What is Buspar?

Buspar (buspirone) is an anti-anxiety medication. It works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety. Buspar is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, tension, irritability, dizziness, pounding heartbeat, and other physical symptoms. Buspar is not used to treat anxiety or nervousness caused by the stress of everyday life. It is not known how Buspar works to relieve the symptoms of anxiety.

How to use Buspar

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the dosage may also be based on weight. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose.

Side effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, nervousness, lightheadedness, restlessness, blurred vision, tiredness, and trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Buspar interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain drugs for high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems (such as quinidine/propafenone/flecainide).

The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be increased if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.

To make sure Buspar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• a history of drug abuse or alcoholism; or
• if you take an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, or others.

Buspar may be habit-forming. Misuse of this medication can result in dangerous side effects. Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Never share this medication with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction.

Buspar dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:

• Immediate-release: 7.5 mg orally 2 or 3 times a day

-Extended release: 10 to 30 mg orally once a day

Uses:

• Management of anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms

Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:

• Immediate-release:

-Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally 3 times a day

-Maintenance dose: 5 to 15 mg orally 2 times a day

-Maximum dose: 45 mg orally per day

Comments:

• -The therapeutic effects of this drug may take 1 to 2 weeks.
• -Some patients may require a lower initial dose and slower titration to the lowest effective dose.
• -Elderly or debilitated patients may require a lower maintenance dose.

Uses:

• Management of anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms

Uses:

• Management of anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms