Buspar (Buspirone)

What is Buspar?

Buspar is an anti-anxiety agent that does not have a chemical or pharmacological relation with barbiturates, benzodiazepines or other anxiolytic and sedative drugs.

What is Buspar used for?

Buspar is used for treating anxiety disorders. It can also be helpful in providing relief from anxiety symptoms like irritability, tension, fear, fast heartbeat, dizziness and some other physical symptoms.

How does Buspar work?

Buspar works by affecting certain natural substances, called neurotransmitters, in the brain.

How to use Buspar

Take Buspar in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amount than recommended can cause health ailments.

The medicine is usually taken twice or thrice daily (or as directed by your physician). It can be taken with or without food.

If your doctor has advised you to split the tablet and then consume it, follow his instructions.

Remember to take Buspar at the same time each day. It may take a month or so to get the full effect, therefore do not discontinue without consulting your doctor.

Buspar warnings and precautions

Buspar should not be taken by patients who are allergic to the medicine or have consumed an MAOI (Mono amine oxidase inhibitor) (such as phenelzine, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, selegiline, or tranylcypromine) in the past two weeks.

Prior to taking this medicine, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if it consists of liver or kidney disease, bipolar disorder (Manic depression), or Parkinson’s disease.

Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice along with this medicine. Also, it is advisable that you do not perform any attention-requiring task after consumption of this medicine. Limit alcohol consumption whole you are on the prescription period of this medicine.

Although Buspar is unlikely to cause harm to a fetus, pregnant females should consult their doctors before taking this medicine. It is unknown whether the drug can pass through breast milk and could harm a nursing infant; therefore, lactating females must seek prior advice from their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Buspar dose?

If you have missed your Buspar dose, you can take it when you remember about it. However, if it is time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed one and follow your dosing routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Buspar overdose?

If you have taken a Buspar overdose, you should contact your doctor right away.

Buspar interactions

Before taking Buspar, inform your doctor about all prescription and non prescriptions dosages that you are on, especially if you have been taking erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, dexamethasone, rifampin, antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, seizure medications, or medicines used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Also, do not start taking any new medication without consulting your doctor.

Buspar side effects

Buspar side effects include unusual thoughts, strange behavior, depressed mood, lightheadedness, fainting, fast or uneven heart rate, problems with balance or coordination, hives, breathing trouble, swelling on face, tongue, lips or throat, or other allergic reactions. If you experience any of these side effects after consuming Buspar, contact your doctor immediately.

Restlessness, nausea, upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, concentration troubles, sleep related problems particularly sleeplessness or insomnia are some less serious side effects of Buspar. As these are minor symptoms, they do not stay for long, however, if they persist, you should consult your doctor.