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Generic Name: buspirone (byoo SPYE rone)
Brand Names:
BuSpar |
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What is the most important information I should know about
buspirone? |
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It may be several weeks before you start to feel better, but do not stop
taking buspirone without first talking to your doctor. |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Although unlikely, it is possible that you will experience some
drowsiness or dizziness at the start of therapy with buspirone. If you
experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while
you are taking buspirone. |
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Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medicine. Buspirone affects chemicals in your
brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. |
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Buspirone is used to reduce fear, tension, and anxiety associated with
anxiety disorders. |
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Buspirone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
buspirone? |
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Do not take buspirone if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Severely high blood pressure may occur if
buspirone is taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. |
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Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor if you |
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have had an allergic reaction to buspirone in the
past; |
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have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil),
isocarboxazid (Marplan), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14
days; |
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have a history of alcohol or drug addiction. |
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You may not be able to take buspirone, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the
conditions listed above. |
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Buspirone is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely
to harm an unborn baby. Do not take buspirone without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant. |
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Buspirone passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not
take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. |
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Buspirone has not been approved for use by children younger than 18 years of
age. |
How should I take buspirone? |
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Take buspirone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
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It may be several weeks before you start to feel better, but do not stop
taking buspirone without first talking to your doctor. |
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Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with buspirone. The interaction
could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss the use of
grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease
the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your
doctor. |
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Store buspirone at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly
scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this
medication. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical treatment. |
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The symptoms of a buspirone overdose include drowsiness, very deep sleep,
nausea, vomiting, and unusually small pupils. |
What should I avoid while taking buspirone? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Although unlikely, it is possible that you will experience some
drowsiness or dizziness at the start of therapy with buspirone. If you
experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities. |
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• |
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while
you are taking buspirone. |
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Buspirone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia),
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about
all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any prescription or
over-the-counter medicine without first talking to your
doctor. |
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Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with buspirone. The interaction
could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss the use of
grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease
the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your
doctor. |
What are the possible side effects of
buspirone? |
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
buspirone and seek emergency medical attention: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; hives); |
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chest pain or an irregular heartbeat; |
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headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, slurred speech, confusion, or blurred
vision; |
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numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or
legs; |
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uncontrollable movements of your arms, legs, tongue, or
lips. |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take buspirone and talk to your doctor if you
experience |
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an increase in nightmares or dreams. |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect buspirone? |
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Do not take buspirone if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Severely high blood pressure may occur if
buspirone is taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. |
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Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines: |
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itraconazole (Sporanox); |
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erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Eryc, others);
or |
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You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. |
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Buspirone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat
insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your
doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any prescription
or over-the-counter medicine without first talking to your
doctor. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with buspirone. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information about buspirone written for
health professionals that you may
read. | |
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