Buspirone

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Also indexed as: Apo-Buspirone, BuSpar, Buspirex, Bustab, Gen-Buspirone, Novo-Buspirone, Nu-Buspirone, PMS-Buspirone

Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders and less commonly to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Kava
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Herbs

Kava(Piper methysticum)
Kava is a herb used to treat anxiety disorder. Although no direct interactions have been reported, buspirone should not be used together with kava unless with medical supervision.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Food reduces metabolism of buspirone, increasing serum buspirone levels.¹ Buspirone should be taken at the same time each day, always with food or always without food.

Alcohol
Buspirone may cause drowsiness and dizziness.² Alcohol may compound these effects and increase the risk of accidental injury. To prevent problems, people taking buspirone should avoid alcohol.

References

1. Gammans RE, Mayol RF, LaBudde JA. Metabolism and disposition of buspirone. Am J Med 1986;80:41–51.

2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antianxiety Agents, Miscellaneous Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1990, 262–c.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.