Buspirone

What is buspirone

Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medicine. Buspirone affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Buspirone is used to reduce fear, tension, and anxiety associated with anxiety disorders.

Buspirone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about buspirone

It may be several weeks before you start to feel better, but do not stop taking buspirone without first talking to your doctor.

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.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking buspirone.

What you should find out before taking buspirone

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.

Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor if you
- have had an allergic reaction to buspirone in the past;
- have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14 days;
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
- have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.

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.

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.

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.

Buspirone has not been approved for use by children younger than 18 years of age.

How should take buspirone

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.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

It may be several weeks before you start to feel better, but do not stop taking buspirone without first talking to your doctor.

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.

Store buspirone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

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 you overdose:

Seek emergency medical treatment.

The symptoms of a buspirone overdose include drowsiness, very deep sleep, nausea, vomiting, and unusually small pupils.

Avoid while taking buspirone

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking buspirone.

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.

Possible side effects of buspirone

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking buspirone and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; hives);
- chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;
- headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, slurred speech, confusion, or blurred vision;
- numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs;
- depression; or
- uncontrollable movements of your arms, legs, tongue, or lips.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take buspirone and talk to your doctor if you experience
- drowsiness or fatigue,
- dry mouth, or
- an increase in nightmares or dreams.

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

Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- nefazodone (Serzone);
- itraconazole (Sporanox);
- erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Eryc, others); or
- selegiline (Eldepryl).

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

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.

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.