Can You Take Buspar and Nurtec Together?
Yes, you can take buspirone (Buspar) and rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) together—there are no known drug interactions between these medications, and they work through completely different mechanisms that do not interfere with each other.
Why This Combination is Safe
Buspirone is an anxiolytic that works primarily through serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), while rimegepant is a CGRP receptor antagonist used for migraine treatment. The FDA drug label for Nurtec ODT specifically outlines drug interactions to avoid, and buspirone is not among them 1.
Key Drug Interactions to Actually Avoid with Nurtec
The Nurtec ODT label clearly identifies the medications that DO interact with rimegepant 1:
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (avoid completely)
- Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (avoid another Nurtec dose within 48 hours)
- Strong or moderate CYP3A inducers (avoid completely—reduces Nurtec effectiveness)
- Potent P-gp inhibitors like amiodarone, cyclosporine, lapatinib, quinidine, ranolazine (avoid another Nurtec dose within 48 hours)
Buspirone does not fall into any of these categories.
Clinical Considerations
- No dose adjustments needed: Take both medications as prescribed without modification
- Timing doesn't matter: You don't need to separate the doses
- Monitor for individual side effects: Buspirone's most common side effects (dizziness, drowsiness) are unrelated to Nurtec's side effects (nausea, abdominal pain) 1
What to Watch For
While the combination is safe, be aware of each medication's individual side effects:
- Nurtec ODT: Most commonly causes nausea (2-3% of patients), abdominal pain, and indigestion 1
- Buspirone: Can cause dizziness and drowsiness, particularly when starting treatment
If you experience any allergic reactions with Nurtec (trouble breathing, rash, swelling of face/mouth/tongue/throat), seek emergency care immediately 1.
Bottom Line
There is no pharmacological reason to avoid this combination. The medications work through entirely separate pathways and have no documented interactions in the FDA labeling or clinical literature. Continue both as prescribed by your healthcare provider.