Drug Name

Buspar (Buspirone)

Drug Uses

Buspar is used for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Buspar as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Buspar by mouth. Take it consistently, either always with food or always without food.
Avoid large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are taking Buspar . Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking Buspar.
Buspar is designed to be taken every day to prevent anxiety symptoms. It does not work if it is only taken as needed or only when anxiety symptoms are present.
Continue to take Buspar even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Buspar is an antianxiety agent. It is not known exactly how Buspar works to relieve anxiety. It is believed that it may react with specific chemical receptors in the brain.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Buspar, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

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

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Buspar if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Buspar
• you have severe liver or kidney problems
• you are taking furazolidone, sodium oxybate (GHB), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), or if you have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Buspar . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of alcoholism or substance abuse, or have liver or kidney problems
• if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or actions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Buspar . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Furazolidone or MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because serious side effects, including severe high blood pressure, may occur
• Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), diltiazem, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), macrolides and ketolides (eg, erythromycin, azithromycin), nefazodone, or verapamil because they may increase the risk of Buspar 's side effects
• Carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin because they may decrease Buspar 's effectiveness
• Sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Buspar

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Blurred vision; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; lightheadedness; nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal muscle movements; chest pain; fainting; fever; irregular heartbeat; loss of coordination; memory problems; new or worsening mental, mood, or personality changes (eg, anger, hostility, confusion, depression); seizures; suicidal thoughts or actions; unusual restlessness; vision changes.

More Information

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

Buspar is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.