Can you take Buspar with Celexa? (3 benefits)

In this article, we will discuss the topic “Can you take Buspar with Celexa?” We will also discuss what the research suggests, the benefits of using this combination, the side effects linked with it and precautions that should be taken while using a combination of Buspar and Celexa. 

Can you take Buspar with Celexa?

Yes, you can take Buspar with Celexa, but only if it has been prescribed by your doctor after considering the associated risks. This combination treatment may not be safe or suitable for everyone who is suffering from depression and anxiety.

It is a patient-specific combination that is not commonly used. When Buspar is taken with Celexa, it can enhance the treatment of anxiety and depression.

However, everyone does not respond well to this combination therapy. Such combinations can be tricky for some people. It is crucial to consult your healthcare professional before using this combination. 

What does research suggest?

In a reported case study involving 30 patients with major depression who did not respond to a trial of antidepressant medication, they were given Buspar in addition to their existing antidepressant for 4 or 5 weeks.

Among the 22 patients who combined Buspar with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Paxil, or Celexa, 59% experienced either complete or partial reduction of their depressive symptoms. No serious side effects were observed during the combination therapy.

Those who responded and continued the combination therapy for at least 4 months, remained symptom-free at follow-up. This suggests that adding Buspar to standard antidepressant treatment can lead to significant clinical improvement in patients who initially do not respond to standard therapy(1). 

What are the benefits of using Buspar with Celexa?

The benefits of using Buspar and Celexa in a combined therapy may include:

Enhanced efficacy of treatment

Buspar makes antidepressants like Celexa work better and faster for people with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder(GAD)(4). The combination treatment provides enhanced effectiveness as compared to either medication alone. 

Balancing serotonin levels

Celexa is a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain; whereas Buspar is an anxiolytic and has a complex mechanism of action.

When these two are administered simultaneously, they complement each other and help to manage depression and anxiety symptoms more effectively. 

Reduced risk of side effects

When Buspar and Celexa are used in combination therapy, they are used in low doses. Therefore, they are well-tolerated and have reduced risk of side effects. 

What are the side effects of taking Buspar with Celexa?

The combination of Buspar and Celexa can cause a rare but life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome. This condition arises when there is too much serotonergic activity in the brain.

However, it may not be the case for patients who are taking adjusted doses of Buspar and Celexa combination and they respond well to it.

Moreover, some people may not tolerate this combination due to their physiological variations, if their doses are not adjusted or if they are taking this combination without the approval of their doctor.

It can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome which might happen in much higher doses. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include: 

• Changes in mental state: irritability, hallucinations, confusion
• Autonomic dysfunction: blood pressure changes, hyperthermia, rapid heart rate, sweating
• Neuromuscular abnormalities: muscle twitching, tremors, rigidity
• Gastrointestinal issues: diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramping

When Buspar and Celexa are adjusted together, there may be some overlapping side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, headache, confusion, fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, feelings of anger, lightheadedness, weakness, sweating and sexual problems.

Some patients may experience excessive tiredness, weight gain or loss of appetite with Celexa(5); however, a few patients may feel excited and have an increased appetite with Buspar. 

What precautions you should take while using Buspar with Celexa?

It is recommended to avoid using multiple serotonergic agents simultaneously, if possible. If the combination therapy of Buspar and Celexa has to be taken, it should be done with caution and patients should be closely and regularly monitored for any undesirable symptoms. 

If serotonin syndrome is suspected or occurs, which is quite rare, immediately report it to your doctor. If the adverse effects are serious, they may shift you to another well-tolerated combination therapy and provide supportive care accordingly. However, in severe cases, you should consult with a toxicologist too(2). 

The sodium levels should also be monitored, especially in elderly patients, when using selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Celexa with Buspar, due to the risk of hyponatremia. It is a condition in which Celexa causes low levels of sodium in the blood(3). 

Conclusion

Buspar and Celexa combination therapy should be used only in those cases where the patients become resistant to other antidepressant monotherapies. Although in clinical studies, this combination gave positive results; however, it should be used cautiously since individual responses to antidepressant therapy may vary. 

References