Hydrocodone With Buspar (Buspirone) Interaction

Jp34 asked

Is there a interaction between my buspirone and hydrocodone 10/325 for my post surgery? I forgot to ask my doctor about interactions.

Answer

There is a potential interaction between Buspar (buspirone) and hydrocodone containing products.

Buspar and hydrocodone both have CNS (central nervous system) adverse effects are taking both together can lead to additive CNS depression.

Interaction Details

Drug interaction checkers will often list the interaction between hydrocodone containing products and Buspar (buspirone) as 'moderate' to 'major'.

Concomitant use of hydrocodone with other central nervous system depressants, such as Buspar (buspirone), can potentiate (i.e. increase) the effects of hydrocodone. This has the potential to lead to additive CNS and respiratory depression.

Symptoms of CNS depression include:

• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Shallow breathing
• Muscle weakness
• Blurred vision
• Reduced heart rate

The CNS depressant effects of hydrocodone are well known, but Buspar can have similar (but generally milder) effects. The prescribing information for Buspar states the following in regard to CNS depression:

"The more common events causing discontinuation included: central nervous system disturbances (3.4%), primarily dizziness, insomnia, nervousness, drowsiness, and lightheaded feeling."

Although there is a potential interaction, these drugs can be used together.

As a general rule of thumb, If hydrocodone is used with buspirone, the dose of one or both drugs should be reduced. However, it is important to not make changes to your prescribed dosing schedule without talking with your prescriber.

If you are looking for more information on this interaction or others, be sure to use our other resources:

• Drug Interaction Checker
• Hydrocodone With Buspar Interaction

Buspar Information

Buspar (Buspirone) is an anxiolytic (i.e. anti-anxiety) medication that is structurally and pharmacologically distinct from benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax. Buspar does not impair psychomotor function and does not cause physical dependence, giving it an advantage over benzodiazepines in these areas.

Buspar also tends not to cause significant sedation and has a mild adverse effect profile.

Buspar is not to be used for immediate effect, as consistent dosing of 2 weeks or longer is sometimes needed for the onset of anxiolytic effects.

Hydrocodone Information

Hydrocodone is an oral semisynthetic opioid agonist and is most commonly prescribed in combination with acetaminophen, although it is available as a single ingredient in products such as Zohydro ER.

Hydrocodone works by acting as a mu-receptor opioid agonist, which causes changes in the perception of pain in the central nervous system.

Hydrocodone may be taken with or without food. It has an onset of action within 10-30 minutes after taking a dose by mouth and lasts around 4 to 8 hours.