Are you taking Buspirone? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Buspirone with certain foods, herbs, or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.
National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines
Go to source).
References
1. Lilja, J. J., Kivisto, K. T., Backman, J. T., Lamberg, T. S., & Neuvonen, P. J. (1998). Grapefruit juice substantially increases plasma concentrations of buspirone. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, 64(6), 655-660. doi: 10.1016/S0009-9236(98)90056-X
2. National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
3. National Library of Medicine: Buspirone MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688005.html#
Buspirone Interactions with Food and Herbs
Grapefruit:- Do not take grapefruit and its juice when you are on Buspirone.
- This combination may raise Buspirone levels in the body and cause various adverse effects such as dizziness and sedation (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Lilja, J. J., Kivistö, K. T., Backman, J. T., Lamberg, T. S., & Neuvonen, P. J. (1998). Grapefruit juice substantially increases plasma concentrations of buspirone. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, 64(6), 655–660.
Go to source).
Buspirone Interactions with Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Buspirone because it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, an increased risk of overdose, difficulty breathing, impaired motor control, abnormal behavior and cognitive problems (2✔ ✔Trusted SourceNational Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines
Go to source).
When and How to Take Buspirone
- Buspirone is available in the form of a tablet to be taken orally.
- It is usually taken twice a day, with or without food.
- Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label. Take the medication at the same time every day for better results.
- Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
- Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
National Library of Medicine: Buspirone MedlinePlus Drug Information.
Go to source).
References
1. Lilja, J. J., Kivisto, K. T., Backman, J. T., Lamberg, T. S., & Neuvonen, P. J. (1998). Grapefruit juice substantially increases plasma concentrations of buspirone. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, 64(6), 655-660. doi: 10.1016/S0009-9236(98)90056-X
2. National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
3. National Library of Medicine: Buspirone MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688005.html#
