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Can Buspirone Be Taken Along With Alprazolam And Citalopram?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Nov 2014
Question: I am a 27 y/o with extra panic disorder and anxiety. .. current meds are citalopram 10 mg low does bc I am sensitive to side effects one. tremors, dizziness, increased nervousness... I also take alprazolam er 2 mg daily and labetalol 50 mg twice daily for heart palpitations. .. my new psychiatrist wants to add buspirone. Is this safe? ive read buspirone and ssris can cause serotonin syndrome? ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Not safe;chances of serotonin syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam,

Welcome to HCM

I read your query and understand your concerns.

If i am your doctor, i would suggest you to change few medications before adding one more Serotonin related drug to your drug regime.Because taking more than one serotonin-related medication or increasing your dose of a serotonin-related medication increases your risk of serotonin syndrome.

As you are already sensitive to side effects such as tremors,dizziness and nervousness, i would not advice you to take Buspirone.

Please talk to your new psychiatrist about this matter and do not stop taking any drug suddenly if you have already started it.

Hope i answered your query.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (1 hour later)
I have not started it yet and figured I would call tomorrow tob see if we could stop the citalopram and try the buspirone since it is more for anxiety.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Good decision

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam

That is a good decision regarding medications.

If you have no further clarifications, please rate this answer and close this discussion.Have a good life.
Dr.Moumita XXXXXXX
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 252 Questions

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Can Buspirone Be Taken Along With Alprazolam And Citalopram?

Brief Answer: Not safe;chances of serotonin syndrome Detailed Answer: Hello Mam, Welcome to HCM I read your query and understand your concerns. If i am your doctor, i would suggest you to change few medications before adding one more Serotonin related drug to your drug regime.Because taking more than one serotonin-related medication or increasing your dose of a serotonin-related medication increases your risk of serotonin syndrome. As you are already sensitive to side effects such as tremors,dizziness and nervousness, i would not advice you to take Buspirone. Please talk to your new psychiatrist about this matter and do not stop taking any drug suddenly if you have already started it. Hope i answered your query.Feel free to ask more. Dr.Moumita XXXXXXX