Buspar

Buspirone

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Buspar

Buspar is an antianxiety drug. The exact mechanism of action of Buspar is not known. It is believed that Buspar may react with specific chemical receptors in the brain and reduce anxiety.

Therapeutic Uses of Buspar

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

Direction of use of Buspar

Buspar should be used as directed by your doctor. You should read the label on the medicine carefully for exact dosing instructions. Buspar is taken by mouth. Take it consistently, either always with food or always without food.

You should avoid large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are taking Buspar. Consult your doctor or pharmacist or other health care provider, if you have question including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking Buspar.

To prevent anxiety symptoms Buspar has to be taken every day. 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 dose of Buspar.

If You Miss a Dose of Buspar

If you miss a dose of Buspar, take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose (because you missed it for long time) skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at atime for missing a dose of Buspar.

How to Store Buspar

Buspar should be stored at room temperature. Keep it away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep it out of reach of children.

More Information About Buspar

If you have any questions about Buspar, ask 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 Buspar with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor as the dose may have to be adjusted.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Buspar

Do not take Buspar if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor immediately:

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Buspar.
• If you are suffering from any severe liver or kidney problem.
• If you are taking furazolidone (Furoxone), sodium oxybate (GHB), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine, salazaline etc. or if you have taken an MAOI within the past 2 weeks.

Some medical conditions may interact with Buspar. If you have any medical problem that may interact with Buspar, inform your doctor, especially any of the following medical conditions:

• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
• If you are taking any prescription medicine, over the counter medicine or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, any dietary supplement etc.
• If you have allergies to other medicines, food, or any other substance.
• If you have a history of alcohol addiction or any substance abuse, or have any liver problem or kidney problem.
• If you have a history of psychiatric illness like suicidal thoughts or suicidal actions.

Some medicines may interact with Buspar. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Buspar, especially any of the following medicines:

• Furazolidone (Furoxone) or MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) like phenelzine, salazaline etc. because serious side effects may occur like severe high blood pressure.
• Azole antifungals (like ketoconazole), diltiazem, HIV protease inhibitors or anti HIV drugs (like ritonavir), macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin, azithromycin), nefazodone, or verapamil because they may increase the risk of side effects of Buspar.
• Carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin because they may decrease effectiveness of Buspar.
• Sodium oxybate (GHB) should not be taken while taking Buspar, because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Buspar.

Possible Adverse Effects of Buspar

• All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. The minor and common side effects of Buspar are nausea blurring of vision, dizziness, drowsiness, excitability, headache, lightheadedness etc. If any of the common and minor side effects of Buspar become troublesome or persistent, you should consult your doctor.
• Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the serious and uncommon side effects of Buspar. The serious and uncommon side effects of Buspar are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness of voice etc.); new or worsening mental, mood, or personality changes (like anger, hostility, confusion, depression etc.), seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions, memory problems, abnormal muscle movements, loss of coordination, chest pain, fainting, fever, irregular heartbeat, unusual restlessness, vision changes etc.

Desease

• anxiety related symptoms