Can I take lisinopril and busPIRone together? Understanding the Risks and Interactions

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Multiple studies indicate that taking lisinopril and busPIRone can produce an additive effect in lowering blood pressure, which may increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, and other hypotensive symptoms. This combination is generally considered a moderate interaction requiring close medical supervision. It is critical to consult a healthcare provider before combining these medications.

Quick Summary

Taking lisinopril and buspirone simultaneously can lead to an additive decrease in blood pressure, increasing the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Medical monitoring is advised, particularly during the initial treatment period or after dosage adjustments, to manage these potential effects.

Key Points

Additive Hypotensive Effect: Combining lisinopril and buspirone can increase the risk of low blood pressure, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
Medical Supervision is Necessary: Co-administration should only occur under a doctor's close supervision, with monitoring especially crucial when starting or adjusting doses.
Watch for Symptoms: Be aware of signs of low blood pressure, including headache, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat, and report them to your doctor if they persist.
Avoid Alcohol and Grapefruit: Both alcohol and large amounts of grapefruit juice can worsen side effects of these medications and should be avoided.
Don't Stop Abruptly: Never stop taking either medication without discussing it with your doctor, as this can have serious consequences.
Exercise Caution: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the combined medications affect you, and rise slowly from sitting or lying down.

Understanding Lisinopril and Buspirone

Before exploring the combined risks, it is important to understand the individual functions of lisinopril and buspirone. These medications belong to different drug classes and are prescribed for distinct conditions.

How Lisinopril Works

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It functions by blocking the production of a substance that narrows blood vessels, thereby relaxing and widening the vessels. This improves blood flow and reduces the amount of work the heart has to do. Lisinopril can cause side effects such as cough, headache, fatigue, and, in rare but serious cases, angioedema (swelling of the face, throat, or tongue).

How Buspirone Works

Buspirone is an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medication used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike some other anxiety medications, it is not a benzodiazepine and does not typically cause sedation or a high risk of dependence. Buspirone's mechanism is thought to involve its effects on serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. Common side effects can include dizziness, headache, nausea, and lightheadedness.

The Combined Effect: Additive Hypotensive Risk

The most significant interaction between lisinopril and buspirone is their additive effect on lowering blood pressure. Both medications can cause a drop in blood pressure, and when taken together, this effect can be magnified. This is especially concerning during the initial phases of treatment, after a dose increase, or following an interruption in therapy.

Symptoms to Watch For

Patients taking both drugs should be aware of the following signs of excessively low blood pressure (hypotension):

Headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting (syncope)
Unusual fatigue or weakness
Nausea
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia)

These symptoms can lead to falls or accidents, particularly when rising from a sitting or lying position. It is crucial to use caution and move slowly to prevent injury. If these symptoms are severe or persistent, immediate medical attention is required.

Other Important Drug and Food Interactions

Beyond the primary interaction, it's vital to be aware of other substances that can affect these medications.

Lisinopril Interactions

Potassium Supplements: Lisinopril can increase potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia). Combining it with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics can lead to dangerously high potassium levels.
NSAIDs: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of lisinopril and increase the risk of kidney problems.
Alcohol: Consuming alcohol can further lower blood pressure when combined with lisinopril, potentially causing increased dizziness and fainting.

Buspirone Interactions

Grapefruit Juice: Large quantities of grapefruit juice can increase the concentration of buspirone in the body, which raises the risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
CNS Depressants: Although not a benzodiazepine, buspirone's sedative effects can be enhanced by other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol.
Serotonin-increasing drugs: Combining buspirone with certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs or MAOIs, can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Safe Co-administration and Monitoring

For patients requiring both lisinopril and buspirone, careful management by a healthcare professional is essential. Your doctor may start with lower doses of one or both medications and monitor your blood pressure and heart rate closely. Regular check-ups are necessary to ensure that the medication combination is safe and effective for your specific health needs.

A Comparison of Lisinopril and Buspirone


Feature	Lisinopril (ACE Inhibitor)	Buspirone (Anxiolytic)
Primary Use	Hypertension, heart failure, post-heart attack	Generalized anxiety disorder
Drug Class	Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor	Serotonin Receptor Agonist
Mechanism	Widens blood vessels by blocking an enzyme	Affects serotonin and dopamine receptors
Main Side Effects	Dizziness, cough, fatigue, headache, hypotension	Dizziness, headache, nausea, drowsiness, lightheadedness

Conclusion

It is possible to take lisinopril and busPIRone together, but it requires careful medical management due to the risk of additive hypotensive effects. Patients on this combination must be vigilant for symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness and fainting, especially during the beginning of treatment or after dosage adjustments. Never adjust medication dosages or stop taking a prescription without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Open communication with your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements, is the best way to ensure your safety and well-being. For comprehensive drug information, including potential interactions and side effects, consult reliable medical sources such as MedlinePlus.(https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692051.html)

Frequently Asked Questions

Combining lisinopril and buspirone can cause an additive effect that lowers your blood pressure, increasing the risk of dizziness, fainting, and headaches.

It is generally considered safe if managed properly by a healthcare provider. The primary risk is an additive lowering of blood pressure, which requires monitoring.

Symptoms of low blood pressure include headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and changes in pulse or heart rate. Excessive tiredness and weakness can also occur.

You should avoid alcohol. It can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of lisinopril and the nervous system side effects of buspirone, leading to greater impairment.

If you experience dizziness, avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery. Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent lightheadedness and fainting.

If your symptoms, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, are severe or do not go away, you should inform your doctor immediately.

Yes, it is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to prevent dangerous interactions.