Can Mixing Buspirone and Alcohol Be Dangerous?

The simple answer to whether mixing buspirone and alcohol is risky is yes — it can be a dangerous combination. That’s why doctors recommend not using alcohol and buspirone at the same time because it may cause many physical and mental complications.

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What Is Buspirone?

Buspirone (Buspar) is an FDA-approved medicine used to treat anxiety disorders 1 or short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It was initially developed as an antipsychotic, but didn’t work efficiently for psychosis. It has fewer side effects compared to other anxiety medications, which makes it a favourite antianxiety medicine. 

What Happens When You Mix Buspirone and Alcohol?

Buspirone’s official drug label 2 states that it shouldn’t be used with alcohol. Buspirone affects a brain chemical called serotonin, which helps reduce anxiety. Unlike some other anxiety medications, it doesn’t make you sleepy. On the other hand, alcohol increases a chemical called GABA in the brain, which makes you feel relaxed or drowsy. It also lowers another chemical called glutamate, which normally helps maintain alertness and activity. When glutamate is reduced, brain activity slows down.

Can Buspirone And Alcohol Cause Blackout?

Both buspirone and alcohol affect the central nervous system, which is why mixing them can affect concentration, focus, mental clarity, and decision-making. Alcohol may also interfere with buspirone metabolism and can cause it to build up in the body. This build-up can increase the chances of drowsiness and faintness. 

Can Mixing Buspirone And Alcohol Cause Liver Overload?

Buspirone is metabolized in the liver and removed from the body through the kidneys. Alcohol can damage liver cells, and over time, heavy drinking can lead to liver diseases like fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis. 

You can heal your liver after alcohol abuse, but mixing alcohol and buspirone not only makes the healing harder, but buspirone levels can rise in people with liver disease. This condition increases many health risks, which is why you should always talk to your doctor before combining buspirone and alcohol.

Can Mixing Buspirone and Alcohol Lead to Death?

While buspirone alone is not known to cause death4, combining it with alcohol can be dangerous in certain situations. In rare overdose cases, deaths have occurred when buspirone was taken with alcohol or other drugs, but it’s unclear if buspirone alone was the cause. People with liver problems or those taking high doses may be at greater risk when mixing the two.

How To Spot a Co-Occurring Disorder

Buspirone and Alcohol Interactions

Mixing buspirone and alcohol affects the central nervous system, which slows down the brain’s activity. The combination may result in the following enhanced side effects:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Impaired judgment and reflexes
• Difficulty in maintaining balance or the ability to walk
• Confusion
• In some cases, the combination can lead to slowed breathing.
• Possibility of memory problems
• Blurred vision

Find yourself mixing the two substances? Contact us today to arrange an initial evaluation or learn more about how we can assist you.  Call 844.445.2565 or fill out this form.

Drinking Alcohol While on a Low Dose of Buspirone

Even at a low dose, drinking alcohol while taking Buspar (buspirone) is not recommended. Buspirone works on the brain in a way that helps reduce anxiety without causing sedation, but alcohol is a depressant that slows brain activity. Combining the two can:

• Increase side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and poor coordination
• Impair judgment and reaction time, even if the buspirone dose is low
• Interfere with the effectiveness of the medication
• In rare cases, it can lead to unexpected or dangerous interactions, especially with repeated use.

What to Do If You’ve Already Mixed Alcohol and BuSpar

If you have already mixed buspirone and alcohol, without knowing the possible side effects, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor. You may experience symptoms such as excessive sleep, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating. In some cases, the combination may affect your judgment. If you experience any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you haven’t seen any of these issues, it’s best to consult with your doctor. 

Medical Detox For Clearing the System

If you find yourself mixing buspirone and alcohol or some other medications, it’s best to undergo a medical detox. The purpose of a detox includes:

• Curbing and addressing any withdrawal symptoms
• Ensuring your safety
• Eliminating toxins from the system
• Get alcohol out of your system fast 

With the help of professionals, you can ensure your system is not overloaded. Therefore, make sure you seek help from a DEA-certified practitioner. 

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

Who Is Most at Risk When Mixing Buspirone and Alcohol?

When combining buspirone and alcohol, certain people may be at higher risk than others. Below are the factors that increase the likelihood of adverse effects:

1. Those With a Mental Health Disorder

Those with a mental health disorder are more prone to creating dangerous concoctions, especially when they are on other medications. When certain medications are taken along with buspirone, they can increase the risk of side effects.

