Can You Take Buspar With SSRIs Like Prozac?

Answer

Yes, Buspar (buspirone) is very often added to SSRI drugs (like Prozac) for the treatment of anxiety (specifically, generalized anxiety disorder).

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are generally the first-line therapy for the condition, and if an additional response is needed, Buspar is very a common addition.

Several studies have reported on the 'SSRI-augmenting' effects of buspirone. One such study concluded the following:

Buspirone augmentation may produce marked clinical improvement in depressed patients who are initially unresponsive to standard antidepressant therapy.

Similarly, another study stated:

This study provides clinical evidence suggesting that buspirone augmentation may be a useful clinical strategy in social phobic patients who show a partial response to an SSRI.

One study, in particular, found that 'non-responders' to SSRIs found improvement in anxiety symptoms when buspirone was added on:

The addition of buspirone to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may result in an enhanced serotonergic effect and improvement of depressive symptoms, as was the case in SSRI nonresponders in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression trial.

Buspar May Help Certain SSRI Side Effects In Addition To Reducing Anxiety

In addition to buspirone further improving anxiety symptoms in those that don't fully respond to SSRI therapy, the drug may also reduce SSRI side effects.

SSRI drug therapy is well-known to cause certain side effects in individuals, such as insomnia, weight changes, and sexual dysfunction. These side effects are associated with all SSRIs in the drug class, including:

• Prozac
• Lexapro
• Celexa
• Luvox
• Paxil
• Zoloft

Buspirone has specifically been found to reduce the sexual side effects that SSRIs can cause, like impotence and decreased libido. One study found that the addition of buspirone to SSRIs improved sexual dysfunction symptoms in 58% of individuals.

Studies have also shown that buspirone can reduce a somewhat uncommon side effect of SSRIs known as 'bruxism' (teeth grinding/jaw clenching).

Are There Any Concerns With Combining Buspirone And SSRIs?

While the combination of buspirone and an SSRI drug is a common therapy approach in those with generalized anxiety disorder, it is important to know about a rare, but serious, side effect.

Taking multiple drugs that affect serotonin (such as SSRIs and buspirone) can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a condition of serotonergic overstimulation characterized by several effects, including:

• Sweating
• Muscle rigidity
• Increased heart rate
• Tremors
• Confusion
• Mental status changes
• Increased blood pressure

While, again, the risk of serotonin syndrome is low, there have been case reports where buspirone has been implicated as a contributing factor in the development of serotonin syndrome when used in conjunction with SSRIs.

Serotonin syndrome is a medical emergency. It is important to monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity and if you are experiencing symptoms of it, seek care immediately.

Final Words

I hope you found this answer helpful and reach back out in the future if anything else comes up!