BuSpar Overdose | Can You Overdose On Buspirone?

It is possible to overdose on buspirone either by taking too much buspirone on its own, or by combining it with other drugs, including alcohol.

Buspirone hydrochloride is a generic prescription medication once produced under the discontinued brand name BuSpar.

It is used to treat anxiety disorders, specifically generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). But while buspirone is generally considered beneficial, safe, and effective when used as an anxiolytic, some have misused it in the past.

This misuse, which is uncommon, can involve either taking large amounts of buspirone or taking it in combination with other medications, especially other CNS depressants.

Buspirone Overdose

A drug overdose occurs when a person takes any excess dose of a drug, often producing unwanted or harmful physical or mental effects.

A buspirone overdose may occur by taking too much or by mixing it with other substances like alcohol. 

Buspirone is considered to have very low overdose toxicity, with no reported fatalities occurring from buspirone use alone. 

In fact, participants in studies have taken up to 375 mg of buspirone (more than six times the recommended maximum dose for adults) before experiencing overdose effects that were, relatively speaking, mild.

Nevertheless, buspirone can interact with other drugs, including MAOI inhibitors, other antidepressants, and CNS depressants, which can result in severe adverse effects and even fatal polydrug overdoses.

Symptoms Of A Buspirone Overdose

The symptoms of a buspirone overdose will vary depending on how much of the drug was taken and potential interactions with other substances present in an individual’s system.

BuSpar overdose symptoms can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• excessive sweating
• sedation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• difficulty concentrating
• loss of consciousness
• chest pain
• blurred vision
• stomach pain
• slowed breathing or breathing difficulty
• constricted/pinpoint pupils

Taking high levels of buspirone may also stress your internal organs and have a negative effect on your white blood cells and immune system function.

Why Do Buspirone Overdoses Occur?

Buspirone overdose can occur accidentally or intentionally.

Because buspirone works differently than other drugs of abuse, it can potentially add to the effects of other drugs in unpredictable ways. 

For this reason, it has in the past been misused intentionally with these other drugs in an attempt to intensify their euphoric effects, as is common with benzodiazepines.

However, buspirone doesn’t produce euphoria in high doses and instead causes the overdose effects listed and/or intensifies the unwanted effects of the other drugs a person may be taking.

These other substances may also increase or decrease the bioavailability and overall effect of buspirone, making it more likely that a person will experience buspirone overdose symptoms in turn.

Buspirone Drug Interactions & Overdose Risk

Buspirone is known to react with a wide range of other medications, illicit drugs, and supplements. These drug interactions vary, and can cause more or less serious side effects depending on the individual and their dosage.

MAO Inhibitors

MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are a type of drug often used as antidepressants. They should not be taken within fourteen days of buspirone, as serotonin syndrome and/or elevated blood pressure can result.

Common MAOIs include selegiline, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Antidepressants & Other Serotonergic Substances

Other types of antidepressant drugs, including SSRIs, SNRIs, serotonin modulators (nefazodone, etc.), and other drugs can also contribute to the development of serotonin syndrome when taken with buspirone.

CYP3A4 Enzyme Inhibitors/Activators

The CYP3A4 enzyme is responsible for breaking down buspirone into its various metabolites, which are in turn expelled from the body.

Substances like erythromycin, diltiazem, itraconazole, verapamil, and grapefruit juice tend to interfere or inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which tends to greatly increase the effects of buspirone.

In the same way, certain anticonvulsants and other substances can act as CYP3A4 activators, increasing the metabolism of buspirone and reducing its effectiveness as an anxiety medication.

CNS Depressants

Mixing buspirone with other CNS depressants, including ethanol (drinking alcohol), benzodiazepines, and opioids, can intensify the effects of these drugs, leading to side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and loss of motor coordination.

This can be especially dangerous for older adults, and injury can occur.

In higher doses, buspirone can also increase the likelihood and danger of overdose effects from these other substances, including life-threatening respiratory depression.

If you or one of your loved ones are struggling with prescription drug dependence or abuse, please contact us today to learn about treatment options.