy used for, and does it work?
Does Music Therapy interact with prescription medications?
How are Music Therapy interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Music Therapy with my medications?
Where does this Music Therapy interaction information come from?
What is Music Therapy used for?
Is Music Therapy the same as just listening to music?
Is Music Therapy safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Can Music Therapy replace my medications?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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