Can You Take Buspar And Effexor Together?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to take Buspar and Effexor Together.
I’m taking Buspar 10 mg and venlafaxine ER 37.5mg. Is it ok to take the 2 together? I stopped venlafaxine ER and my depression and anxiety came back. My doctor prescribed me Buspar to help my anxiety a little more.
Nov 30, 2022- Buspar and Effexor can be prescribed together but they interact by increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome and bleeding, so it's important to watch for symptoms like muscle rigidity, confusion, unusual bruising, or black tarry stools.
- Starting at the lowest dose of each medication and increasing slowly can help manage the risks of taking these drugs together.
- These side effects are relatively uncommon, but you should discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Answer
While Buspar and Effexor are sometimes prescribed together, they do have an interaction that is important to be aware of.
In fact, there are essentially two different types of interactions between these drugs. They can:
- Increase the risk of a rare, but serious condition known as serotonin syndrome
- Increase the risk of bleeding as both have mild antiplatelet effects
Like all prescription drugs, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of therapy.
Interaction Details
There are a number of drugs that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin, and both of these drugs do just that.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is classified as an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) and increases serotonin concentration in the brain. Buspar (buspirone) has activity at several different serotonin receptors, and is thought to affect some dopamine and GABA receptors as well.
Serotonin has wide-ranging effects on the body, and side effects with drugs that affect serotonin are well-documented. These risks increase if you take more than one drug that affects serotonin. These side effects include the rare but serious 'serotonin syndrome', and an increased bleeding risk.
How To Manage The Interaction
Even though there is an interaction between Effexor and Buspar, they are oftentimes prescribed together for those suffering from several mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
The risk of side effects is important to be aware of so you can take appropriate action if they occur.
In regard to serotonin syndrome, it is important to look for the following symptoms:
- Muscle rigidity
- Increased body temperature
- Sweating
- Mental status changes
- Confusion
- Flu-like symptoms
It is important to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention should they occur.
I also mentioned there is an increased bleeding risk. Serotonin has complex effects on blood coagulation, and taking multiple serotonergic drugs can have an antiplatelet effect.
You want to be on the lookout for any unusual bruising or bleeding while taking Effexor and Buspar together. Generally, the increased risk of bleeding is predominantly stomach bleeds, so look for black or tarry-looking stools.
These side effects (serotonin syndrome and bleeding risk) are relatively uncommon, but again, good to know about. Ideally, you should start at the lowest dose of each drug and increase slowly until you reach the desired clinical effects.
Final Words
I hope you found this answer helpful.
I want to emphasize that these drugs are sometimes used together. Even though the side effects I discussed sound serious (and they certainly can be), they are relatively uncommon.
It is always good to know what could happen, and what to look out for, so you and your doctor can make an informed decision about your therapy.
References & sources
- Serotonin syndrome induced by venlafaxine and fluoxetine: a case study in polypharmacy and potential pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic mechanisms — PubMed
- Serotonin Syndrome: Analysis of Cases Registered in the French Pharmacovigilance Database — PubMed
- A case study of delayed serotonin syndrome: lessons learned — PubMed
- A case report of serotonin syndrome associated with combined nefazodone and fluoxetine — PubMed
- Serotonin syndrome with mirtazapine-fluoxetine combination — PubMed
- Buspar Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
- Effexor XR Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
NDC Codes for the Medications in This Answer
Every package, labeler and price for each medication in the FDA's National Drug Code directory.
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- SNRI
- A type of antidepressant medication that works by increasing levels of two brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Serotonin syndrome
- A rare but serious condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin activity in the body, causing symptoms like muscle rigidity, fever, and confusion.
- Neurotransmitter
- A chemical messenger in the brain that helps transmit signals between nerve cells.
- Antiplatelet effect
- A property that reduces the blood's ability to clot by affecting platelets, which are cells responsible for forming blood clots.
- Serotonin receptors
- Specific sites on cells where the chemical serotonin attaches to produce effects in the body.
- Dopamine
- A brain chemical involved in mood, motivation, and movement control.
- GABA receptors
- Attachment sites for a calming brain chemical that helps reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Coagulation
- The process by which blood clots or thickens to stop bleeding.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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