Hello, I have been taking 40 mgs of paxil for depression and anxiety. My dr has decreased my paxil to 20mg but added buspirone for anxiety. Can I take both these medications the same day but just hours apart like take my paxil in the morning and the other at bedtime?
Thanks
Can Paxil and buspirone be taken together?
Question posted by ashleigh777 on 7 Nov 2024
Last updated on 7 November 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers
There is a major interaction between your medications, major meaning:
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Interactions between your drugs
Major
busPIRone PARoxetine
Applies to: buspirone, Paxil (paroxetine)
Using busPIRone together with PARoxetine can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Source: https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=441-0,1800-1156
I suggest you speak to your Dr..
"Serotonin syndrome is a drug reaction that is caused by high levels of serotonin in your body. A severe reaction can be life-threatening."
Source and more info: https://www.drugs.com/cg/serotonin-syndrome.html
Yes, you can do that. There are some studies out there that show adding Buspar to an SSRI increases the efficacy of both medications. This is a good combination. Good luck to you!
Related topics
paxil, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, buspirone, medication
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.