Buspirone and Nortriptyline interaction

Buspirone and Nortriptyline: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.

Major

Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.

What the FDA labels say

From the Buspirone (Buspirone Hydrochloride) label · effective 2026-03-18

Major

Serotonin Syndrome The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with SNRIs SSRIs, and other serotonergic drugs, including buspirone, alone but particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans), with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (in particular, MAOIs, including reversible MAOIs…

Warningsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

(see WARNINGS , DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION AND CONCOMITANT DRUG) Amitriptyline: After addition of buspirone to the amitriptyline dose regimen, no statistically significant differences in the steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters (C max , AUC, and C min ) of amitriptyline or its metabolite nortriptyline were observed.

Drug interactionsnames NortriptylineView label on DailyMed
Moderate

Triazolam/flurazepam: Coadministration of buspirone with either triazolam or flurazepam did not appear to prolong or intensify the sedative effects of either benzodiazepine.

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Minor

Treatment with buspirone and any concomitant serotonergic or antidopaminergic agents, including antipsychotics, should be discontinued immediately if the above events occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated.

Warningsby drug classView label on DailyMed

From the Nortriptyline (PAMELOR) label · effective 2024-12-04

Minor

Serotonin Syndrome The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with SNRIs and SSRIs, including Pamelor, alone but particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, and St.

Warningsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Minor

If concomitant use of Pamelor with other serotonergic drugs, including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, tryptophan, and St.

Warningsby drug classView label on DailyMed

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Not medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.