BUSPAR - Buspirone

Buspar Used For

Buspar (Buspirone) is an anti-anxiety medicine that works by affecting chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Buspar is prescribed for reducing fear, tension, and anxiety associated with anxiety disorders.

Directions for Buspar

Adults may be started on a 5 milligrams (mg) dose of Buspar two or three times a day, or 7.5 mg two times a day. The dose may be increased by 5 mg a day every few days if needed, but should not exceed 60 mg a day. For children up to 18 years of age, the dose must be determined by the doctor. Older adults may also be started on 5 milligrams (mg) two or three times a day, or 7.5 mg two times a day with 5 mg increases every few days as needed.

How Buspar works

Buspar should not be taken within 2 weeks of having taken monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine as it may lead to severely high blood pressure. Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease; liver disease; a history of alcohol or drug addiction as these conditions may require special dosage considerations. Buspar is known to pass into breast milk, so lactating mothers should not start on the medication without proper medical advice since it might affect the baby. Patients on Buspar treatment should use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities since the medicine may cause some drowsiness or dizziness at the start of therapy. Alcohol should also be used with caution since it may combine with Buspar to increase drowsiness and dizziness. Buspar may also increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may also interact with this medication to lead to potentially adverse effects.

Side effects of Buspar

In some patients, Buspar may cause allergic reactions leading to difficulty in breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of lips, tongue, or face; or hives. It may also cause chest pain or an irregular heartbeat; headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, slurred speech, confusion, or blurred vision; numbness or tingling in hands, feet, arms, or legs; depression; or uncontrollable movements of arms, legs, tongue, or lips. Other, less serious side effects such as drowsiness or fatigue, dry mouth, or an increase in nightmares or dreams are more likely to occur.

Other Buspar Information

Store buspirone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The tablets can be split and taken at half the dose.