Can Lexapro and buspirone be taken together? (3+ findings)

This article will discuss whether Lexapro can be taken with buspirone, research findings on the co-administration of Lexapro with buspirone, and the benefits and risks of using Lexapro with buspirone.

Can Lexapro and buspirone be taken together?

Yes, Lexapro and buspirone can be taken together. In order to prescribe you this combination after weighing the risks and benefits, your healthcare provider must first evaluate your current condition. Not everyone who has depression and anxiety will benefit from this combination therapy.

Lexapro is the brand name of the medication escitalopram, an antidepressant that is used to treat depression and anxiety. It belongs to the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) class of drugs. It works by restoring the concentration of serotonin levels in the brain. (1)

Buspirone is a medication, sold under the trade name Buspar. It is an anxiolytic and an FDA-approved medication in the treatment of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). It works by boosting the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters and reducing the amount of serotonin in the brain. (2)

The combination of Lexapro and buspirone appears to be safe, as there haven’t been many reports of adverse effects. However, you must exercise caution because increasing the dose of this combination could cause serotonin syndrome.

What does research suggest?

Escitalopram (Lexapro) and buspirone were combined in a randomized controlled research on the effectiveness of treatment for MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), in which 89 individuals participated. Patients were assigned to 2 groups, one group receiving escitalopram and buspirone, and the other group receiving escitalopram only.

There measures between the two groups did not significantly differ from one another. However, the escitalopram and buspirone combination improved short-term memory and word fluency tests in MDD patients who do not have any atypical symptoms ( a brief boost in mood in response to positive events).

The escitalopram and buspirone combination didn’t show any significant improvement in MDD patients without atypical symptoms.

This study came to the conclusion that the combination of escitalopram and buspirone works best in MDD patients with atypical symptoms. Escitalopram alone is preferable in MDD patients without atypical features since the combo is ineffective in these patients. (3)

What are the benefits of using Lexapro with buspirone?

Lexapro and buspirone combination therapy may have the following advantages:

• Improved effectiveness of therapy: For patients who are diagnosed with both MDD and GAD, buspirone helps antidepressants like Lexapro work better and more quickly. When compared to using either drug alone, combination therapy is more successful.
• Keeping serotonin levels steady: Buspirone is an anxiolytic with a different mechanism of action than Lexapro, which is an SSRI that works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. When they are taken together, they support each other in treating the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Reduced adverse effects: Low doses of Lexapro and buspirone are utilized in combination therapy, As a result, they are less likely to cause adverse effects. (3)

What are the side effects of taking Lexapro with buspirone?

The combination of Lexapro and buspirone can result in serotonin syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition. Serotonergic overactivity in the brain causes this syndrome to develop. (3)

Serotonin syndrome symptoms include trouble sleeping, restlessness, confusion, fast heartbeats or tachycardia, dilated eyes, twitching of muscles, muscle stiffness, and hypertension. 

The two medications have common side effects that can be induced when used together such as nausea, headaches, lightheadedness, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea, sweating, sexual problems, and feelings of anger. (4),(5)

While some individuals may experience appetite loss when taking Lexapro, others may have an increase in appetite while taking buspirone. (5)

What precautions should you take while using buspirone with Lexapro?

It is advised against utilizing several serotonergic medications at once. If Lexapro and buspirone combination therapy is necessary, patients should be closely monitored for any adverse effects.

If you experience any symptoms of serotonin syndrome,  contact your physician right away to avoid complications.

Due to the possibility of hyponatremia when using SSRIs like Lexapro with buspirone, sodium levels should be regularly monitored, especially in the elderly. (6)

Conclusion

According to my knowledge and research, combining Lexapro and buspirone is effective for treating MDD patients who have atypical symptoms. However, you should be aware of the side effects and take the appropriate precautions to prevent serotonin syndrome.

References