Drug Uses

Buspar is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Your doctor may use this medicine to treat other conditions as well. Buspar affects the chemicals in your brain that may have become unbalanced and are causing anxiety.

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 Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.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.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Other info about Buspar at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

BUSPAR (Buspirone Hydrochloride) Tablet [Bristol-Myers Squibb Company]
Updated Date: Nov 10, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

buspirone, Buspar
Title: buspirone, BusparCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Medications General)

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Buspar (Buspirone) - updated on RxList
Buspar (Buspirone) drug description - FDA approved labeling for prescription drugs and medications at RxList (Source: RxList - New and Updated Drug Monographs)