Generic Name: Buspirone (byoo SPYE rone)

What is BuSpar?

BuSpar is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, tension, irritability, dizziness, pounding heartbeat, and other physical symptoms.

BuSpar is an anti-anxiety medicine that affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

BuSpar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Take Buspar with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. It is important to take this medication 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.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Buspar, 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 Buspar. Use caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Possible Side Effects

Buspar 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, and 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.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Overdose

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

More Information

Before taking Buspar tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you may use especially: other drugs for anxiety or depression, 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.

General information:

If you have any questions about BuSpar , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.