{"id":631555,"date":"2025-03-10T12:36:42","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T16:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631555"},"modified":"2025-03-10T12:36:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T16:36:42","slug":"buspirone-and-trazodone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/buspirone-and-trazodone\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to take buspirone and trazodone together?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Between the feelings of worry, irritability, and impending doom, anxiety can make it seem like the world is closing in around you. Sleepless nights only make matters worse. Prescription medications like buspirone and trazodone help some people with their symptoms. Buspirone<\/a> is an anti-anxiety (anxiolytic) drug that\u2019s prescribed specifically for anxiety symptoms, while trazodone<\/a> (brand name: Desyrel) is an antidepressant medication prescribed for insomnia, depression, and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some people who have both anxiety and insomnia or depression may wonder whether they can take the two drugs together for their symptoms. However, not every patient should take buspirone and trazodone together. Here are all the details on potential interactions, side effects, and other precautions you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

BuSpar vs. buspirone<\/span><\/h2>\n

BuSpar was a former brand-name version of buspirone, but the BuSpar brand was discontinued in 2009, so it\u2019s no longer sold under that label. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made it clear that this discontinuation was not because of concerns with BuSpar\u2019s safety or effectiveness. Rather, it was taken off the market after the generic version (buspirone) became more easily accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n

The FDA requires generic medications to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, efficacy, and route of administration as their reference drugs, so buspirone is essentially the same as BuSpar.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take trazodone and buspirone together?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not recommended to take trazodone with buspirone, but that doesn\u2019t mean it isn\u2019t done. \u201cThe answer always is \u2018it depends,\u2019 and this will vary based on the unique circumstances of each patient,\u201d says psychiatrist<\/span> Cooper Stone, DO<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> \u201cHowever, if the patient is somebody who is struggling with anxiety and insomnia, this is a medication regimen that could make sense for the right person.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Stone emphasizes that the combination of trazodone and buspirone isn\u2019t right for every patient. That\u2019s because when the two medications are taken routinely together there are potential serious interactions. \u201cIn most cases, people who take trazodone and buspirone together will tolerate this combination just fine and reap the benefits of both,\u201d he explains. \u201cHowever, it is very important to know that both medications affect serotonin levels and can precipitate a very serious condition known as <\/span>serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Buspirone and trazodone <\/span>both affect the brain\u2019s levels of serotonin<\/span><\/a>, a neurotransmitter that helps control mood regulation, sleep, and other bodily functions. Serotonin is known as the body\u2019s \u201cfeel-good chemical,\u201d but having too much of it can cause serious issues. In severe cases, serotonin syndrome is life-threatening.<\/span><\/p>\n

This combination might also cause abnormal liver function, according to David Hendricks, MD, assistant medical director at <\/span>Mountainside<\/span><\/a>. \u201cEspecially for those struggling with alcohol abuse, if they take these medications, their liver enzymes can be affected by these medications,\u201d he says. \u201cAdditionally, taking buspirone and trazodone together can disrupt the blood clotting process in the liver and pose a bleeding risk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While some patients can take trazodone and buspirone together, it should only be under a healthcare provider\u2019s direction and liver function monitoring. \u201cBefore a person takes both, it\u2019s recommended to do blood work to check for healthy platelet count or abnormalities,\u201d Dr. Hendricks says. \u201cI\u2019d also conduct liver function tests and check for signs of inability to clot. If you lack blood clotting enzymes, you can be at risk of bleeding if you take these medications together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trazodone and buspirone interactions and side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Serotonin syndrome and liver issues are the most potentially dangerous drug interactions between buspirone and trazodone\u2014and the ones that are most likely to deter healthcare providers from prescribing them for certain patients. <\/span>Serotonin syndrome can cause symptoms like<\/span><\/a> agitation, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, hallucinations, fever, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, sweating, shivering, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can also cause delirium, seizures, and fainting.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, each drug also has various adverse effects that may manifest during treatment. The most common <\/span>trazodone side effects<\/span><\/a> are drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, nervousness, and blurred vision. <\/span>Buspirone\u2019s most common side effects<\/span><\/a> are dizziness, nervousness, nausea, headache, and lightheadedness.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a chance that taking these two together can compound their side effects, even causing excessive drowsiness or <\/span>central nervous system (CNS) depression<\/span><\/a>\u2014a medical condition that can lead to confusion, dizziness, impaired coordination, and other symptoms. Consult a healthcare provider if you\u2019re concerned with the serious side effects of either drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to take buspirone with trazodone<\/span><\/h2>\n

Considering their interactions, in cases when they\u2019re prescribed together, it\u2019s crucial to follow the healthcare provider\u2019s dosages and instructions exactly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Healthcare providers may stagger the introduction of trazodone and buspirone to ease the patient in. \u201cIt is generally best not to start them both at the same time. This way, if the patient were to experience a side effect from one of the medications, it will be easier to determine the cause,\u201d Dr. Stone says. \u201cTherefore, it is best to wait one to two weeks before introducing a new medication.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, patients should never increase their dosage without first consulting a healthcare provider. Per Dr. Stone, the risk of serotonin syndrome \u201cincreases if the doses of these medications are increased too quickly, are prescribed at high doses, or are being taken with other medications that also act on serotonin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With that in mind, it\u2019s also important to tell your healthcare provider about other medications and supplements you\u2019re taking and avoid taking this combination\u2014or either drug individually\u2014with certain medications. Trazodone and buspirone may interact with:<\/span><\/p>\n