BuSpar (Buspirone) is an anxiolytic
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.
Uses
Buspirone (byou-SPY-rown) is used
to treat anxiety disorders or in the short-term treatment of symptoms of
anxiety. Buspirone is used to alleviate nervousness, anxiety and tension.
This medication may also be used for premenstrual syndrome.
How to take
Buspirone comes as a tablet to take
by mouth. You may take Buspirone either with or without food, but take it
consistently, either always with food or always without food. Take this
medication with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Take Buspirone exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away: drowsiness, upset stomach, nausea,
vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, dry mouth,
depression, excitement, fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping,
lightheadedness, weakness, numbness, fatigue, vivid dreams, dry skin,
altered sense of taste and smell, weight gain, muscle aches, ringing in the
ears.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately: skin rash, itching, fast or irregular heartbeat, blurred
vision, unusual movements of the head, 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.
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness,
and decreased pupil size.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room straight away.
Precaution
Before taking Buspirone, tell your
doctor if you are allergic to Buspirone or any other drugs. Tell your doctor
if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or a history of alcohol
or drug abuse. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking
Buspirone, call your doctor. If you are having surgery, including dental
surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Buspirone. You
should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. Remember that
alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Continue to take
Buspirone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Buspirone without
talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long
time. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full
effect is felt. 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. Avoid drinking large amounts of
grapefruit juice while taking Buspirone.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor what prescription
and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially: other drugs for
anxiety or depression, antihistamines; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine
(Tegretol), phenobarbital (Barbita, Luminal, Solfoton), and phenytoin
(Dilantin); dexamethasone (Decadron, others); diazepam (Valium); diltiazem
(Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin,
others); haloperidol (Haldol); ketoconazole (Nizoral); itraconazole
(Sporanox); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine
(Parnate)]; muscle relaxants; nefazodone (Serzone); pain medications or
narcotics; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); ritonavir (Norvir); azole or
macrolide antibiotics, haloperidol, sedatives; sleeping pills;
tranquilizers; trazodone (Desyrel); verapamil (Calan, Covera, Verelan); and
vitamins.
Missed dose
Take any 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.
Storage
Store Buspirone at room
temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly
closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in
the bathroom. Avoid storing at temperatures above 86 degrees F (30 degrees
C). Keep Buspirone out of the reach of children and away from pets. |
