Buspirone

(Buspiron, Buspar)

Buspirone Summary

Buspirone (Buspiron) is an anti-anxiety medicine, used to reduce fear, tension and anxiety associated with anxiety disorders. Buspirone affects the chemicals in your brain that may have become unbalanced and are causing anxiety. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (particularly MAOIs) to avoid potential drug interactions.

Buspirone Uses

Buspirone is used to relieve nervousness, anxiety and tension.

Buspirone - Other Uses

Buspirone may also be used for premenstrual syndrome.

Buspirone - How to Use

Take Buspirone with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. It is important to take Buspirone exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take more often than prescribed. Symptoms will begin to improve within 7 to 10 days of starting this medication. However, it may take 3 to 4 weeks for the full benefit of the medication to be apparent.

Buspirone - Possible Side Effects

Buspirone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, vivid dreams, sleeplessness, dry skin, blurred vision, altered sense of taste and smell, weight gain, muscle aches, ringing in the ears, nausea, headaches. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: abnormal movements or "twitches" of the face or neck muscles, other involuntary movements or tremors, depression, confusion, incoordination, chest pain, breathing difficulties. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Buspirone Precautions

Before taking Buspirone, tell your doctor your medical history especially: kidney or liver disease, any drug allergies. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the dizziness and/or drowsiness effects of buspirone. Use caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Buspirone. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Buspirone - Drug Interactions

Before taking buspirone tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you may use especially: other drugs for anxiety or depression, MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, linezolid, furazolidone), azole or macrolide antibiotics, haloperidol, narcotic pain medications. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Buspirone Overdose

If Buspirone overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Buspirone overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and decreased pupil size.

Buspirone Notes

Do not share Buspirone with others.

Buspirone - Missed Dose

Take any Buspirone missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

Buspirone Storage

Store Buspirone at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

To purchase Buspirone (Buspar), click here: