BUSPIRONE

Brand & Generic Names

BuSpar

Basic Information

• Habit forming? Unknown
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Tranquilizer

Uses

Treats anxiety disorders with nervousness or tension. Not intended for treatment of ordinary stress of daily living. Causes less sedation than some anti-anxiety drugs.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablets--Take with a glass of liquid.

When to take:
As directed. Usually 3 times daily. Food does not interfere with absorption.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember, but skip this dose and don't double the next dose if it is almost time for the next dose.

What drug does:
Chemical family azaspirodecanedione; not a benzodiazepine. Probably has an effect on neurotransmitter systems.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 or 2 weeks before beneficial effects may be observed.

Don't take with:
Alcohol, other tranquilizers, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, sedatives or narcotics.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Severe drowsiness or nausea, vomiting, small pupils, unconsciousness.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Chest pain; pounding, Discontinue. Seek fast heartbeat (rare). emergency treatment.

Common:

Lightheadedness, headache, nausea, restlessness, dizziness.

Infrequent:

Drowsiness, dry mouth, ringing in ears, nightmares or vivid dreams, unusual fatigue.

Rare:

Numbness or tingling in feet or hands; sore throat; fever; depression or confusion; uncontrollable movements of tongue, lips, arms and legs; slurred speech; psychosis; blurred vision.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
If you are allergic to buspirone.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have ever been addicted to any substance.
• If you have chronic kidney or liver disease.
• If you are already taking ANY medicine.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
No problems expected, but better to avoid if possible.

Breast-feeding:
Buspirone passes into milk of lactating experimental animals. Avoid if possible.

Infants & children:
Safety and efficacy not established for under 18 years old.

Prolonged use:

• Not recommended for prolonged use. Adverse side effects more likely.
• Request follow-up studies to check kidney function, blood counts, and platelet counts.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:
Before elective surgery requiring local or general anesthesia, tell your dentist, surgeon or anesthesiologist that you take buspirone.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Antihistamines*	Excessive sedation. Sedative effect
	of both drugs may be increased.
Barbiturates*	Excessive sedation. Sedative effect
	of both drugs may be increased.
MAO inhibitors*	May increase blood pressure.
Muscle relaxants*	Excessive sedation. Sedative effect
	of both drugs may be increased.
Narcotics*	Excessive sedation. Sedative effect
	of both drugs may be increased.
Sedatives*	Excessive sedation. Sedative effect
	of both drugs may be increased.
Tranquilizers,	Excessive sedation. Sedative effect
other*	of both drugs may be increased.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Excess sedation. Avoid.
Caffeine-containing	Avoid. Decreased
drinks.	anti-anxiety effect of buspirone.
Cocaine:	Avoid. Decreased anti-anxiety
	effect of buspirone.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Avoid. Decreased anti-anxiety
	effect of buspirone.
Tobacco:	Avoid. Decreased anti-anxiety
	effect of buspirone.