What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Buspirone and isocarboxazid
Isocarboxazid's FDA label of April 21, 2026 names buspirone in its contraindications section; buspirone's label does not name isocarboxazid itself but warns about its class (MAO inhibitors).
Check it at the source: the buspirone FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 22, 2023, Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc.); the isocarboxazid FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 21, 2026, Lifsa Drugs LLC).
What does the buspirone label say about isocarboxazid?
Buspirone's label does not name isocarboxazid itself; it warns about its class (MAO inhibitors):
Buspirone label, contraindicationsThe use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) intended to treat depression with buspirone or within 14 days of stopping treatment with buspirone is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome and/or elevated blood pressure.
Buspirone label, contraindicationsStarting buspirone in a patient who is being treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome (see WARNINGS , DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG INTERACTIONS ).
Source: FDA drug label (Buspirone Hydrochloride), Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc., effective December 22, 2023 (SPL set a6bdf140-075e-445e-a62d-633a4b97f3a8), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the isocarboxazid label say about buspirone?
Isocarboxazid label, contraindicationsMAO inhibitors or dibenzazepine derivatives; sympathomimetics (including amphetamines); some central nervous system depressants (including narcotics and alcohol); antihypertensive, diuretic, antihistaminic, sedative or anesthetic drugs, buproprion HCL, buspirone HCL, dextromethorphan, cheese or other foods with a high tyramine content; or excessive quantities of caffeine.
Source: FDA drug label (MARPLAN), Lifsa Drugs LLC, effective April 21, 2026 (SPL set 95fde749-44ad-4668-86c4-0ff17bca0074), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Buspirone | Isocarboxazid | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Anxiety | Depression |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.043 per tablet 15 mg tablet | n/a |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once