Drug Interaction Report

Using gepirone together with furazolidone is not recommended as it can significantly increase the risk of a potentially life-threatening problem called serotonin syndrome. Immediate medical attention is required if you experience any of the following as they may be signs or symptoms of this medical condition: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; agitation; confusion; fast heartbeat; sweating; flushing; seizures; hallucinations; coma; blood pressure changes; shaking, stiff muscles, or muscle twitching; dizziness; high body temperature; and/or loss of coordination. In general, it is advisable to wait at least 14 days after you stop using furazolidone or similar medications before you start using gepirone or vice versa. 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.

During and within two weeks after treatment with furazolidone, you must not consume any foods or beverages that are high in tyramine content. Doing so can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels, a condition known as hypertensive crisis. The condition is potentially fatal and may cause symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, blurred vision, problems with speech or balance, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, convulsions, and sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body). You should seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms. Foods that are high in tyramine include, but are not limited to, air dried meats; aged or fermented meats; sausage or salami; pickled herring; anchovies; liver; red wine; beer; aged cheeses, including blue, brick, brie, cheddar, parmesan, romano, and swiss; sour cream; sauerkraut; canned figs; raisins; bananas or avocados (particularly if overripe); soy beans; soy sauce; tofu; miso soup; bean curd; fava beans; or yeast extracts (such as Marmite). You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with furazolidone, as alcohol may increase some of the nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Food helps with the absorption of gepirone into the blood stream. You should take this medication with food at about the same time every day. You should not consume grapefruit or grapefruit products while taking this medication as they can increase the blood levels of gepirone in your body, putting you at a higher risk of serious side effects like serotonin syndrome or a change in the electrical activity of your heart called QT prolongation. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms of these potentially life-threatening side effects: irregular or fast heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, agitation, confusion, sweating, flushing, changes in blood pressure, seizures, hallucinations, or a loss of coordination. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. 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.