2. Older Age

Elderly people are at more risk than younger ones. With increasing age, the body starts processing alcohol and buspirone slowly. As a result, these drugs remain in the body for a longer time. This may increase the risks of dizziness and other complications for older adults. 

3. Grapefruit Juice Consumption

Grapefruit juice can slow how the body processes buspirone, heightening the risk of alcohol-related side effects.

If you want to know whether you have a drinking problem or you are prone to mixing the two drugs, try out this FREE assessment quiz. This will help you determine if you should seek help. 

Correlation of Anxiety and Alcohol Addiction

According to a study3, like other dual diagnosis conditions, anxiety and alcohol dependence are often linked. People may use alcohol to relieve anxiety, but over time, alcohol addiction can worsen anxiety for various reasons. The study explains that anxiety and alcohol use disorder often happen together because they affect the same parts of the brain that handle stress. 

Here are 5 popular tips to manage anxiety and substance abuse simultaneously.

1. Seek Holistic Treatment

Look for a holistic therapy program near you that addresses both anxiety and substance use. This approach recognizes that the two conditions are often closely connected. In such a program, professionals develop a personalized treatment plan that may include psychotherapy counselling, medication, and other supportive strategies.

2. Join Support Groups

Support groups provide an unbiased and nonjudgmental environment where individuals with similar problems can share their experiences. These dual diagnosis support meetings reduce feelings of isolation and shame. At the same time, listening to others’ journeys can inspire hope and motivation.

3. Avoid Triggers and High-Stress Situations

Triggers are people, places, or events that can increase anxiety or the urge to use substances. That’s why it is always beneficial to identify your triggers. The next step is to avoid these triggers or high-stress situations. You should also know how long alcohol withdrawal lasts to stay educated on your condition. 

4. Build a Structured Daily Routine

Try to build a daily routine that you can follow without deviating from the plan. Setting a time for sleep, waking up, meals, and exercise helps regulate your body and mind. It also develops self-control, which is essential to fight against cravings to prevent relapse.

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Treating Anxiety and AUD: Dual Diagnosis at ChoicePoint

If you are struggling with anxiety and alcohol use disorder, ChoicePoint offers comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment. Along with addiction care, we provide a range of therapies to address both anxiety and alcohol dependence. These therapies include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Individual Therapy Sessions
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy

Verify your insurance coverage for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment today—help is available and may be fully covered!

FAQs Regarding Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol & BuSpar

Can I have just one drink while on buspirone?

It’s not recommended to drink while taking buspirone. You should consult with your doctor before drinking alcohol with buspirone.

How long after stopping buspirone can I drink?

Buspirone stays in your system for a variable period, depending on several factors. These factors may include your age or other drugs you are using. However, generally, buspirone may stay in your system for at least 10 to 15 hours. It’s prudent to talk to your doctor about starting to drink alcohol.

When should I seek medical attention?

You should immediately seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Difficulty in maintaining balance or problems with walking
• Strange or unusual behavior
• Trouble remembering things

Is buspirone an addictive drug?

Buspirone is generally considered a non-addictive medication for treating anxiety disorders. Unlike benzodiazepines, which can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, buspirone does not show these risks. Clinical studies 5 have shown that buspirone lacks abuse potential and does not lead to drug dependence or withdrawal symptoms.

Can buspirone stop hangover symptoms?

No. Buspirone is not meant to treat or prevent hangovers, and using it this way is unsafe, especially when alcohol is still in your system.

Can switching to Buspirone cause withdrawal?

If you are on benzodiazepines for anxiety, then suddenly switching to Buspirone may cause withdrawal. So, if you stop taking drugs such as Xanax or Valium, buspirone won’t prevent benzo withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may appear as anxiety, shaking, or trouble sleeping. That’s why you should slowly reduce those medications before switching to buspirone.

Sources

1. Wilson, T. K., & Tripp, J. (2023, January 17). Buspirone. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531477/
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2010). BuSpar (buspirone hydrochloride) tablets, USP – Prescribing information (Rev. 5). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/018731s051lbl.pdf
3. Anker, J. J., & Kushner, M. G. (2019). Co‑occurring alcohol use disorder and anxiety: Bridging psychiatric, psychological, and neurobiological perspectives. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 40(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6927748/
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Buspirone hydrochloride tablets [Structured product labeling]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/spl/data/270d4008-311a-4f5c-905e-95f14bd9f700/270d4008-311a-4f5c-905e-95f14bd9f700.xml
5. Lader, M. (1987). Assessing the potential for buspirone dependence or abuse and the effects of its withdrawal. The American Journal of Medicine, 82(5A), 20–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9343(87)90199-9