How long after taking a 5mg dose of buspar is it safe to drink alcohol without interaction?
Question posted by dogproblems on 2 Sep 2016
Last updated on 21 October 2018 by Jaminjessica11
I've been taking 3.75 - 5mg of Buspar for 2-3 weeks now and the side effects have pretty much dissipated. I have a friends birthday this weekend and I am wondering how long after taking a dose of Buspar is it safe to Drink Alcohol without interaction. Is it when it passes through the liver or when it leaves the brain?
I know alcohol isn't recommended when you have anxiety but I am asking specifically around the interaction of buspar and Alcohol together. Also what is considered "moderate" drinking?
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3 Answers
JA
Jaminjessica11
21 Oct 2018
I know this is old but I wanted to add to it. The FDA site and some government ran sites say that buspar combined with alcohol doesn't increase the sedation effects of alcohol but to avoid the use of both. That being said I'm day 6 on buspar and day 4 I had 3 glasses of wine and felt no different then if I just had the wine .
Votes: +0
JA
janiebme
2 Sep 2016
Hi dogproblems- There is a 'Interaction Checker' at the top of this page on this web site. This may help you make an informed decision.
Votes: +0
DO
dogproblems
2 Sep 2016
It is a moderate interaction and says to "generally avoid" as it may potentiate some effect of CNS active agents. The side effects are "dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and difficulty concentration". Those sound like side effects of drinking in general. I guess I'd like to know if there are any more serious side effects and how long after taking a dose it would be safe to avoid such side effects.
I know some people (not me) use Buspar for Alcohol addiction and I'd imagine there is a percentage of these patients who drink with Buspar. The information on FDA.Gov says that doses under 20MG of alcohol had no side effects with Buspar with mild to moderate drinking. What about heavier drinking (~8-10 drinks)?
I don't drink all the time but I like to go to festivals and go out on the weekends and enjoy myself.
Thank you!
JA
janiebme
3 Sep 2016
Hi dogproblems- Drinking alcohol and taking Buspar is a risk. Only you can make the call on that risk. Asking others what to do when you plan on doing it anyway seems counter productive. Be smart and safe. Good Luck :)
AC
Aces4Me
10 March 2018
dogproblems-
You are not asking anyone to make the decision for you, you are asking if/what the interaction is. I was prescribed 5 MG 3 X a day. I drink 1 - 2 glasses of wine at an event or dinner and I have zero issues. The effects of the drug are not intensified in my particular case. I would say if you are going to have a drink or 2, stay at the limit and you will be fine.
HO
Hopefrog23
2 Sep 2016
Good question I don't know. What kind of side effects did you have? I've been taking 10mg two times a day for a week. Thanks for your help and I'm sure someone on here will answer you shortly.
Votes: +0
DO
dogproblems
2 Sep 2016
I felt disoriented mostly. I'm not 100% what depersonalization but from what I read it sounds about right. Like I was on "auto pilot". This started going away after the first week. Now there's a subtle calmness about 20 minutes after taking it.
HO
Hopefrog23
2 Sep 2016
Good to know. How long have u been taking it? Did the calmness come after a week or did it take longer ? Thanks! Hope
HO
Hopefrog23
2 Sep 2016
Also I'm not expert. But I would wait a couple hours after the buspar to have a drink. And for me personally I wouldn't have more than one or two. Until your body fully adjusts to the medicine just my opinion. I have had really anything to drink in the last 8 weeks. Except a glass of wine or two. Just cuz I want to get leveled off first. And i don't need anything causing me more anxiety or depression either! Hope
HO
Hopefrog23
2 Sep 2016
*havent had anything to drink
DO
dogproblems
2 Sep 2016
I've been on it for 15 days. The first week had side effects but they have mostly subsided. I've heard this drug either works well or not at all. It definitely calms me down.
Another thing, I'd recommend reading DARE from Barry McDonagh. It's an easy to read book that helps transforms your anxiety and panic by embracing it. Helps a lot. Even his youtube channel or free app help.
DO
dogproblems
2 Sep 2016
Also I was prescribed 7.5 two times a day but that was too much at first. I took half of that for the first week and worked up to 5. I've noticed a difference even at the lower amount.
